Beach trips, backyard adventures and long summer evenings are better with your best mate beside you. Here's how to help keep them comfortable when the temperature rises.
Australian summers and dogs can be a brilliant combination. Early morning walks, camping trips, weekends by the water and evenings spent outside together are some of the best parts of the season.
But dogs experience heat differently from us, and summer brings a few extra responsibilities for owners.
A little preparation can help make warm-weather adventures safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Hot Dogs Cool Differently
We can sweat across much of our skin. Dogs can't cool themselves as efficiently this way and rely heavily on panting, along with some heat loss through areas such as their paw pads.
That's why access to shade, fresh drinking water and somewhere cool to rest becomes especially important during warm weather.
Exercise may also need to move to the cooler parts of the day.
Instead of the usual lunchtime adventure, consider an early morning or evening walk when conditions are more comfortable.
Some dogs require particular care in hot weather, including flat-faced breeds, puppies, seniors, overweight dogs, heavily coated dogs and those with certain health conditions.
Watch For Heat Stress
Signs can include excessive or distressed panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, vomiting, collapse or changes in gum colour.
Heatstroke is an emergency. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, seek urgent veterinary assistance.
Think About the Ground
Here's one summer hazard that's easy to overlook: the ground beneath your feet.
Pavement, concrete and other surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can become very hot.
Before heading out, check conditions rather than assuming the air temperature tells the whole story.
Where possible, choose cooler times of day, shaded paths or grass, and be mindful that surfaces can retain heat even after the strongest sunshine has passed.
Water, Water Everywhere
Fresh drinking water should always be readily available, and summer is a good time to think about how easily your dog can access it.
At home, consider having more than one water bowl, particularly if your dog moves between indoor and outdoor areas.
Heading out? Pack drinking water and a portable bowl rather than relying on finding water along the way.
If you're travelling, schedule regular opportunities for your dog to drink and take a break.
And remember that swimming water isn't necessarily drinking water. Seawater shouldn’t be relied upon for hydration.
Making A Splash
Some dogs seem convinced they were born to swim.
Others take one look at the water and vote no.
Never assume your dog can swim confidently just because they're a dog. Ability, confidence and stamina vary considerably.
Introduce water gradually and allow your dog to choose whether they want to enter. Never force or throw a dog into water.
For boating, paddleboarding or other activities around deeper water, an appropriately fitted canine life jacket can provide additional security, particularly one with a sturdy handle that can assist you in helping your dog from the water.
Be aware of currents, waves, underwater hazards and water quality, and supervise your dog around pools and natural waterways.
After swimming in salt water, sand or chlorinated pools, rinsing your dog with fresh water may also help remove residue from the coat and skin.
Create A Cool Zone at Home
Your backyard may look shady at 8am but be completely exposed by 2pm.
Check where shade falls throughout the day and make sure outdoor dogs have access to an appropriately cool, well-ventilated area.
Cooling mats, elevated beds and other cooling products may provide additional comfort for some dogs when used appropriately, but they don't replace access to shade, drinking water and a suitable environment.
Indoors, your dog may naturally seek out tiled floors, air-conditioned rooms or other cooler areas.
Give them the freedom to move somewhere comfortable whenever possible.
Paws Tip
Refresh the bowl. Keep drinking water clean, fresh and accessible, and check outdoor bowls regularly. They can become surprisingly warm sitting outside.
Summer Grooming: Should You Shave That Coat?
It might seem logical that removing a thick coat would automatically make a dog cooler, but the answer isn't always that simple.
Different coat types behave differently, and some dogs have double coats that shouldn't simply be shaved for summer without good reason.
Regular grooming can help remove loose coat, prevent matting and keep skin and coat in good condition.
If you're considering a dramatic summer haircut, speak to a professional groomer about what's appropriate for your dog's particular coat.
Parasites Don't Take a Summer Holiday
Warm weather often means more time outside — visiting parks, exploring bushland, travelling and socialising with other animals.
It's a good reminder to check whether your dog's parasite prevention is appropriate and up to date.
The parasites of concern and suitable preventative approach can vary depending on where you live, where you travel and your individual dog.
Your Just For Pets Pet Expert can advise you about the risks relevant to your area and pet.
While you're at it, make a habit of checking your dog after outdoor adventures. Run your hands over their body, look between the toes and inspect areas such as around the ears and collar.
Pack For the Dog Too
Heading away for a summer road trip?
Your dog needs a packing list of their own.
Think about drinking water, food, bowls, bedding, lead and harness, waste bags, grooming supplies, medications, parasite protection and any appropriate cooling or safety equipment needed for your plans.
It is also worth having your dog's identification and microchip details up to date before travelling.
If you're staying away from home, check pet rules and nearby veterinary services before you leave rather than trying to work everything out during an emergency.
Never Leave a Dog in a Hot Car
This one deserves to stand alone.
Never leave your dog unattended in a hot vehicle.
Cars can become dangerously hot very quickly, and opening the windows slightly doesn't make a hot car safe.
Plan your outing so your dog doesn't need to wait in the vehicle while you run an errand.
Summer Treats And Barbecues
The smell of a barbecue can bring even the sleepiest dog into the backyard.
But human party food isn't automatically dog food.
Cooked bones, foods containing onion or garlic, chocolate, alcohol and products containing the sweetener xylitol are among the things dogs should not consume.
Make sure visitors understand the rules too. One person sneaking the dog a treat may not seem like much — until six other guests have had the same idea.
Instead, keep suitable dog treats available if you'd like your four-legged guest to join the festivities.
Know Your Dog
Most importantly, adjust summer activities to the dog standing in front of you.
The energetic two-year-old who normally charges around the park may need a much shorter outing on a hot day. Your senior dog may prefer an early morning sniff and an afternoon asleep somewhere cool.
Dogs don't need to miss out on summer.
They just need us to make sensible choices for them.
So, pack the water, find the shade, head out early and enjoy the season together.
Your Summer Dog Checklist
- Fresh drinking water
- Portable water bowl for outings
- Shade and a cool resting area
- Lead, harness and current identification
- Appropriate parasite prevention
- Life jacket for relevant water activities
- Cooling products where appropriate
- Grooming equipment
- Pet first-aid supplies
- Your regular veterinary clinic details
- Emergency veterinary clinic details when travelling
Visit your local Just For Pets independent pet store today for help with selecting the right products for your pet.
