The weather in Australia is heating up, and we’re already coping with already sweltering temperatures. Check out these 6 tips that will help you and your dogs stay cool in the heat of summer!
- Keeping Your Dog Cool Inside Your Home
- Keep fans or air-con running if possible
- No air-con? Open the windows & close the blinds
- Consider getting a cooling vest or mat for your dog
- Keep your pooch hydrated with plenty of freshwater
- Offer Shade and Water for Outdoor Dogs
- Backyard fun – think about running a sprinkler or filling a kiddie pool, so they can splash and play (supervision recommended)
- Let them relax in shade as there is better airflow
- Try adding ice-cubes to their water bowl for cooler water
- Never Leave Your Dog In the Car
It’s worth remembering – never leave your dog in the car alone, especially on hot days. The temperature can soar quickly inside an enclosed car; research shows that the temperature inside a sealed car on a sunny 20° day can double in less than 10 minutes, and rise to as much as 60° within 30 minutes.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke, as they cannot sweat and pant to try and lower their body temperature. If they are stuck inside a hot car, they can become very uncomfortable and may suffer from heatstroke.
It’s safer to keep your dog home than risk their lives. If you are planning on travelling with your pup, make sure to plan ahead and try not to make any ‘quick’ stops where your dog is not welcome.
- Plan When and Where You Go For Walks
- Avoid the hottest parts of the day by going for walks in the early morning or late afternoon
- If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog! Check surfaces such as concrete and asphalt and try to avoid walking there if it’s too hot
- Try to pick a route that is in the shade
- Bring water for your dog to drink during the walk
- Try to limit the length of your walk so that it is comfortable for you and your dog
- Watch for Signs of Overheating
If your dog is starting to feel uncomfortable, they can’t tell you directly, so it’s best to try and check them for signs of heatstroke, such as:
- Heavy drooling
- Heavy panting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Dark or red gums and tongue
- Weakness
If you find that your dog is overheating, remember that heatstroke can be life-threatening and you should take your dog immediately to your nearest vet.
Try to use a cool, damp (not soaking wet) towel to wrap around their body to gradually cool their temperature down, and offer them water to drink if they want to. Never force your dog to drink. You can also use a fan to cool them down. Dogs may go into shock if you they to cool them too quickly, so never force a dog that is overheating into iced water.
- Make Them A Cool Treat
Just as humans love to have a cool treat when it’s hot, your pups would likely love an icy treat to help them cool down too! Create some pupsicles by freezing ice cubes with treats inside, or fill and freeze your pups’ favourite chew toy for a fun chilly treat. Find out for more dog treats from Vet Products Direct
Here’s our favourite pupsicle recipe as an example:
Watermelon and Coconut Icy Bliss Pupsicles
Ingredients
4 Cups Watermelon
200ml Coconut Milk
Method
- Carve out watermelon flesh, remove seeds, and blend until puréed.
- Add coconut milk to puréed watermelon and blend together.
- Pour completed mixture into mould and freeze for 2-3 hours.
