Heading into a Sydney summer means we’re bound to face days of extreme heat. Our pets rely on us to keep them safe — and because they can’t tell us when they’re overheating, it’s important to watch them closely and take steps to prevent heat stress.
We spoke with Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove, who shared the expert advice below to help you keep your pets cool and protected this summer.
Expert Advice from Dr Matt
“As temperatures climb, remember that pets feel the heat even more than people do,” says Dr. Matt from Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove. “Keeping them cool, hydrated, and out of the heat during the hottest parts of the day is the best way to protect them.”
Start With the Basics
Start with the basics: shade, water, and limiting heat exposure. Make sure your pet always has plenty of fresh, cool water, and consider adding ice to help keep it cold longer. Keep pets indoors during the middle of the day when the heat is strongest. Set up a cool spot inside with fans, air conditioning, or a cooling mat.
Safer Walking Times
Walk your dogs early in the morning or later in the evening, when the air and ground are cooler. Footpaths and roads can get extremely hot and burn your pet’s paws, so test the ground with your hand before walking. If you can’t hold your palm against the concrete comfortably for five full seconds, then it is too hot for your pup’s paws.
Alternate Activities on Extreme Heat Days
On extreme heat days, consider alternate activities to walking. You can play some enrichment games indoors, spend some time teaching your dog a new trick, or revising basic training to engage their problem-solving skills. If your dog still has energy to burn, a small paddling pool set up in the yard is often a hit!
Grooming for Heat Relief
You can also help your pet stay cool through simple grooming. Regular brushing removes extra fur that can trap heat. Some pets may benefit from a light trim, but avoid shaving them completely as many breeds have developed a double coat that helps them regulate heat.
Caring for Small Pets
Small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs feel the heat very quickly, so keep their enclosures in shaded, cool areas and use frozen water bottles wrapped in towels to give them something cool to lie against. On very hot days bring them indoors.
Know the Signs of Heat Stress
Knowing the warning signs of heat stress and heat stroke can save your pet’s life. Early signs of heat stress include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, red gums, and not wanting to move much.
Heat Stroke Warning
If things get worse, heat stroke can occur. Signs of heat stroke include vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbling or collapse, seizures, or passing out. “Heat stroke is a real emergency,” Dr. Matt says. “If you see these signs, move your pet to a cool place right away, offer small sips of water, gently cool them with wet towels, especially around the neck, under the legs, and around the groin, and bring them to the vet immediately.”
Keeping Pets Safe This Summer
With some simple steps and careful monitoring, you can help your pets stay safe during extreme heat. Keeping them cool, providing plenty of water, and knowing the signs of heat stress are the best ways to protect them when temperatures soar.
Need Advice or Concerned About Your Pet?
Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove is here to help.
If you’re worried about heat stress or your pet isn’t coping in the warmer weather, contact the team for guidance or to book an appointment.
👉 advancedvetcarelanecove.com.au
This is a sponsored post. A big thank you to Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove for supporting In the Cove and for providing these valuable summer safety tips for our local pet owners.
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