Across Australia, the weather is heating up, and the temperatures are already sweltering. Stay cool this summer with these 6 tips for you and your dogs!
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How to keep 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
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Provide shade and water for outdoor dogs
Fun in the backyard - run a sprinkler or fill a kiddie pool so they can splash and play (supervision is recommended).
- Let them relax in shade as there is better airflow
- Try adding ice-cubes to their water bowl for cooler water
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Leaving your dog in the car is never a good idea
You should 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.
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Walk at the right time and place
- 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
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Overheating Signs
When your dog begins to feel uncomfortable, he or she can't tell you directly, so check for signs of heatstroke, such as:
- Heavy drooling
- Heavy panting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Dark or red gums and tongue
- Weakness
It is important to remember that heatstroke can be life-threatening for your dog, so you should take it immediately to your veterinarian if you notice that your dog is overheating.
Wrap a cool, damp towel around their body to gradually cool their temperature down, and offer them water if they wish. Never force your dog to drink. You can also use a fan to cool them down. Dogs may go into shock if you cool them too quickly, so never force a dog that is overheating into iced water.
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Give Them A Cool Treat
The same as humans, your pups are likely to enjoy an icy treat to cool down when it's hot! 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 more treats from VetShopAustralia.
Here’s our favourite pupsicle recipe as an example:
Watermelon and Coconut Icy Bliss Pupsicles
Ingredients
4 Cups Watermelon
200ml Coconut Milk
Method
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Carve out watermelon flesh, remove seeds, and blend until puréed.
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Add coconut milk to puréed watermelon and blend together.
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Pour completed mixture into mould and freeze for 2-3 hours.
