Just because your furry friend is complaining about the weather like we are, doesn't mean they aren't feeling the heat.
Pets often feel the heat MORE than humans do, firstly because they have a layer of fur/feathers/scales that keeps in body heat, and secondly because they often live outdoors and don't have access to the modern luxury of air conditioning.
To make sure that our pets make it through our Aussie Summer, we've put together a list of things you can do to help cool them down.
-
Water, water, and more water!
It is crucial that your pet is hydrated. Make sure you set up several water stations to ensure that they can still get a drink even if one bowl tips over.
-
Bring them inside
Even if your dog would usually live outdoors, in temperatures above 30 degrees we recommend letting them inside. The laundry will do just fine, but make sure you have water in there and a doggy door fitted for toilet breaks. This point is particularly important for cats, because they tend not to be interested in cooling themselves with water. If inside is not an option, make sure they have a shaded area outside to rest under.
-
Avoid extra activity
Even in normal whether conditions it can take your dog several hours after exercise to return to a normal heart rate. Therefore, as they are already fighting to keep their heart rate down in warmer weather, we do not recommend doing anything that makes this job harder for them.
-
NEVER leave your pet in a hot car
Although outside might seem mild, the temperature inside a car can double in minutes.
For example, on a 32 degree day, the temperature in a car can get to 70 degrees in under 10 minutes. That means that your pet won't even survive a quick run in to the shop to get milk. If you MUST stop before you take your pet home, tie them up in the shade and make sure they have access to water.
-
Iceblocks, frozen toys, cool mats
To make keeping cool fun for your pet, try some of these options:
-
Freeze kibble, toys, or fresh meat in a KONG. Give your pet the frozen KONG and they will lay there for hours licking the melting ice while trying to get to the treat.
-
Pick up a cool mat from your local Just For Pets store. Cool mats absorb your pets' body weight and temperature and turn it into a cool surface for them to rest on. You can also buy toys that are freezer friendly, which will provide something cool for your pet to chew on.
-
Get yourself a LickiMat and freeze frozen berries and yoghurt or beef stock over it, not only is it a cool treat, the constant licking of the LickiMat causes a natural calming affect for your pet.
-
Watch for signs of overheating
Even though you may have done all of the above, your dog can still overheat. Signs of overheating include:
-
Lethargy
-
Loss of appetite
-
Excessive drooling or painting
-
Vomiting
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your pet, make sure you take them to the vet immediately.
For more information, or to purchase pet cooling products, visit your local Just For Pets store.
