Sun's Out, Tongues Out: Keeping Our Pets Cool and Happy in the Heat
Summer! The sun is shining, the skies are clear and blue, and we’re all spending more time outside enjoying the extra daylight. But with the soaring temperatures comes a hidden danger for our pets - heat stroke.
I’m sure we’ve all been caught off guard by the heat in the past. Perhaps you were out gardening,on a hike, or playing footy or netball. One moment you’re just a bit sweaty under the beating sun, but next you start to feel out of breath, maybe a little bit dizzy or nauseous. Heat exhaustion can come about quickly, and without prompt treatment can result in heat stroke - a life threatening emergency.
Luckily there are lots we can do to keep our pets safe!
The first thing to think about is whether your pet may be at an increased risk. This includes brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds, thick-furred breeds, senior pets, overweight pets, or pets with underlying health issues (particularly those with heart or lung disease).
The second is to recognise signs of heat stroke. These include:
Panting, which may progress to distressed or noisy breathing
Restlessness, agitation, pacing, seeking shade and water
Drooling
Red gums or tongue
Vomiting or diarrhoea
More advanced or severe signs may include lethargy, confusion, weakness or collapse and seizures
If you suspect your pet is overheating, take your pet out of the sun to somewhere shaded, cool, and well ventilated. Offer them small sips of water but do not force them to drink. Wet them down with cool but not ice-cold water and place them in front of a fan or air-conditioner to facilitate evaporative cooling. Once you’ve started these steps, call your veterinarian for further advice and to have your pet checked.
Prevention is the best medicine! Things you can do to prevent heat stroke include:
Scheduling walks and play time for the cooler mornings and evenings to avoid when the sun is at its hottest. Remember hot pavements can also burn paws!
Making sure your pet has plenty of fresh and clean water at home, and on walks making sure to bring plenty of water for yourself and your pet
If your pet enjoys the water or having a dip, having a shell pool or a sprinkler in the backyard can be great fun!
DIY frozen treats such as watermelon or stuffed KONG toys
Never leave your pet in a hot car or room
Consider keeping at-risk pets indoors with air conditioning
Remember, your pet relies on you to be their voice in the heat. So, let's embrace the sunshine, but let's do it safely and responsibly. With a little planning and a lot of love, we can keep our pets cool and comfortable all summer long!
