As we enter summer in Australia, it’s important to remember that while humans can usually keep cool indoors, pets cannot always escape the heat with their fur coats and their naturally higher body temperature. Here are some tips to avoid heatstroke and help make summer be more enjoyable for your pet!
- Always have fresh, cool water available for your dog to drink in the shade, preferably in a bucket made of tin rather then plastic as it stays cooler for longer.
- Make sure your dog has access to shaded area so it can escape the sun and avoid sun burn.
- Look into sunscreens designed for canines to apply to areas with less fur such as the nose and tips of ears. Dogs are susceptible to sun burn just like humans but only sunscreens designed especially for dogs should be used as their skin is very different to ours and some ingredients in regular sunscreens may cause sensitivity and irritation to dogs skin.
- When walking your dog in summer, it’s best to take them when the sun is down as they get overheated easily. Areas with grass rather then pavement is also more suitable as their paws may get burnt if pavement is hot.
- Depending on the breed and coat of your dog, it may be beneficial to look into getting your dog shaved. This is not ideal for all breeds though as sometimes the coat’s natural insulation will be more efficient in regulating a dogs temperature.
- Invest in a cooling coat or mat. Silver Eagle Outfitters have great products.