With over 40 degree days predicted across parts of Australia this week, it's important to remember your furry friends will want to escape the heat too! Read on for some ideas to help keep your pet cool.
1. Home Alone
It is easy to forget the heat of the day while sitting in an air conditioned office. On the weekend, spend some time in your backyard during the day to ensure there are cool, shady places for your dog to rest while you are not home.
Tiles and shaded concrete are a great cool place for your dog to lie down. If you can do so safely, give your dog access to a laundry or garage to escape the heat.
Leave out at least 2 bowls of fresh water - in summer some dogs will try to play in their dish to cool down, spilling all their drinking water. Prevent them going thirsty by providing a couple of water locations.
Try leaving your dog with an icy treat (see below) if you know a hot day is on the way!
2. Swimming
While I'm sure a few dog owners can imagine the fun their own pooch would have bomb-diving into a pool, it's not always safe or appropriate to take dogs swimming to cool down. Spend time encouraging your dog to learn (at their own pace) that water-play can be a great way to cool off. Start with a clam-shell or other shallow pool, and put 1-2cm of water in the bottom. Toss in some treats and let your dog fish them out. If your dog is allowed in the family pool, ensure they do not enter the pool area alone (secure fencing is a must), and help them to learn where the steps are to get themselves out. Having their own shallow pool that they can access themselves is a much safer option. Even for confident swimmers, ensure that your dog is able to get out of the clam shell or wading pool unassisted. (Especially smaller breeds.)
Never throw or push your dog into water of any depth. If they aren't prepared to enter the water they may inhale liquid which can damage their lungs, and even cause drowning.
3. Ice treats!
A refreshing ice block is a great way to help keep your dog entertained and cool during the summer months. It's very easy to prepare, and you can be as extravagant or as simple as you like. Simply add some of your dog's usual food to a plastic take away container/ice cream container. You can add dry biscuits, chew treats, or even a raw chicken wing/neck. Top up the container with water (add a little salt-reduced stock too, for an extra treat!) and pop in the freezer vernight! Ensure you remove the plastic container before you give it to your dog. It's best to give these kinds of treat in an outdoor area, as there will be a bit of a mess as the ice melts. This kind of treat is popular with non-canine animals too!
4. Travelling in the Car
It's great to get out and about with your dog in the summer months! Heading to a dog-friendly beach or cafe is a great way to bond with your dog and enjoy the great Australian weather. When travelling with your dog, ensure that they are safely restrained in a harness or crate, and most importantly, do not leave your dog unattended in your car. If you have to leave your vehicle to enter a non-dog-friendly building, leave your vehicle on, and keep the air conditioning running. If you think you'll be away from your car for too long to leave it unattended with the keys inside, then you will be away for too long to leave your dog there, too!
5. Exercise early, or late.
Even in summer, our dogs need to head outside to explore. Keep any strenuous exercise to the early morning or late afternoon. Check bitumen roads and concrete paths by touching them with your hand for 10 seconds before walking your dog. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws! Try to walk on grass, or wait until it's cooler outside. Remember that dogs with black or dark brown coats will heat up faster in the sun than dogs with white or light coats.
6. Keep your grooming coat-appropriate!
While poodle and poodle-cross breeds, with curly coats, should be clipped short in the summer months to keep cool, the same is not true of all breeds. Many arctic breeds have excellent insulation in their coat that helps keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. Discuss your dog's coat type with an experienced groomer before taking the clippers to their whole body!