KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE THIS SUMMER

With Australia in the midst of Summer, it’s a great time to talk about what we can do to keep our pets cool 

Old, young, unwell and brachycephalic (short nosed) animals are particularly heat intolerant – so being proactive pays off 

1. Ensure that your pet has access to shade and ample water – these are the most basic requirements that all animals should have access to, at all times!  

2. Early morning or late-night walks to avoid the heat of the day during summer . Pavement and concrete really heat up during the day, and can cause seriously painful burnt paw pads .

3. On days that are particularly hot – no walks/outdoor exercise at all! Your hound may be less than impressed, but health comes first! Exercising on hot days can cause overheating and heat stress – when the body’s internal temperature rises above normal. This can send bodily organs into failure and result in death. A walk just isn’t worth it .

4. Providing shallow wading pools to lie in/drink from 

5. Increasing the water content in your pet’s diet – either by adding in wet food, or simply adding water to dry kibble feed .

6. Freezing your pet’s treats or food in ice-block/plastic containers – this is also a fab way of keeping your pet busy 

7. On hot days with high humidity animals struggle. The safest thing to do is keep your pet inside, with air conditioning