Adapted from Summer Safe Pet Tips by AWL NSW
Summer can be a lot of fun, and the hot weather can be a great time to spend outdoors at the beach or simply poolside next to the backyard BBQ with families and friends. The hot weather, however, can be disastrous for dogs so it is crucial that we take every step to ensure their health and well being is not compromised.
Did you know that dogs don’t sweat like humans do, and for some breeds with shorter noses (like pugs and boxers), the heat can quickly become deadly if not managed correctly?
We know how much your best mate means to you, so to help you look after your dog this summer, AWL NSW have listed some simple steps below to help everyone have a great time this season.
Provide plenty of clean water and shade
Dogs must have access to fresh, clean drinking water 365 days a year, and during the hotter months, this could be the difference between life and death. During summer, when the temperatures rise, dogs can easily become dehydrated. Be sure to look out for dry nose and gums, no skin elasticity, panting, and lethargy as these can all be signs of dehydration. If you think your dog may be suffering from the heat, please contact your local vet without delay.
Does your dog have access to adequate shade throughout the day? The summer sun can heat up quickly, and even in the morning, temperatures can quickly soar. It is critical that dogs left outside have the opportunity to keep cool under shade to avoid direct sunlight. Even if your dog enjoys soaking up the summer sun, remember that it doesn’t take long for them to experience heat stroke or worse. Be careful of where the shade moves throughout the day, and check that your dog always has cover no matter the time of day.
Older dogs especially can suffer from the heat quickly. Consider bringing your dog inside during those really hot days. If we want to escape the heat by staying inside, your dog probably wants to too! Being inside near a cool fan or air conditioner can make a world of difference for older dogs who need extra care. If your dog must be outside, giving them an icy treat or a sprinkler or shell pool will help keep them cool.
NEVER ever leave your dog in the car. Ever!
Every year, the same message seems to be on repeat and yet for some, the message still is not getting through. It literally can take just minutes for your dog to become dangerously unwell if left alone in a vehicle with reports of deaths happening every year by unknowing owners who just don’t understand the risk.
We understand that most dogs LOVE going for car rides. It might mean a trip to their favourite park – or even the beach! During the summer months, we recommend leaving your dog at home if there is a chance they may need to be left alone in the car, even if just for a moment. It just is not worth the risk.
Watch out for that burn!
Did you know that dogs can get sunburn, just like we do? Those with short or lighter coats are more susceptible to burns which can lead to skin cancers and other health complications. Talk to your vet about pet-appropriate sunscreen, especially for dogs with pink noses and ears. Most large pet retailers have a great range of pet sunscreens to choose from too!
The best thing about daylight savings is that we can walk our dogs early in the morning, or in the evening when it is cooler (and safer) for them. If you’re not sure if it is safe to take the dog for a walk, simply press the back of your hand against concrete or asphalt. If you can not leave your hand there for 5 seconds or longer, neither can your dog.
Keep dogs away from snakes
Australia is home to some of the best, and deadliest, snakes in the world. The summer season can increase snake activity and for some areas, it can be common for snake sightings during the hotter months. Some dogs can be very curious which can be fatal if bitten. Respect snakes by doing everything you can to keep your dogs away. Snakes like to hide, especially in long grass and shrubs, so try to keep the lawn maintained and the dogs away from bushland where possible.
If you live in a snake-prone area, it may be an idea to keep your dog inside. If you find a dead snake, there is a high chance your dog may have been bitten so contact your local vet as soon as possible. Eastern Brown snakes are extremely venomous so it is crucial you get to a vet immediately if you suspect your dog has been bitten by one.
Breathing issues
Brachycephalic (short-snout) dogs have an even harder time in summer trying to cool down. For some breeds, it can be harder for them to breathe, and panting to cool down may not be as effective as other breeds. This alone can result in these dogs suffering from heatstroke, overheating and other life-threatening issues quickly during the summer months.
If you own a breed that is impacted by their ability to breathe, be sure to consult your local vet on ways to manage their heat stress during the hotter months. Keeping a vigil eye on them could save their life.
Ticks
Tick paralysis is a serious and potentially fatal condition that requires urgent veterinary attention. Ensure you are aware if you live in or are visiting a paralysis tick prone area – You can do this by calling a veterinary clinic in the area and asking if they frequently see tick paralysis. Make sure your dog is treated routinely with parasite prevention products of veterinary grade – although no product can guarantee 100% protection. Ask your vet for their recommendation.
If you believe your dog has been affected by a tick and is presenting any of these symptoms:- becoming uninterested in food, lethargic, unsteady, weak and excessively drooling then seek veterinary attention immediately.
When you are living in or are visiting a paralysis tick area, you should perform regular tick searches – even if you are using tick preventative products. This can be completed by thoroughly searching your dog using your fingertips to feel through their coat. Ticks can present as a lump on the surface of the skin. Start at your dog’s nose and work your way to the tip of the tail examining every part of the body. Be sure to search in warm, dark places like nostrils, gums, in-between toes, armpits and under the tail as these can be popular areas for ticks to hide.
If you have found a tick, contact your local vet as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can remove the tick IF you can remove the tick entirely including the head, by using tweezers or specifically designed tick remover (available from some vets and pet stores), this will stop the toxin from continuing to spread. Keep the tick and take it to the veterinary clinic with you, so the treating veterinarian can confirm if it is a paralysis tick. Do not delay going to the vet!
Download the Summer Pet Tips Cheat Sheet
AWL NSW has prepared a free downloadable cheat sheet that you can print at home to remind you of these summer safety tips. To access this cheat sheet, visit their website.
