Heatwave safety for your pooch

During a heatwave, keep dogs safe by limiting outdoor time, providing constant fresh water and shade, adjusting exercise to early mornings/evenings, and never leaving them in a car, as pavement can burn paws and

cars become ovens quickly; focus on indoor cooling with fans, AC, cooling mats, and frozen treats, watching for heatstroke signs like excessive panting or drooling.

Essential Safety Measures

Stay Indoors: Keep dogs inside during peak heat (especially above 28°C/80°F), ideally in air conditioning or a cool, fan-cooled room.

Water & Shade: Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water and ensure access to shade if they must go outside.

Pavement Test: If the pavement feels too hot for your bare hand/foot, it's too hot for paws (around 28°C/80°F).

Exercise Timing: Walk only in the very early morning or late evening; short breaks are crucial.

Never in a Car: Temperatures inside a car rise dangerously fast, even with windows cracked; this is a fatal risk.

No Hot Utes: Don't leave dogs in ute trays; hot metal burns and exposure is dangerous.

Cooling Techniques

Indoor Cooling: Use fans, AC, or place wet towels (not on top, but for them to lie near) on the floor.

Frozen Treats: Freeze water in Kongs, water bottles (wrapped in towels), or blend fruit/wet food into blocks.

Cooling Mats/Pools: Use pet-safe cooling mats or set up a shallow paddling pool.

Grooming: Regular grooming removes loose fur, improving air circulation.

Recognizing Heatstroke (Emergency!)

Signs: Excessive panting, drooling, rapid heart rate, weakness, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Action: Immediately move to shade/AC, cool with room-temp water (avoid face), offer water, and call your vet urgently.

Special Considerations

Flat-Faced Breeds: Brachycephalic (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) struggle to cool down and need extra care.

Sunburn: Use pet-safe sunscreen and consider trimming long fur (don't shave).