Australian summers are hard on dogs. Unlike us, dogs can't sweat much. They cool down mainly by panting and through their paw pads, so a hot day can push them past their limit faster than you'd expect.
The good news: a few simple habits make a big difference. Here are 10 easy ways to keep your dog cool, safe and comfortable this summer.
1. Walk early or late
Skip the midday walk. Go out early in the morning or after the sun goes down, when the air and the ground have cooled. On very hot days, a short sniff around the backyard is plenty.
2. Check the ground before you go
Footpaths, roads and sand can get hot enough to burn paws. Try the seven-second test: press the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's feet. Stick to grass and shade where you can.
3. Always have fresh water
Keep a full bowl of fresh, cool water in a shady spot, and add a second bowl in case one gets knocked over. Heading out? Bring water with you. A portable dog water bottle makes it easy to offer a drink on walks and car trips.
4. Give them a cool place to lie down
Dogs naturally look for cool surfaces like tiles or damp ground. A cooling gel mat gives them a comfortable cool spot anywhere in the house, with no water or power needed. An elevated dog bed also helps, because air flows underneath instead of heat building up.
5. Make sure there's plenty of shade
If your dog spends time outside, they need shade that lasts all day as the sun moves. Trees, a shade sail or a covered verandah all work. A kennel in full sun can turn into an oven, so check where it sits in the afternoon.
6. Never leave your dog in the car
Not even for "just a few minutes" with the windows down. The inside of a parked car heats up very quickly, even on a mild day, and dogs can die in hot cars. In Australia it can also be an offence under animal welfare laws.
7. Try frozen treats
Frozen treats help cool your dog down and keep them busy. Spread plain yogurt or pumpkin purée on a lick mat and freeze it for a few hours, or freeze some dog-safe broth in an ice cube tray. If you use peanut butter, check it's xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
8. Let them have a splash
Many dogs love a shallow paddling pool in the shade, a run under the sprinkler, or a gentle hose-down on the legs and belly. Supervise water play, especially around pools and at the beach. A dog life jacket is worth having for dogs who swim or go on boats.
9. Think before you shave
It seems logical to shave a long-haired dog for summer, but for many breeds, especially double-coated ones like huskies, retrievers and shepherds, the coat helps protect them from heat and sunburn. Regular brushing to remove loose undercoat is usually better. Ask your groomer or vet before shaving.
10. Take extra care with high-risk dogs
Some dogs struggle more in the heat and need extra care:
- Flat-faced breeds like pugs, French bulldogs, bulldogs and boxers
- Puppies and older dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with thick or dark coats
- Dogs with heart or breathing problems
For these dogs, keep exercise very light on warm days and keep them inside somewhere cool during the hottest part of the day.
Know the signs of heat stress
Heat stress can turn into heatstroke quickly, and heatstroke is a medical emergency. Watch for:
- Heavy, fast panting that doesn't settle with rest
- Excessive drooling
- Bright red or dark gums and tongue
- Weakness, wobbliness or confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Collapse
If you notice these signs, move your dog to a cool, shaded spot straight away, wet their body with cool (not ice-cold) water, offer small sips of water, and call your vet or nearest emergency vet immediately. Even if your dog seems to recover, they still need to be checked by a vet.
Enjoy summer together
With early walks, plenty of water, shade and a cool place to rest, your dog can enjoy summer as much as you do. Browse our Summer Cooling collection for easy ways to help your dog beat the heat.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your vet. If you're worried about your dog's health, contact your vet.
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