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Learn about the latest trends and get some helpful tips on pet care from Dr. Chris Brown.
Summer Lovin’
You may have noticed that when the weather heats up, your pet slows down. In fact, the heat can pose a serious threat to your pet’s health. So, to ensure your furry friend has an enjoyable summer, it’s wise to be properly prepared.
Why do pets do it tough in the heat?
It’s quite simple really. Pets are not dressed for our climate. Many of our favourite breeds originated in colder climates and sport thick coats and dark colours not suited to Australian summers. What’s more, they can’t sweat like us and rely on panting, lying in a cool spot or a drink of cool water to cool them down.
The dangers of heat-stroke
Heat-stroke results from an excessively high body temperature, usually between 41 and 43 degrees. As it can be fatal, it’s important that you ensure your pet’s body temperature remains in the normal range of 37.5-39.2 degrees.
Signs that your pet is too hot
• Panting
• Anxiety
• Drooling
• Bright red gums
• Being hot to touch
• Not wanting to move
• Sweaty pads - yes, the only sweat glands on the body will be more active and make the pads of the feet almost moist. Press them up against glass to test
Did you know?
Pets can easily burn their feet on hot surfaces like roads, concrete, sand and even the metallic tray of a ute. So, if you would struggle on a surface in bare feet, don’t subject your pet to the same pain.
Keeping your pet cool this summer
Water is the key
Water can be wonderful for parched pets, but only when it’s the right temperature. Here are some important tips to remember:
• Keep your pet’s water bowl in the shade
• Replace the water at least daily, though twice a day is preferable
• Use a water bowl with a broad base so that it can’t be tipped over
• Use two or even three water bowls for extra security
Icy treats to beat the heat
Pets, much like us, love the refreshing feeling of a frozen treat on a hot day. So why not try:
• Freezing one of their spare water bowls. As it slowly defrosts during the day, they get to lick the refreshingly cool water off the top
• Making ice-blocks (see the recipe for “Poodle Pops” in the Q and A section)
• Putting an ice-pack in their bed. If you cover it with a thin sheet, lying on the ice pack will provide some welcome relief
Clothe them in comfort
If your pet struggles in the sun because of its thick coat or dark colour, a specially designed ‘cooling vest’ might be the trick. The vest , made from a special patented composite fabric, refreshes using an evaporative cooling method.. ‘Cooling Mats’ are also available to help your pet sleep soundly at night.
Spray the heat away
One of the cheapest and most effective ways to cool your pet down is to use a water spray bottle filled with chilled water. Simply mist them all over as this performs the same function that sweating does for us.
Favour the fan
Any airflow over your pet’s hot body is good airflow as it takes the hot air close to their skin and replaces it with new cooler air. Combined with a water spray, this is a very effective way of keeping your pet refreshed.
Give them some summer stylin’
Despite what people say, their hair will grow back if you cut it. Releasing them of their heavy and hot coat is one of the kinder things you can do this summer. Just remember that after a haircut, they are more at risk of sunburn.
Install a doggy door or a cat flap
This allows your pet to get into your cool house when you’re out. It also helps you save on your energy bills as you don’t need to leave doors open for them to wander in and out.
Get floored
Never underestimate the value of a cold tile or marble or wooden floor. The cold surface very efficiently sucks the heat away from the body and allows your pet to cool down quickly. So, where possible, make a cold floor available by leaving a bathroom or laundry door open.
How much water does my pet need daily?
Simply divide their weight by 10 and you have how many litres your pet needs each day. For example, a 25 kg dog needs 2.5 litres per day, while a 5kg cat needs 500ml.
Follow the tips outlined here, and you and your pet will be able to enjoy the summer sun together. |
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Each month, resident Purina Vet Dr. Chris Brown and our Purina PetCare Advice Team will bring you a new Hot Topic to keep you up to date on the latest expert advice in pet care.
Dr Chris Brown starts his day with an early-morning surf at one of Sydney's beaches, before he heads to the clinic to handle animals of all shapes and sizes, from cats to cows.
In 2003, Chris became the new vet on the ever popular show, Harry’s Practice before being recruited to join Channel 9’ Burke’s Backyard in 2004. Chris is now a presenter and the resident vet on Talk to the Animals as well as the Today Show on Channel 9. He also writes for Woman’s Day and Burkes Backyard Magazine, and can be heard every Saturday morning on Triple M’s Wrong Side of the Bed.
On top of all this, Chris is an ambassador for Assistance Dogs Australia, a charity that aims to increase the independence of people with physical disabilities and a spokesperson for AMRRIC (Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities), regularly taking trips to the Central Australian desert to tend to animals in disadvantaged areas. |
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