Wonderfur Company - January 09, 2025

Fur-tastic Tips: Help Your Pets Cool When the Sun Turns Up the Heat in Australia

Summer in Australia usually creeps up suddenly after those chilly winter days, and once it finally hits, it's full-fledged heatwaves. Plus, every year, heat breaks previous records. While humans take shelter and enjoy the luxury of a cold drink, pets aren't as capable of adapting to sudden temperature changes. 

Moreover, climate change and global warming are only making these heat waves more extreme. The hot summer sun can be fatal to furry friends, from heatstroke to dehydration, so being prepared is very important. 

The following are some important Summer Pet Care Tips that will help you maintain your pets' safety and comfort during the very hot Australian summer.

How to Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer?

Stay Informed About Weather Conditions

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warnings are typically important. Pet owners should pay attention and plan their pets' days so that they remain inside or in shaded areas during extreme heat. 

Another important organisation is the RSPCA. It publishes specific heatwave guidelines for pets, thus making it a good resource for pet owners in Australia.

Pro tip: Set weather notifications on your phone to stay abreast. This way, you can alter your pet's routine and keep them safe. Also, stock up on Freeze-Dried Functional Treats from the Wonderfur Company. You can use them to give your pets a cool, healthy snack on hot days.

Travel with Care

Among the most typical summer hazards pets face is being left in hot cars. The interiors of vehicles can heat up quickly to alarming levels even when windows are left slightly ajar, which could result in pets suffering heatstroke.

Essential Summer Pet Care Tips involve prioritising your pet's safety during car travel. If traveling with your pet cannot be avoided, ensure proper ventilation for them and never leave them unattended in a car, even if the air conditioning is on. In case the air conditioning fails, the pets could be at risk for heat stroke.

While on the road, direct airflow towards your pet and use the air recirculation setting to keep the cabin cool. If traffic delays are likely, reconsider the journey or postpone it to cooler parts of the day.

Pro tip: Offering Yogurt For Dogs before a trip can provide a cooling treat and even support their digestion during the journey.

Exercise with Caution

It is unsafe to exercise your pet during extremely hot weather. Unlike humans, animals have fewer ways to cool themselves. Dogs cool themselves by panting, which is ineffective in extreme heat and high humidity.

Some flat-faced dog breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats, are more prone to heat-related conditions. Overweight, old, or very young pets should also be given extra attention. Yogurt For Dogs and similar cooling treats may thus help them regulate their body temperature. 

Here are some other essential Summer Pet Care Tips that should be on your list to keep your furry friends safe.

  • Take them for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler.

  • Choose routes with plenty of shade and carry some water for them.

  • Do not walk them on hot pavement. Hot pavement will burn their paws. Test it by putting your hand on the ground. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws.

Remember: No pet has ever suffered from missing a walk, but very many have been harmed by exercising in the heat. So, treat them to the Best Dog Treats For Dogs from the Wonderfur Company indoors instead!

Ensure Access to Water and Shade

Proper hydration is vital during the summer months. So, always have fresh, clean drinking water available and shaded, well-ventilated areas for pets. Ice cubes can be added to water to keep it cold. In the case of working dogs, electrolyte solutions contribute to maintaining adequate hydration levels. Apart from this, you can provide a healthy, cooling snack like Yogurt For Dogs to keep them refreshed during the day.

Small pets like guinea pigs, birds, and rabbits are more susceptible to the heat. If they are kept in hutches or cages, then keep them in the shade where the air circulation is good. Another measure could be to drape a wet towel over the place of the enclosure to reduce heat.

The Best Cat Treats would be a pleasant means of keeping your cat happy indoors. The dogs, on the other hand, might enjoy cooling mats or supervised access to paddling pools.

Learn to Spot the Signs of Heat Stress

Identifying the initial signs of heat stress in pets could be life-saving. Heatstroke might turn fatal within a short span; hence, early recognition of the condition is very important. The following symptoms should be watched for:

  • First stage: Either restlessness, panting, or reluctance to move.

  • Second stage: Drooling, glassy eyes, heavy breathing, and tongue widening.

  • Third stage: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and finally collapse.

If your pet shows any of those signs, act immediately to cool it and contact your vet. Administering Kefir to Dogs during recovery may help soothe the digestive system.

Take Immediate Action in an Emergency

If your pet is showing any symptoms of heatstroke, every second is crucial. Here's what to do:

  • Cool the Pet Down: 

Pour cool (not icy) water over your pet. You may also immerse the pet in water. If the pet is unconscious, ensure that its head remains above water.

  • Use Ice packs: 

Put ice packs or frozen bags of vegetables between their inner thighs to cool them speedily.

  • Give Water in Small Doses: 

Give them sips of cool water but not too much to drink. In non-emergency situations, cooling treats like Kefir for dogs will help regulate body temperature naturally.

  • Vet Visit: 

Take your fur baby to the vet in a pre-cooled vehicle. Continue cooling measures during the journey.

Do not put the pet in wet towels, as this will trap heat. Instead, use a fan or open windows to allow air to circulate around it.

Final Thoughts on Summer Pet Care Tips!

Make a pledge this summer and put your pet's safety and well-being first! Provide Yogurt For Dogs, give the Best Dog Treats, or buy the Wonderfur Company’s Freeze-Dried Functional Treats in large quantities. All these acts are small but make a huge difference. 

You're already doing an amazing job by seeking out ways to keep your pet safe in the summer heat. Being a pet parent is no small task, but it's clear you've got the dedication and love it takes to protect your furry family member. 

What counts is that you try to do your best. Stay dedicated, stay informed, and believe that every small step you take helps ensure your pet's comfort and safety