As the Australian summer kicks into gear, many of us are eagerly planning our holidays to make the most of the beautiful weather and extra family time. For pet owners, including our furry friends in our summer plans can be wonderful, but it comes with its own set of challenges.
From scorching temperatures and fireworks to bushfires, there are key factors to consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for your pets. In this blog, we’ll explore some essential tips for managing heat stress, ensuring optimal hydration, limiting outdoor exposure, and safeguarding your pets during New Year’s fireworks and bushfire season.
Beat the heat: managing heat stress
Australia’s summer can be unforgiving, and soaring temperatures can be a serious risk to your pet’s health. To keep them cool and comfortable:
- Hydration is key: Ensure your pets have access to fresh water at all times. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl or providing a shallow pool for dogs to splash around in.
- Shade and ventilation: Create shaded areas in your backyard where your pets can retreat from the sun. Ensure proper ventilation across indoor spaces to prevent overheating.
- Morning and evening walks: Schedule walks during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid the scorching midday sun.
H2O on the go: keep them hydrated
Whether you’re on a road trip, spending a day at the beach or enjoying a staycation at home, keeping your pets hydrated is crucial:
- Portable water bowls: Invest in collapsible or portable water bowls for on-the-go hydration.
- Provide extra hydration: Add an extra bowl or two of water inside and outside the home
- Water breaks: When you take your pet along for an outdoor activity, schedule regular breaks to give them a chance to hydrate and cool down.
- Avoid hot surfaces: Pavements and sand can become painfully hot, potentially burning your pet’s paws. Opt for grassy areas or use paw protection products.
Protection from the sun: managing outdoor time
While outdoor activities are part of the summer fun, it’s important not to overexpose our pets to the sun:
- Short walks: Limit the duration of walks and playtime during peak heat hours.
- Indoor entertainment: Provide indoor activities such as puzzle toys to keep your pets entertained, without exposing them to the heat.
- Cooling mats and treats: Use cooling mats and frozen treats or snacks to help your pets cool down after outdoor activities.
Safe and sound: dealing with New Year’s fireworks
New Year’s celebrations often involve fireworks, which can be distressing for pets:
- Secure their environment: Create a safe and secure space indoors, where your pets can safely hide during fireworks.
- Background noise: Play calming background music or use white noise machines to help reduce the noise of fireworks.
- Identification: Ensure your pets have proper identification, including a microchip and collar with updated contact information, in case they become frightened and escape.
Bushfire preparedness: protecting pets during bushfire season
Sadly, bushfires are a devastating reality in Australia – and this season is expected to be a severe one. So, it’s crucial to have a bushfire plan to keep your pets safe:
- Emergency kit: Prepare an emergency and evacuation pack with essentials for your pet, such as food, water, medications, and any important documents.
- Evacuation plan: Know the evacuation routes and pet-friendly shelters in your area. It can be helpful to practise evacuating with your pets to minimise stress during an emergency.
- Stay informed: Make sure you have a way to stay updated on bushfire alerts and have a communication plan in place to coordinate with family members and your neighbours.
As summer heats up in Australia, preparation is key when it comes to looking after our pets during this time. By taking some simple precautions, you can keep your furry companions cool and safe this summer. Remember, CBD oil can help pets who suffer from stress and anxiety during summer and the festive season.
Contact us on on [email protected] or (02) 8294 9303 to find out more about whether this treatment is right for your pet.
