Summer Pet Safety: Keeping Pets Cool in Australian Heat

Australian summers are intense, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C in many regions and sometimes climbing above 45°C during extreme heatwaves. For our pets, who can't sweat like we do and often wear permanent fur coats, summer poses serious risks that every pet owner must understand and prepare for.

Understanding Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when a pet's body temperature rises above safe levels and they can no longer cool themselves effectively. It can happen rapidly—within minutes in extreme conditions—and is a life-threatening emergency. Prevention is always preferable to treatment.

Early signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, and seeking shade or cool surfaces. As it progresses, you may see bright red gums and tongue, vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbling or incoordination, and eventually collapse. At this stage, organ damage may already be occurring.

Some pets are at higher risk: brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs; Persian cats), overweight animals, very young or elderly pets, those with heart or respiratory conditions, and thick-coated breeds. These animals need extra vigilance during summer.

Hot Pavements and Paw Burns

One often-overlooked summer hazard is hot ground surfaces. Asphalt, concrete, and sand can reach temperatures far exceeding the air temperature. On a 35°C day, dark asphalt can reach 65°C or higher—easily hot enough to burn paw pads within seconds of contact.

The "seven-second rule" provides a simple test: place the back of your hand on the pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws. During summer, this often means restricting walks to early morning (before 8am) and evening (after 6pm), when surfaces have cooled.

When walking is necessary, stick to grassy areas, shaded paths, or consider protective booties for your dog. Watch for signs of paw discomfort: limping, reluctance to walk, licking paws excessively, or visible blistering or redness on pads.

Never Leave Pets in Cars

This message cannot be repeated enough: never leave pets in parked cars, even briefly, even with windows cracked. Cars heat up shockingly fast. On a 30°C day, interior temperatures can reach 40°C within 10 minutes and over 60°C within 30 minutes—even with windows slightly open.

Leaving the air conditioning running is not a safe solution either, as systems can fail. If you must travel with your pet and need to make stops, either take them with you or leave them safely at home. No errand is worth risking your pet's life.

In Australia, if you see an animal in distress in a hot car, you should call emergency services (000) or the RSPCA immediately. In extreme cases where death appears imminent, some states allow bystanders to break into vehicles to save animals, though you should always call authorities first if possible.

Hydration and Water Safety

Fresh, cool water should be available at all times during summer. Increase the number of water stations around your home and garden, and check them frequently—water evaporates faster in heat, and bowls can become too warm to be appealing.

For outdoor pets, ensure water bowls are in shade and consider using ceramic or metal bowls that stay cooler than plastic. Some owners freeze treats into ice blocks or add ice cubes to water bowls for extra cooling. Portable water bottles are essential for any outdoor activities.

If your dog enjoys swimming, never leave them unsupervised around pools or natural water bodies. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and even good swimmers can become exhausted. Ensure easy exit points from pools and watch for signs of fatigue. Rinse dogs after swimming in chlorinated or salt water to protect their skin and coat.

Creating Cool Spaces

Ensure your pet always has access to cool, shaded areas. For indoor pets, keep rooms well-ventilated or air-conditioned during extreme heat. Tile floors are naturally cool and appealing to heat-stressed pets. Cooling mats designed for pets provide additional relief.

For outdoor pets, shade is essential but may not be sufficient during severe heat. Consider bringing outdoor pets inside during the hottest parts of the day. If this isn't possible, provide multiple shaded areas (as the sun moves), paddling pools with shallow water, and elevated beds that allow air circulation beneath.

Avoid exercising pets during the hottest hours. A bored pet during a heatwave is far better than a heat-stressed one. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and calm interaction can help pass the time until it's safe to exercise outdoors again.

Grooming Considerations

While it might seem logical to shave double-coated breeds for summer, this can actually make them more vulnerable to heat and sunburn. The double coat provides insulation both from cold and heat, and protects against UV radiation. Regular brushing to remove loose undercoat is more helpful than shaving.

Single-coated breeds and those with thin or light-coloured coats may benefit from pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas like ear tips and noses. Never use human sunscreen on pets, as some ingredients are toxic if licked.