Protecting your pet this summer

Protecting your pet this summer.

Summer’s here, so let’s talk about a few tips to keep our pets safe and comfy on those hot days!

Walking your dog in summer

Hot surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and metal can seriously hurt your dog’s paws, causing painful burns. Ouch!

Here’s a quick way to check if it’s too hot for their little paws: press the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you to hold your hand there, it’s definitely too hot for your pup.

To keep their paws safe, try to avoid walks during the hottest part of the day. Stick to cooler mornings or evenings instead.

Pets die in hot cars

We’ve all been there – you’re just running into the store for a minute, right? But those “couple of minutes” can easily turn into much longer, and leaving your pet in a hot car, even for a short time, can be deadly.

Did you know the temperature inside a car can skyrocket in no time, especially with little to no airflow? In just minutes, your pet could overheat, and the consequences of heatstroke can be tragic.

In Australia, it’s actually illegal to leave your pet in a car for more than 10 minutes if it’s 28 degrees or hotter outside.

So, what’s the best way to keep your furry friend safe? Simple: never leave them alone in the car. Plan ahead—if you’re bringing your pet along, try going early or late in the day, take frequent breaks, and always supervise them.

Sun protection for pets

Did you know your furry friend can get sunburned just like us? Dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets—especially those with short coats or light-coloured fur—are at risk of getting burned by UV rays.

Some areas, like their ears, nose, eyelids, belly, and even their armpits, are particularly sensitive. If your pet’s skin looks red, flaky, dry, or cracked, or if they seem uncomfortable when you touch them, they might have sunburn. Get them to the vets as soon as you can to get it checked out.

Unfortunately, protecting them isn’t as simple as slapping on sunscreen. Most human sunscreens aren’t safe for animals and could actually be toxic to them. So, what can you do?

On hot days, try keeping your pet indoors with the curtains or blinds closed. Find them a cool, shady spot to relax away from direct sunlight. There’s also UV and UPF protective clothing for pets, though it doesn’t always cover all the sensitive spots, so be mindful of that.

If your pet has to spend time outside, make sure they’ve got plenty of shade and fresh water to stay hydrated. Keeping an eye on the time and location of their outdoor adventures can go a long way in keeping them safe from the sun.

Remember that any concerns about your pet’s health and well-being should always be discussed with your local veterinarian.

You can find more helpful advice in our blog, caring for your pet during hot weather.