With summer temperatures reaching 40 degrees and above in some states, it is not just humans who need to stay cool.
Pet owners also need to think about keeping furry friends comfortable as temperatures rise. Most animals do not have sweat glands, which makes it harder for them to regulate body temperature.

Below are seven practical ways to help keep pets cool during summer.

⛱️ Provide shade

It sounds obvious, but when it gets hot many cats and dogs still want to be outside. Avoid letting them outside between
10 am and 4 pm. If they are outdoors, provide plenty of shaded areas where they can rest out of the sun.

💧 Provide plenty of water

All animals should have access to fresh water year round, but it is especially important in summer. Cool water helps your
pet regulate temperature from the inside. Replace stagnant water, top bowls up frequently, and keep water containers out
of the sun so they do not heat up.

☀️ Apply pet safe sunscreen

Dogs and cats can get sunburn too. Protect sensitive areas such as the nose and ears, and any pale or light coloured skin,
with regular applications of sunscreen.

Use pet friendly sunscreen only. Some human sunscreens contain ingredients that can be toxic if ingested.

🏠 Ensure rooms are well ventilated

If your pet is kept inside, keep your home well ventilated. Open windows and doors where safe to do so, and let airflow
circulate. On very hot days, close curtains or blinds to reduce heat from direct sunlight.

🐕 Take evening walks

Avoid walking dogs between 10 am and 4 pm, which is usually the hottest part of the day. Older dogs and pets with underlying
health conditions can be especially vulnerable to heat stress.

A simple rule of thumb is the 10 second test. If it is uncomfortable to keep your palm on the footpath for 10 seconds,
it is too hot for your pet’s paws.

❄️ Use a cooling mist spray

Sometimes, even with shade and water, pets still struggle in extreme heat. A gentle mist spray can help, and for many cats
and dogs, cooling paws in shallow cold water can also reduce body temperature.

🍏 🥕 Feed small animals fresh fruit and vegetables

Small animals feel the heat too. Along with plenty of water, offering fresh fruit and vegetables can help with hydration
and temperature regulation. Always check first that the specific fruit or vegetable is safe for your pet.

Keeping your pet cool is mostly common sense. Half the battle is recognising that pets cannot regulate body temperature as
well as humans can. If you are feeling the heat, your pet likely is too.

These tips can help, but you should also monitor your pet for
signs of heatstroke
during very hot weather.