“Heat exhaustion in pets can develop quickly, which is why early signs should never be ignored.”
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With the temperatures rising here in Sydney and the bad news is that things are only going to get hotter as we head into summer!
Regardless of your pet’s size, breed, or age, it’s vital that you know how to keep your pet cool and prevent heatstroke and hypothermia.
1. Exercise your pet early or late in the day.
Not only is the extreme temperature in the middle of the day uncomfortable and potentially dangerous to your dog, but their paws can also get badly burnt from the heat of the pavement. Take them out in the cool of the early morning or at the end of the day and let them rest at home in the heat of the middle of the day.
2. Get your pet wet.
Whether you take your dog for an off-leash swim, fill a clam pool in your backyard, get them into your swimming pool, or simply get them into the bath, getting and keeping your pet wet is one of the most effective ways to cool them down. Once they have finished their swim, only partially pat their coat dry, as their wet fur or coat will keep them cooler for longer.
3. Provide multiple sources of water.
This is especially important if you are leaving your pet alone at home, because if they only have the one bowl of water and knock it over (perhaps they might try to climb into it on a very hot day) then they have no source of water and can quickly dehydrate. Put out multiple bowls of water, place them in the shade and change the water frequently.
4. Never leave your pet locked in the car.
Not only is this illegal, but temperatures inside a locked car can skyrocket in a matter of minutes, causing your pet to die a very painful death. If you are going somewhere in the car on a very hot day, either leave your pet at home or take it out of the car with you when you get to your destination. And if you see a pet locked in a car on a hot day call 000 immediately.
5. Bring your animals inside.
Even if your animals usually live outside, on extremely hot days, they may not be able to find a cool enough place outside. Areas of your house with cool floor surfaces, such as tiles or wooden floors in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, will provide a welcome place for them to quietly lie on a hot day. Turn on your air conditioning or use fans to provide extra relief from the heat for both you and your pets.
6. Give your pet ice cubes or frozen food.
Many animals enjoy licking iceblock cubes and another idea is to fill a ‘kong’ toy with fresh mince and freeze it the night before. Not only will licking the frozen meat in the toy keep your dog cool, but it will also keep them amused for hours. And while it’s fine to give your pet ice cubes to eat, never apply icepacks directly to your pet to cool them down as the extreme cold will cause their blood vessels to constrict and then they can’t get rid of the heat.
7. Small pets are particularly susceptible to heatstroke.
Small pets that live in cages, such as guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets are particularly sensitive to extreme heat. Bring their cage inside on hot days to a cool room in your house, such as your laundry room, and cover it with damp towels.
8. Cats need help staying cool too.
Cats notoriously don’t like getting wet so a good idea to keep your cats cool is to constantly stroke them with a damp face cloth.
“Simple steps like providing shade, water and limiting activity during peak heat can significantly reduce risk.”
9. Don’t cut your dog’s hair.
Many pet owners mistakenly think their pet will be cooler if their coat is cut shorter, but the opposite is actually true. Your dog’s coat provides a buffer to help him regulate his body temperature so keep his hair at its natural length.
10. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion.
It is really important to keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion as pets can deteriorate very quickly in extreme heat:
- Fatigue
- Excessive panting
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Drooling
- Floppiness or weakness
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- Bloody diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Fever
If you notice your pet has any of these symptoms, call a mobile vet immediately and then get your pet wet and put him in front of a fan while you wait for the mobile vet to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Heat can quickly become dangerous for pets
Even short exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. - Prevention is focused on water, shade and reduced activity
Multiple water sources, cool environments and avoiding midday heat are essential. - Simple cooling methods are effective
Keeping pets wet, providing cool surfaces and using fans can help regulate body temperature. - Early signs of heat stress should not be ignored
Symptoms such as excessive panting, weakness or vomiting require immediate attention.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of heatstroke in pets?
Early signs include excessive panting, drooling, fatigue and rapid breathing. As the condition progresses, pets may become weak, vomit or develop diarrhoea. These symptoms can worsen quickly, so prompt attention is important.
When is it safest to exercise pets during hot weather?
Exercise should be limited to early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower. Hot pavement during the middle of the day can burn your pet’s paws. Resting during peak heat helps reduce the risk of overheating.
How can I keep my pet cool at home during extreme heat?
Providing shaded areas, cool flooring, and airflow from fans or air conditioning can help. Bringing pets indoors on very hot days provides them with a more stable environment. Multiple water sources should always be available.
Is it safe to leave pets outside on very hot days?
Even pets that usually stay outdoors may struggle to stay cool in extreme heat. They may not be able to find adequate shade or cooling surfaces. Bringing them inside during hot conditions is often the safer option.
What is the safest way to cool down an overheated pet?
Start by gently wetting your pet and placing them in front of a fan. Avoid using ice packs directly on the body, as this can restrict heat release. A mobile vet should be contacted immediately if heat exhaustion symptoms are present.
Why do pets need multiple water bowls in hot weather?
Pets can easily knock over a single water bowl, leaving them without access to hydration. Having multiple bowls in shaded areas reduces this risk. Frequent refilling ensures the water stays clean and cool.