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Ten Tips to Keep Pets Cool This Summer

TIP# 1 – Fresh water daily- Always have fresh water available for your pets. Make sure you use heavy bowls so they can’t be knocked over easy. Consider having two bowls in case one is emptied and ensure they’re in the shade – you don’t like to drink hot water and neither will your pet. ​

TIP# 2 – Shade – Make sure your pet has access to a cool, shady space at all times of the day. Tip: The sun moves throughout the day, so an area that’s shady in the morning might not be shady in the afternoon.

TIP# 3 – Washing and grooming – By washing and grooming your pet thoroughly will help strip out any excess fur to keep them cooler.

TIP# 4 – Summer itches – With seeding grasses, warm temperatures and high UV, skin irritations are far more likely to occur during summer.Make sure you keep hair around ears and paws short to minimize the rick of seeds sticking and burrowing into the skin. Inspect your dog after walking and remove any seeds.Fleas are much more prevalent in the hot months. Wash your pet with a medicated shampoo such as our Oakwood Medicated Flea Shampoo to help sooth-irritated skin and treat fleas. Consult your veterinarian if fleas and itchy problems persist.

TIP# 5 – Sunburn – Dogs and cats can be susceptible to sunburn during the hotter months. This is more likely with animals that have white fur and pink skin on their noses and ears. To prevent sunburn, keep dogs and cats indoors away from harsh sunlight. You can also try applying sunscreen to sensitive pink noses and ear tips.

TIP # 6 – Never leave your dog in a car – Cars can become extremely hot very quickly in summer. Even with the windows down the temperature can rapidly rise to deadly levels within minutes.  Likewise don’t lock your dog in a small or poorly ventilated space such as a garden shed.

TIP# 7 – Walk early or late – Dogs can suffer from heat stroke when exercised during extreme heat. Walk at the coolest times of the day in the early morning and late evening. Keep in mind pavements and roads can become extremely hot and can burn the pads on your dog’s paws. Also, never tie your dog up in the sun, even when you’re just making a quick dash into a shop.

TIP# 8 – Paralysis ticks – in the Southern areas of Australia they are found during the warmer months of the year.  If you live in or are travelling to an area where ticks may be present, here are some tips to help. Check pet fur on a regular basis especially around head, ears and under collars. If you remove a tick after your dog has started showing some signs, you should seek veterinary attention. Tick collars can provide protection for up to 3 months. Ensure you oral chew treatment is up to date and there are spot on treatments that both repel and kill ticks when applied every 14days.

TIP# 9 – Swimming pools – Many dogs love to swim and it’s a great way to cool down with your pet, but pools can also be a hazard for pets. Most dogs are able to swim, but not all dogs can find their way out of a pool and can drown. Puppies exhaust themselves very quickly. Don’t leave a dog or puppy unsupervised near water.

TIP# 10 –Scary summer storms – Thunderstorms can be a terrifying experience for both dogs and cats. Ideally your pet should be indoors with human company during thunderstorms.  Close curtains and blinds; turn on lights and the stereo or radio for background noise.  If you pet has to remain outside ensure the yard is secure and your pet is identifiable.

Your pet relies on your for care and protection. With a little thought and planning you can ensure their comfort and wellbeing throughout the hot Australian summer.

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Travelling With Your Pets!

Prior to departure, check that your pet’s microchip details are up to date and they are wearing an ID tag with a contact number that works where you are staying. This is the quickest way to ensure you will be reunited with your pet, should they get lost.

Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations and worming are up to date. If you have an older dog, I recommend a full vet check before you leave. Always assume that your new environment may harbour fleas, so apply a flea preventative before you leave and I recommend that you take your pet’s own clean bedding for them to sleep on.

Pack your pet’s regular food as you can never rely on being able to buy it at your holiday destination and a sudden change of diet can cause tummy upsets.

If you are travelling to a coastal destination, phone ahead to the local vet at your destination and ask if paralysis ticks are prevalent in the area. Paralysis ticks are deadly and you need to start preventative treatment prior to departing for your holiday.

When travelling in a car, be sure to have cats and small dogs confined in a crate and large dogs harnessed. This prevents them from becoming flying missiles, should you have an accident.

Have regular toilet and water breaks. With cats, it is best to offer them a litter tray inside the car unless they are trained to a lead or harness. Cats are far more likely to bolt off in strange territory. 

When you arrive at your destination keep your pet confined indoors. Many pets get lost on holidays and you can’t be too careful. With dogs, be sure to keep them on a leash for the first couple of days whenever you are outdoors and cats should remain indoors at all times, unless they are used to walking on a lead.

Be sensible and safe and I hope you all have a wonderful summer break!