Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
By /
Planning to wear a fur coat over the next few months? Almost certainly not, so spare a thought for our furry friends, who have fewer wardrobe choices and need extra care to stay cool in higher temperatures. But how can you ensure cool pets in extreme heat?
Dr David Lee, president of Australian Small Animals Veterinarians, part of the Australian Veterinary Association, says hot weather can place animals at risk of heat stroke and heat stress, especially thick-coated breeds such as golden retrievers and huskies, flat-faced dogs such as bulldogs and pugs (because they can’t breathe properly to cool down), and cat breeds such as exotic shorthairs or Persians. “Pets with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions, or who are overweight, are also at risk,” he says.
Cats and dogs cool off through the pads of their feet and tongues, so they need to pant to regulate their body temperature. To help your pets stay cool and protect them from heat-related health issues, follow these tips.
Make sure there is plenty of fresh, cool water available at all times, placed in shady areas, so your pet has a steady supply of hydration. Throw in a few ice cubes to help keep the temperature down.
Put a few of your dog’s treats in the freezer to create ice packs for really hot weather. Licking the cold water will help bring your pet’s body temperature down – and give them something to do while you’re out. You may even like to consider adding a cooling pad or pet cooling mat to dog beds.
Provide shady areas for shelter during the day so they can avoid excessive heat. Even better, make use of padding pools. Fill one with about 5cm of water and place it in a shady spot on your deck or in your backyard for your dog to sit in.
If you own a long-haired dog, consider giving their coat a trim to help them cope better in the heat of the summer months.
Avoid exercise in the hottest part of the day and take dogs for a walk in the very early morning or late evening, when the temperature is much lower. This will also help avoid your pet burning their paws on hot footpaths or roads.
On warm days, or if it’s especially humid, and you have air conditioning or fans in your home, your pets will be most comfortable inside with you where there is cool air flow. This is essential to prevent heat stress for the higher-risk breeds listed previously, as well as elderly pets. “Older pets are especially vulnerable in the heat, particularly if they have mobility and breathing problems, so keep an extra eye on them,” advises Dr David.
Signs of heat stroke in animals include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, fatigue, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures. If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. Most importantly, never, ever leave your pet in your car or vehicle, even if you don’t think it’s that hot. The RSPCA warns it only takes six minutes for a dog to die from heat stress in a hot car.
Check out our list of essential supplies for your pet.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
