It's not just people who need help with the dog days of summer.
"Lots of animals are susceptible to overheating and that can lead to really serious heat stroke when the body can't maintain safe internal temperature anymore," says RSPCA senior scientific officer Sarah Zito.
"So we do, as pet guardians, need to make sure that we take precautions to try and help safeguard them against that."
Almost half of Australian households have at least one dog, and there are things you can do to keep your dog safe and cool when temperatures rise.
Overheating warning signs
Heat stroke warning signs for dogs include restlessness, excessive panting, drooling, drowsiness, lethargy and even vomiting.
In any of these scenarios, contact a veterinarian immediately, Dr Zito advises.
"Things like this can progress really quickly to quite a life-threatening situation," she says.
"Even if your animal does look like they might be recovering, or even if you just suspect they might have heat stroke, they should always be tracked by a vet."
In the meantime, move the dog to a shaded and cool area and offer some water if they're able to drink normally — but don't force them to, as they could inhale the water rather than swallowing it.
"You can cool them down with cool water — not cold water or ice because that can actually make the situation worse," Dr Zito says.
"Never pour the water on or near their head, as they can inhale the water."
If you're feeling the need to cool down your space, chances are your dog needs it as well, says Susan Hazel, associate professor at the school of animal and veterinary science at the University of Adelaide.
"If it's hot for you, if you're in an [air conditioned] and cool space, then the dog should also be in a cool space," Dr Hazel says.
Consider your pet's vulnerability
The risk of overheating can differ depending on the breed, health and build of your dog.
Flat-faced or brachycephalic dogs like pugs, English and French bulldogs, and Boston terriers are at a particularly high risk, Dr Zito says.
Other risk factors include respiratory or heart problems, carrying too much weight, heavy or double hair coats, as well as younger and older dogs.
"If people do have an animal who is at high risk … it would be a good idea for them to speak to their vet about preparing for summer so that they know the specific risks involved," Dr Zito says.
Modify exercise routines
The surest strategy against high temperatures is to take pets out early in the morning and late in the evening, Dr Zito advises.
"If it is extremely hot, and especially if it's hot and humid, it's better not to exercise your dog outside on those days during those conditions," she says.
"If you're not comfortable exercising outside, it's probably better not to take your dog outside."
Hot sand, concrete and asphalt, or any other surfaces that reflect heat can be a problem when there's no access to shade.
"Not only can it increase that risk of heat stress, but you can also get their poor little paws being badly burnt on hot surfaces."
When the conditions don't allow for outdoor exercise, owners can instead provide their dogs with "extra enrichment and play time" inside the home in cool conditions, Dr Zito says.
To accessorise or not to accessorise?
While jackets are popular for keeping dogs warm in winter, summer accessories don't serve such a straightforward purpose, Dr Hazel says.
"When we're talking about reducing the risk of them getting heat stress in the summer, it is more about preventing them being in a position where they get really hot."
Dog boots, for instance, might protect your pup's paws from the scorching hot pavement, but not the other effects of the heat, Dr Hazel says.
"Generally, if it's so hot that the pavement is hot, then it's going to be too hot to take your dog for a walk anyway, and you should wait until it's cooler."
Likewise with items such as doggy sunglasses or hats, there wouldn't be much benefit and most dogs wouldn't tolerate wearing them, she says.
What about the beach?
If your dog can swim and enjoys the water, trips to a dog-friendly beach could offer some relief from the heat.
"You need to be a bit careful of things like the hot sand on their feet," Dr Zito says.
"If you can go to an area where there's some shade, so treed areas, or little inlets, or somewhere that is safe for the dogs to go where the water is not super heated by the sun and the sand is cooler, then those would probably be better choices," she says.
Animals with breathing difficulties could be at risk going into the water, so it's best to check with your veterinarian first, she says.
Temperatures in cars
In summer the temperature inside a vehicle can surpass the outside very quickly.
"You should never leave your animal unattended in a car or vehicle, even in the shade, even when the windows are down. Those animals can still overheat and die really quickly," Dr Zito says.
"If it's a really hot day, leave your dog at home in the air conditioning if you're not going to be able to take them out of the car with you."
Cooling tips for dog owners
- Make sure they have access to shade and a well-ventilated space
- Provide multiple containers of clean fresh water that can't be tipped over easily
- Give them water baths
- Try a pet-safe cooling mat
- Freeze water in old bottles or containers, wrap them in towels and leave them in spots around the home
- Frozen treats, such as frozen fruit or wet dog food blended with water and frozen into blocks
It's important to give animals the choice of whether they want to use these cooling tools, Dr Zito says.
"Animals are pretty good at regulating their temperature if they have the option of different temperature zones that they can use," she explains.
"When they cool down, they'll move somewhere else where they feel more comfortable."
Stay up to date with severe weather warnings in your area at abc. net.au/emergency.
