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It's 32 degrees, the tennis ball's baking on the back deck, and your dog is doing that hopeful figure-eight around your ankles that means one thing: let's go outside. But the same sun that makes summer so good can quickly turn dangerous.
Since dogs can’t sweat like we do, hot temperatures mean that they are prone to life-threatening heatstroke. Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and British Bulldogs are about 146% more likely to suffer heatstroke than other dogs. Australian vets see heat-related illness cases climb in December and January, but heatstroke can occur on any warm day especially from dogs having no shelter, exercising in the heat and tragically being left in cars.Keep your dog cool inside, stick to early mornings or evenings for anything active, always carry water and never leave your dog in the car when it’s warm. If your dog starts panting hard without stopping, drools excessively, seems wobbly, has breathing difficulty or collapses, get them into a cool carand drive straight to the nearest vet hospital.
Paralysis Ticks are the other big summer hazard in Australia.They are most prevalent from spring through autumn, but in some areas can occur all year round. So if you are in a tick area, or have recently travelled with your dog, a daily check is non-negotiable.
With that covered, here are 11 of our favourite ways to spend summer together.
Australia's coastline is dotted with dog-friendly beaches, perfect for zoomies and a proper swim. Rinse the salt and sand out afterwards with our Coat Masque and Leave in Conditioner Spray. Dry inside their ears properly as damp ears left unchecked are how ear infections start.
If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a swimming pool, this is a brilliant, low-impact way to exercise your dog, especially during warm weather and for those dogs with joint issues. Chlorine can dry out the skin and coat fast, so rinse well, give a light shampoo and follow up with a leave-indog conditioner to keep themmoisturised.
No beach or pool nearby? A sprinkler, kiddie pool or the garden hose on a gentle setting does the trick on a stinking hot afternoon. Remember to apply some dog coat masque or dog leave in conditioner to moisturise the skin and coat afterwards.
Sydney's Bicentennial Park in West Pymble has walking tracks alongside its off-leash area, Brisbane's Toohey Forest Park welcomes leashed dogs across its 30-plus tracks, and Melbourne's Mt Disappointment State Forest is dog-friendly like most Victorian state forests. Keep dogs leashed where required, watch for snakes, and give them a thorough tick check as soon as you're home and for the following two weeks since ticks can take time to grow and become visible. Daily tick searches are always best.
Dog-friendly campsites are everywhere, whether you're in a cabin, camper or swag. Ticks and snakes are a risk in bushland over summer, so keep prevention up to date, keep up with daily checks, and know where the nearest emergency vet is before you head off.
Whether it's your regular local or a new spot across town, bring a rug, some snacks and let the dogs do their thing in the shade while you catch up with other dog parents.
Blend banana with a small amount of dog-friendly Greek yoghurt, spread it over a dog lick mat and freeze until set. It's an easy way to keep them entertained and cool at the same time.
Plenty of markets welcome leashed dogs, and there's usually a stallholder or two selling treats worth sniffing out.
Cafes, pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating are often happy to have your dog join you. Bring their bowl and a favourite chew, and you might score a puppuccino while you're at it.
Aussie summer sunsets are hard to beat, and the cooler evening air is far safer for exercise than the middle of the day. A reflective lead is a smart addition once the light starts to fade.
Plenty of vineyards and breweries welcome well-behaved dogs on their grounds. But don’t let them wander near any grapes (these are toxic) and keep the alcohol out of reach. Just call ahead to confirm before you make the trip.
Summer's short enough as it is, so make the most of it together. For everything else you need to keep your dog comfortable, clean and happy this season, have a browse of our dog care products.
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