Beat the heat - tips to help your pets on hot days.

Today in Adelaide, temperatures are set to soar, with an expected high of 43 degrees in Modbury. This weather not only poses a risk to us, but to our furry family also as pets can experience a condition called heat stress. Symptoms of this condition may include:

1. Excessive or uncontrolled panting

2. Drooling

3. Vomiting and diarrhoea

4. Lethargy

5. Seizures

6. Weakness and collapse.

My dog Dougie, cooling down on a hot day in a tyre pool of water.

If left untreated, this condition is life threatening. Therefore on days like today, it is essential we take steps to minimize the risk of heat stroke in pets. The following tips and guidelines are designed to help keep your pet cool and safe in this scorching weather .

• Keep your pets inside. Wherever possible, keep your pets inside. Particularly if you are home - try to keep them inside with at least a fan on. If you are not home, please consider providing access to at least a confined space such as the bathroom or laundry where access to laying on tiles will keep them cooler.

• Limit access to direct sun. If you have to leave them outside during the day, please consider limiting their access to the direct sunshine. This may mean you have to rope off an area (e.g. using bunting or temporary fencing). Not all pets will make the smart decision to lay in the shade - so this will help prevent them from laying in the sun for prolonged periods of time.

• Ensure they have access to lots of water. Provide multiple options for water in case one bowl gets tipped over. If outside, consider filling a clam shell with water for doggos to lay in and cool their paws throughout the day. If available, you can add ice cubes into the water throughout the day to help keep their water bowls cool.

• Avoid unnecessary travel: If you had travel plans today that include your pet, consider rescheduling them. Unless its an urgent medical appointment, your local vet will be more than happy to reschedule you to a cooler day in the week.

• Consider other options that will help: There are lots of options that can help benefit your pet - cooling mats are available from kmart for your pet to lay on. Alternatively, you can provide them with a raised bed to prevent them laying directly on the hot ground. If you want to get creative, you can also freeze some treats in water to provide them with some fun mind enrichment that will also keep them cooler on a day like today!

• Avoid the dangerous things all together: Do not leave your pet unattended in a car, and avoid walks today. Even early in the morning or late in the evening is going to be very hot. Take the opportunity for a rest day with your pet and enjoy a cuddle on the couch together instead.

We hope these tips have been useful for helping to manage your pet during this hot weather. Please remember if you suspect your pet may be suffering from heat stress, this can be life threatening. Therefore, if concerned at all - do not wait, contact your vet immediately for help!

Written by Dr Tegan Hadley

BSc (Hons), DVM