Summer safety: Pooch edition

The Aussie summer is heating up this year, perhaps we are enjoying it but are our dogs?

As we continue to face consecutive 30º+ days, we thought it was a timely reminder to pet owners about the importance of summer safety and how to keep your pooch safe and cool on hot days.

Greyhounds in particular feel the heat much more than other dog breeds, and therefore suffer the effects of heat exhaustion much more quickly. Here are some tips to keep in mind to see through summer:

Surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and astroturf heat up quickly and hold heat for a long period of time (even after the sun has set). Exposure to these surfaces can cause paws to burn and increase overall body temperature.

Avoid these surfaces until they have cooled down, and if you need to take your dog for a walk during the hottest part of the day then stick to grass surfaces where possible which are much more friendly on the feet. A good way to tell if the ground might be too hot to walk on is, talk off your shoes and try walking barefoot or use the back of your hand to touch the ground for 20 seconds - if it is too hot for you, its too hot for paws too.

It's a no-brainer - but ensure your greyhound has easy access to clean cool drinking water and keep it topped up throughout the day.

You could also consider iced treats throughout the day (frozen stock cubes, plain ice, or iced treats) which will keep them both stimulated and hydrated.

If your pooch is an outdoors dog, ensure they have a shady spot to lay down and rest (particularly if your dog has a dark coat). Also, consider bringing them indoors during the hottest part of the day where possible.

Overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and cancer. If you think your dog is at risk of sunburn from being outdoors, consider putting canine sunscreen on them to protect their skin (please do not use human sunscreen which can be toxic to dogs).

If your pooch runs particularly hot (especially at night), cooling mats may be an option to keep their body temperature down. Lay the mat on top of their favourite bed or preferred sleeping area.

Avoid exercising (whether walking or playtime) during peak heat and ensure you monitor your pooch's body language during the session. If you notice any signs of heat exhaustion such as excessive panting or drooling, weakness or vomiting, immediately stop exercising, offer them water, and seek veterinary advice if your dog does not recover within 15 minutes.