We are seeing a number of dogs coming in to the clinic suffering from life threatening heat exhaustion now that the hot weather has settled.

There are a number of factors why dogs can overheat quickly

  1. All dogs have a thick coat. Some breeds obviously have thicker than other but all coats insulate heat no matter if you have a short-coated dogs or long-coated dog
  2. They cannot sweat. Dogs only have one outlet to try cool down and that is by panting which doesn’t help all that much in Melbourne’s hot climate.
  3. Dog simply do not know when to stop exercising. Most dogs we see suffering from life threatening heat stroke have been either walked or at the park playing and chasing balls. Although it appears that pooch is having a great time they aren’t able to judge when it’s too much until it’s too late

We recommend a few easy points to follow during the hot weather

  1. Do not exercise your dog if it is over 25 degrees outside.
  2. If the temperature is close to 25 degrees reduce the length and intensity of exercise and if you are ball throwing only do so for a few rounds only.
  3. Dogs with heart, respiratory, mobility issues, short noses, elderly should not be exercised if the temperature is over 20 degrees as these dogs are extremely vulnerable

Other useful tips

  • If you want to get your dogs out and about during the hot weather take the opportunity to visit some of our great dog beaches (Altona/Williamstown dog beach) during the cooler times of day. These areas are great as your pooch can run and play then cool down in the water. However, still be mindful that an excited pooch may need to be at the beach for a shorter period of time during the summer.
  • Stay up to date with your dog’s grooming appointments. Keeping coats short and free from thickened matted areas will help to keep the heat from insulating within the coat. Even breeds like Border Collies and Golden Retrievers who traditionally have long clips short have a short “summer” clip
  • Bring water on your walks so you can stop regularly and allow them to cool down and drink water
  • Dogs that are outside at home during work hours need to large areas of shade and heaps of cool fresh water
  • While dogs with heart, respiratory, mobility issues, short noses and the elderly need to be kept inside in cool areas when it’s over 28 degrees

The fun stuff

There are so may simple and cheap ways to keep your pooch cool and enriched during the heat

  • Sprinklers! Remember when you were a child and ran around playing in sprinklers, well most dogs love it as well. Especially great if your dog is overwhelmed with the other dogs at the dog beach. You can buy sprinkler for under $10 at Bunnings for hours of fun
  • Shell pools. Another no brainer for water happy dogs. You can get them also from Bunnings for under $15
  • Kongs. Gather any of your hollow rubber toys and stuff them with wet food or peanut butter throw it in the freezer. You pooch will love licking the frozen food out if it
  • Icy lollies. Next time you get take out for dinner save the containers. Fill it with water and put some spoons of peanut butter, treats, meat or kibble in the water and freeze it. On a hot day your pooch will be licking this icy lolly in the shade for hours.