Get Your Pet Summer Ready

LAST UPDATED 25 OCTOBER 2023

This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian, Dr Belinda Stancombe

Summer is just around the corner! Longer days and warmer weather offer a greater opportunity for pet parents to get out and about, and spend quality time with their fur baby. While this can be a fantastic way to bond with your dog or cat, there are many summer-time hazards that can pose a risk to your pet.

Our Vets have put together this important guide, to help get your pet Summer Ready and protect them from dangers that are unique to our Australian climate.

Get Your Pet Summer Ready

Summer Parasites

1. Fleas: High risk. Fleas love the warm weather and breed most actively during Spring and Summer. Fleas can be very difficult to see in your pet's fur - in fact, most people will never see them. You may instead spot 'flea dirt' (which is actually flea faeces!) within the fur over your dog's rump or under your cat's chin. Make sure to keep your pet protected all Summer long with a reputable flea preventative like Nexgard, Bravecto, or Revolution. Learn more about fleas and their life cycle.

2. Ticks: High risk. Paralysis Ticks are one of the most important Australian parasites due to their abundancy along the heavily populated Eastern coastline, and the deadly paralysis condition they cause. Ticks are at their worst during Spring and Summer due to their breeding season. To check whether ticks are presenting a risk early this year in your area, ask your local vet clinic.

During Summer, depending on your area, tick prevention should be included in your regular parasite regime. This is especially vital for pet owners living within 100km of the Eastern coast line of Australia (from Melbourne to the tip of North Queensland).

However, in many parts of Australia (particularly West Australia and South Australia), tick prevention may not be necessary due to its distribution along the Eastern side of the country. Likewise, cats who live 100% indoor are unlikely to require tick prevention. Ultimately, we recommend checking with a vet in your area about whether your pet requires tick prevention during winter.

3. Intestinal worms: Moderate risk. These pesky parasites pose a threat all year round! Make sure your dog or cat is up to date with their prevention Learn more about intestinal worms in dogs and Learn more about intestinal worms in cats.

4. Heartworm: Moderate-high risk. The transmission of heartworm is highest in Summer due to this parasite being spread by mosquitoes. Learn more about heartworm.

Sun Safety

Pets that are most at risk of sunburn are those with white or light coloured fur due to the decreased pigment levels in their skin. Dog breeds at particular risk include Bull Terriers, Border Collies, Boxers, Dalmatians, Greyhounds, Whippets, and Staffies as well as white coat cats. The most common areas on the body to experience sun damage are their ears, eyelids, nose and belly. Lesions caused by sun exposure can be very uncomfortable, painful and lead to more serious conditions such as cancer.

Avoidance is the best prevention when it comes to sun protection. Keeping your pet indoors or in shaded areas during peak UV radiation times (between 11am-4pm) is best. When you know your pet is going to be exposed, use a pet safe sunscreen and carefully apply to vulnerable areas. In some instances, a UV resistant sunsuit may be the best option for your pet, just make sure you still coat their ears and nose with sunscreen.

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Storm Phobias

Summer means storm season and for many pets, this can result in trembling, pacing, salivating, hiding and destructive behaviour.

Experts aren't exactly sure why pets are afraid of storms, but suspect the they are stressed by a combination of wind, loud noises, barometric pressure changes, the smell of the storm, static electricity, and low-frequency rumbles.

In preparation for storms, it is best to bring your pet inside and into a safe area where they can't injure themselves. Ideally, this safe haven is a quiet, darkened room with no sharp objects or furniture that may cause injury. If your dog or cat has a particular area they choose to go to during these times, it's best to allow them to do so as long as it's safe.

Therapeutic anxiety aids such as a supplements, pheromones, therapeutic diets and anxiety wraps can help reduce stress and fearfulness.

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Grooming For Warmer Weather

Grooming your dog or cat for summer is a great way to keep them cool and comfortable, while helping to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

For Dogs:

Grooming requirements and the effort required depends on your dog's breed and coat type.

Shedding is a common complaint from owners in the lead up to Summer. Shedding can be seasonal, especially for dogs with double coats, such as German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Huskies. As frustrating as finding hair all over your house can be - shedding is completely normal and assists in giving these breeds a lighter coat for Summer. One way to decrease the amount of fur ending up around the house is to brush your dog regularly using a deshedding brush.

There are many dog breeds which do not shed and therefore require regular clipping to keep their coats under control - particularly Poodle breeds and Poodle crosses. Many owners elect to have this done by a professional dog groomer however some pet parents are happy enough to do the clipping at home.

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For Cats:

Most cats shed year round but in Spring, depending on breed and location, many cats will have an increase in shedding as they lose their warm undercoat in preparation for Summer.

Brushing your cat daily with a deshedding tool in the direction of the hair, followed by a rubber grooming brush or damp cloth to remove the loose hair, will help to decrease shedding, reduce hairballs and stimulate oil production in the skin to keep your cat's coat shiny and healthy.

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Keeping Cool

Hot temperatures and the risk of heat stroke is a real issue for pets in Australia. Heatstroke is a very serious condition and if your pet's body temperature is elevated for even a short period of time it can cause irreparable damage to their nerves and organs, resulting in seizures or even death.

Here are some great ways to keep you pet cool in the Summer months and ensure that they are not at risk of over-heating.

1. Keep Hydrated

It is important to keep your pet hydrated during Summer as most pets that suffer from heatstroke are severely dehydrated. You can encourage your pet to drink with a water fountain, as most pets, especially cats prefer clean running water. You can also try freezing a block of ice with some treats or minced meat inside, or a make-your-own 'doggy ice block'. Wet Food or Bone Broth can be added to your pet's diet to increase their daily water intake in an easy and delicious way.

If you are taking your dog out for some outdoor activity, always think ahead and consider bringing a travel bowl or water bottle so you can provide water on the go.

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2. Access to Shade and Shelter

Cats and Dogs will moderate their own temperature if given access to cooler areas, such as shady patches. If your pet is outdoors only, you might like to supply a shady shelter or kennel so they can cool down on hot days.

A pet door allows your dog or cat free access so the house so that they can go inside for shade, or outside for some fresh air. Cats may enjoy a window bed so they can catch the cool summer breeze while watching the world go by. For indoor-only pets, always make sure the home is well-aerated during the day if left home alone.

3. Exercise At Dawn or Dusk

To avoid over heating your dog while still ensuring they get plenty of exercise, only walk them early in the morning, late afternoon or evening. This is particularly important for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds who struggle to cool down when exercised in the heat. Read more about this in our article Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Remember: dogs regulate their temperature by panting. If a dog can't breathe properly, they also can't cool down.

There is a great range of glow in the dark and light-up walking accessories and toys available to keep your dog safe, while ensuring they have plenty of fun exercising during dawn and dusk.

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4. Cooling Treats

Image from West Paw Instagram and features West Paw Toppl Treat Dispensing Toy

Frozen treats are not only a great way to keep your pet cool on a hot summer's day but they can provide your pet with important mental stimulation.

For Dogs: Try stuffing a KONG or West Paw toy with a KONG Paste or Peanut Butter and freezing it, for a long-lasting, cooling challenge.

For Cats: Lickmats are fantastic spread with your pets favourite wet food or a liquid treat and frozen for long-lasting, cooling treats.

5. Splish, Splash....Water Play!

Sometimes, it's just too hot to walk your dog. But that doesn't mean they have to miss out on their daily exercise. Why not take them swimming or to the beach?

Swimming is an excellent low-impact form of exercise for dogs (just as it is for us!) and particularly good for dogs with arthritis or weight issues. If you don't have a pool or dog beach nearby, why not try a portable dog pool? You can even kit them out in a doggy life jacket to ensure they are safe in the water.

6. Ice, Ice, Baby!

There are plenty of products that can help keep your pet cool, particularly if you aren't home with them during the day.

Cooling mats can provide a refreshing cool surface for your pet to lounge upon, and chilled bowls can help keep their water source icy fresh. There are a range of cooling toys available which can be frozen or soaked in water, for your pet to play with on a hot summers day. Cooling bandanas are even available, which keep your dog 'cool' in more ways than one!

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Further Reading

Heatstroke In Pets

Your Guide To Using Feliway

How To Reduce Anxiety In Cats

Tick Paralysis in Dogs and Cats

How To Help Your Dog With Storm Phobia

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