We often forget the importance of looking after the whole family, including pets during the summer months. Sun safety is absolutely vital! Pets can also suffer from the same problems as humans during the summer, such as dehydration, sunburn, skin cancer, overheating, ticks and many more….

Sunscreen

During summer, sunscreen is a must, protecting the whole family from UVA and UVB rays by applying the best sunscreen possible, the higher the SPF factor the better.  Remember to always re-apply your sunscreen especially if you have been swimming. The Cancer Council has a wide range of sunscreens suitable for the whole family.  Find out more

Hydration

When the temperature heats up during the summer months the most important thing to do is to hydrate by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can cause many health risks such as low blood pressure, headaches, lethargy, dizziness and more! Find out more

Make sure your pets have plenty of water both inside and outside the house.  Heavy based bowls are best as they don't tip over too easily.  Ice cubes in water bowls are also a good idea to keep the water cooler for longer.

Shade

The best form of protection from the sun is to stay in the shade. Keep out of the sun between the hours of 11am-3pm. Your pets also need protecting from the sun, providing your animals with a shaded area is essential during the summer.

NEVER leave children, the elderly or dogs in the car, even with the windows down! Heat stress and death can occur very quickly.

Exercise

Avoid any strenuous outdoor exercise/activities on very hot days especially during the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest.  Heat stroke can occur and is a very serious condition, to find out more click here.

On very hot days, it's best not to over exercise your pet as it can rapidly increase their rate of breathing and panting and they can risk heat stroke.  Best to exercise your pet when it is cooler, first thing in the morning or late afternoon. 

Ticks

Unfortunately the warm weather brings with it, tick season. Protection is the best cure!

If you are in an environment where there are ticks, remember to cover up and wear repellent.

Paralysis ticks are at their worst during the summer months. Apply tick prevention medication on a regular basis. Learn more here.

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