Heatstroke and dogs.

Pamela Neighbourly Lead from Templeton

Summer can mean lots of fun outside with your dog. But when the temps heat up it is important to take steps to protect your pet. Whether it's taking them for a walk down the street, a ride in the car, or just out in the yard to play, the heat can be hard on them. Here's some top tips on how to keep your pooch happy and safe over summer:

Bring them to daycare! Our daycare centres are climate controlled in the summer with cooling air-con, plenty of cold, fresh water and our staff love to make icy treats for your doggies and play fun water games! It is settling to know that your doggie is in a safe environment while you are out. All dogs must have a daycare assessment prior.

Never leave your dog in a hot car! Even with the windows down and for a few minutes, cars can get to extreme heats that are unmanageable for humans and dogs. Leave your dogs at home or take your dog places where he/she can come in with you.

Plenty of water and shade when outdoors, trees are better than doghouses for shade as doghouses can trap heat in. Add ice cubes to water to keep the water nice and cool and think paddling pools, sprinklers all the more fun for your dog!

Keep your house cool. Sometimes even in summer outdoors can get too hot for your dog even in the shade - leave air-con and fans on for your dog and plenty of water inside the house. Cooling mats and vests are also an awesome idea!

Limit exercise on really hot days! Opt for a quick river or beach visit instead of a walk down the street. Take walks in the cooler parts of the day such as early morning or later at night and always check the pavement before you walk, hot pavement can burn dogs paws.

Make cool treats for your dogs! Feed your RAW food frozen, KURI also sell heaps of frozen bones, frozen salmon heads or make a tasty iceblock or frozen KONG, your dog will love this!

Keep an eye out for heatstroke over summer, don't ignore the signs. These can include Heavy panting, heavy drooling, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, dark or red gums and tongue, dizziness, weakness and agitation. Remember dogs that are overweight, older, larger breeds and brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and french bulldogs are at higher risk of heat stroke so keep a close eye on them!

We hope you and your furry best friend have a safe an happy summer <3