Keeping Your Pets Safe and Healthy During Summer

Summer is almost here in Australia, and with it, an increase in creepy crawlies, outdoor activities and hot weather. All these things can pose a possible health risk to your furry family member if you don’t stay vigilant and aware. 

Please continue reading to learn more about the dangers your pet faces during summer, and how to keep them safe, happy and cool during the warmer months. 

Heatstroke 

Like humans, animals are also at risk of heatstroke when the temperatures are high. Heatstroke occurs when the body overheats and has difficulty cooling itself down. 

The symptoms of heatstroke for dogs and cats include:

• Increased panting
• Drooling 
• Restlessness 
• Breathing distress 
• Lethargy or weakness 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Muscle tremors 

How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Heatstroke 

Lots of Water 

Make sure your pet has plenty of easy access to cold, fresh water. Refill their water bowl multiple times throughout the day and make sure they are drinking enough water. 

Another good idea for dogs is to have a puddle pool for them to play around in when it gets too hot. 

Keep Them Indoors 

Keep your pets indoors during the hottest hours of the day, 10 am – 3 pm. That way, they can relax in the air conditioning and avoid the sun. 

Reduce Physical Activity

While daily physical activity is recommended for dogs, on hot days, it is safer to limit their activity during the day while the sun is out. 

Once the sun isn’t as intense (early in the morning or in the evening), you can take your dog on a quick walk to get them out of the house. 

Provide a Cool Place for them to Rest and Sleep 

Make sure your dog or cat has a cool place to sleep indoors. Their usual cat or dog bed may be too hot for them to sleep in. Move some pillows or a towel onto the tiled floor and let them sleep there for the night. Ensure that they can feel the cool air from a fan or an air conditioner. 

Recognise the Signs of Heatstroke 

If your dog or cat is acting more listless than usual and having difficulty breathing, get them to the vet as soon as possible. Even if it’s not heatstroke, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Snakes 

The weather warming up is a sure sign that there will be snakes somewhere nearby, especially if you live near the bush. 

In Australia, we have the distinction of being home to some of the deadliest snakes in the world, and dogs and cats aren’t immune to their venom. 

The snakes that pose the most risk to your beloved pet are brown snakes, tiger snakes and red-bellied black snakes. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Snakebite? 

The symptoms of a snake bite in dogs and cats include: 

• Trembling
• Vomiting 
• Sudden unconsciousness 
• Salivation 
• Paralysis 
• Dilated pupils 
• Respiratory distress 
• Diarrhoea 
• Muscle spasms 

What to Do in the Event of a Snakebite? 

If you suspect or witness your pet being bitten by a snake, here’s what to do: 

Let Your Vet Know 

Call your vet right away, so they are prepared and have anti-venom ready. If you see the snake, let your vet know what type it is. 

First Aid 

Apply a pressure bandage to the bite site and carry them to prevent venom from spreading throughout the lymphatic system. Keep your pet warm and calm. 

Go to the Vet 

Take your pet to the vet right away for prompt medical attention, which can save their life. 

How to Prevent Snake Bites 

Some ways to help prevent snake bites include: 

• Keep your pets away from bushy areas and long grass 
• Keep your backyard neat (grass cut and bushes trimmed) 
• Keep your dog on a leash when you take them for walks 

Tick Bites 

Paralysis ticks come out during the summer and pose a significant risk to your furry family members. When a paralysis tick bites a dog or cat, it injects a neurotoxin that causes progressive paralysis, which can eventually lead to death if left untreated. 

Symptoms of a Tick Bite 

The symptoms of a tick bite include: 

• Agitation 
• Vomiting 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Excessive drooling 
• Changes to meows and barks 
• Swelling at the bite site 
• Decreased appetite 
• Weakness 
• Progressive paralysis 

Tick Treatment 

The best course of treatment for tick bites is to take them to the vet for antitoxins and fluids administered through an IV. 

Most dogs and cars will make a full recovery if the tick bite is found quickly. In more serious cases, they may need to be put on a ventilator and have a higher risk of not surviving. 

How to Prevent Tick Bites 

Ways to prevent tick bites include: 

• Preventative products: Chews, tick collars and spot-on treatments all lower the risk of tick bites 
• Grooming your pet regularly (especially if they have long fur) 
• Avoid bushland and long grass during summer 
• Check your dog or cat every time they have been outdoors 

Pool Safety 

What is better than jumping into a pool on a hot summer’s day? Sometimes your dog will agree and want to join in on the fun. 

Most dogs can doggy paddle for short distances, but aren’t strong swimmers, so some pool safety rules are important to stick to: 

Supervise Your Dog 

Never let your dog go in the pool without you, and never leave them alone. If you see them starting to get tired or struggle, take them out of the pool right away. 

Don’t Force Them to Go in the Pool 

You can encourage your dog to go in the pool, but never throw them in or force them to go in if they are too scared to. 

Pool Fence 

If you have a pool, make sure you install a safety fence around it to keep children and pets safe. Block any access and make sure smaller dogs can’t get past the fence. 

Fireworks 

Fireworks are a familiar sound to hear during the summer months, much to your pets’ displeasure. 

Dogs, in particular, are known to be petrified of fireworks, which is why it’s best to manage the situation as much as possible to keep your pet as calm as possible. 

Close Windows and Doors 

Manage access to outdoor noise as much as possible by closing all the doors and windows in the house. 

Create a Distraction 

Put on some music or the TV to help block out the fireworks and distract your pet. 

Stay Close 

Stay close to provide comfort to your pet while the fireworks are going off. 

Create a Safe Place 

Create a safe place for your pet to hide out in during the fireworks, such as a crate or a nest of pillows. Place their favourite toys in there with them and have food and water nearby. 

Get Advice from Your Vet 

Reach out to your vet for advice if your pet becomes severely anxious and stressed during fireworks. They may recommend some calming medication or chews. 

Ensure Your Pets Are Microchipped 

In the unlikely event that your pet runs away during fireworks, make sure they are microchipped so they can be easily tracked down. 

Other Summer Safety Tips: 

Here are some other essential tips to keep in mind: 

• Don’t leave your pet in the car: It doesn’t matter if you’re out of the car for only five minutes; your pet should never be left alone in the car during a hot day. It doesn’t take long for your pet to start feeling unwell. 
• Sun exposure: Did you know that dogs and cats can get sunburnt, too? Pets with short coats or lighter colours are especially prone to getting sunburned. 

Get advice from your vet on the best type of sunscreen for your pet, and monitor how much sun exposure your pet gets. 

• Keep your pets groomed: Make sure your pets are groomed so they can be as comfortable as possible during summer. Grooming them is especially important for long-haired pets. 

At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options. 

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