26/01/2026
Look after your pets during these hot days.
🥵 EXTREME HEAT 🥵
🥵 Don't let your pets suffer in the heat! 🥵
Our top tips:
- If they can't be inside in the air-conditioning, make sure they always have plenty of shaded areas. These should be in different spots around the property so when the sun moves they can still have shade.
- Have multiple clean water sources available for pets and wildlife at all times.
- Do not walk pets in the heat of the day. If they must be walked, walk them either in the early morning or late afternoon when it is at its coolest. Pets can overheat quickly and struggle to cool down.
- Always check pavement temperature before going for a walk during summer by placing the back of your hand on the pavement for at least 10 seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their paws.
- Ute trays and fake turf hold on to heat. Avoid taking pets on these during hot days as they can burn pets paws. Always test the temperature with the back of your hand for at least 10 seconds before they go onto it.
- Cars heat up quickly. Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, especially in summer. Pets die in cars. In as little as 5 minutes without air conditioning a pet can show signs of heat stress which could be deadly.
- Freeze treats or food in water. This can then be given to pets on warm days providing entertainment for them as well as helping to cool them down.
- Shell pools placed in the shade can help your pet cool down on hot days.
- Cool down pets by placing wet towels on their backs or have them lay on them.
Signs of heat stress include:
- panting
- collapse
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- going off their food
- pale or very red gum line
- restlessness
Brachycephalic breeds (animals with a short muzzle) such as pugs, pekingese and mastiffs will feel the heat more than other animals, as they can not cool themselves as well by panting.
If you think your pet is suffering from heat stress and require veterinary assistance, please call the clinic on 03 5443 3322 for advice 🙂
What are your top tips this summer? Tell us below!
Always remember if you feel as though your pet is suffering from heat stress please seek veterinary medical attention as soon as possible by calling BAH on 03 5443 3322