Summer in Australia means sun, swimming, and social gatherings, and it’s essential to ensure your furry companions stay safe during these hotter months. Here are some important summer safety tips to help protect your pets: 

Pool safety for pets 

If you have a pool, establishing rules and preventative measures is vital to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the water. 

  • Pool barriers: Make sure your pool is secured with fencing and self-closing gates. Use mesh barriers to keep smaller dogs out of the pool area, and block or remove above-ground pool steps to prevent unsupervised access. 
  • Swimming lessons: Introduce your dog to swimming gently. Hop in the pool and encourage them, never forcing or throwing them in. Stay nearby, ready to help, and guide them in and out of the pool using the steps. 
  • Water safety: If your dog enjoys retrieving balls in the pool, monitor them to ensure they get rest breaks and don’t ingest too much water, which could make them unwell. Dog life jackets are a helpful safety tool but shouldn’t replace careful supervision. 

Beat the heat 

With soaring temperatures, keeping pets cool and enriched is important: 

  • Shallow pet pools: Consider a shallow pool with toys for your dog to splash in, positioned in a shaded area. Ensure your dog can safely exit the pool and keep water depth to elbow level for added safety. 
  • Frozen treats: Try freezing a mixture of safe fruits and vegetables like carrots and broccoli for a cooling snack. If you’re unsure which foods are safe, take a look here or consult your vet. 
  • Heat stroke awareness: Dogs can suffer from heat stroke, especially brachycephalic breeds (like French and British Bulldogs), overweight pets, or those with thick or dark coats. 

To help prevent heat stroke, provide shaded, cool areas outdoors or ensure proper ventilation indoors. Always have fresh water available and avoid walking your dog during the hottest times of the day.  

Remember to check surfaces like asphalt or sand for heat by holding your hand on them—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. 

  • Indoor enrichment: On extremely hot days, opt for brain games and short training sessions inside to keep your pet engaged. 

Important Reminder: Never leave pets unattended in a hot car. 

Safe and Enjoyable Socialising 

Gatherings and barbecues can be overwhelming and hazardous for dogs. 

  • Designate a safe space: Give your dog a calm area to retreat to, such as a crate or pen, away from the hustle and bustle. This can also prevent them from slipping out the door as guests come and go. Check out our crate training guide. 
  • Barbecue dangers: Be mindful of the dangers posed by BBQ foods. Common hazards include onions, skewers, and bones.  

Fireworks 

With summer celebrations often come fireworks, which can be distressing for pets. Start preparing early to minimise their anxiety. 

  • Safe space: Create a cosy, secure area for your pet, like a crate. 
  • Noise sensitivity: If your pet is fearful of fireworks, secure your home and yard, reduce outdoor noise by closing windows and doors, and let your pet find their preferred spot to feel safe. 
  • Veterinary advice: Consult your vet about options for managing your pet’s anxiety well before the festive season. 
  • Microchip checks: Ensure your pet’s microchip information is current. Pets often escape during fireworks, so being prepared is key. 
Sources

PetSure. 2022. Summer safety with your pet. Available at: https://petsure.com.au/knowledge-hub/summer-safety-with-your-pet/. 

ASPCA. 2022. Have Fun in the Sun with These Pet Safety Tips. Available at: https://www.aspca.org/news/have-fun-sun-these-pet-safety-tips. 

PetMD. 2022. Heat Stroke in Dogs and Cats: Prevention and Emergency Care. Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/heat-stroke-dogs-and-cats 

Petinsurance.com.au. 2020. Pet Insurance Policy Details for Heat Stroke Coverage. Available at: https://www.petinsurance.com.au. 

RSPCA Australia. 2023. Tips for Keeping Pets Cool in Hot Weather. Available at: https://www.rspca.org.au. 

Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.

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