Cool, safe and dry: handling summer weather with pets

On any given summer day, an all-star cast of weather events from heat waves to thunderstorms waits in the wings for a moment in the spotlight – sometimes all in one day, and often unashamed to return for an encore. 

For our pets, this means being prepared for anything nature might throw at us. Extreme changes in the weather can happen at any moment across the business end of the year, so be aware of the dangers and consider these tips to help keep your dog or cat cool, dry and safe this summer. 

Beat the heat

The summer heat is one of the most sinister threats to pets. Heat stroke can strike suddenly and have catastrophic effects. Even on cooler days, high humidity is enough to severely affect our pets. 

On hot days, it’s important to stay in the shade when outdoors with your furry friends. Indoor pets need well-ventilated areas with good air flow and a steady supply of fresh water. Avoid going out in the heat of the day, and when you’re on a walk, be mindful of the surface temperature. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for paws. 

An entertaining way to beat the heat is with a shallow pet pool in the backyard. Ensure they can get in and out by themselves, keep the water level no deeper than their elbows, then sit back and watch the fun. Afterwards, treat them to a frosty ice block made of frozen fruit, vegetables or meat – just avoid grapes and sultanas, which are toxic to pets. 

Keep both your regular and emergency vet’s details handy in case of an emergency. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition; animals can’t sweat the way humans do, and panting can only do so much to relieve overheating.  

If you notice the signs of heat stress – excessive panting and salivation, disorientation, collapse, vomiting or bloody diarrhoea, bright red or bluish gums or even seizures – get to your vet as a matter of urgency. Heat stroke can’t be treated at home, so the quicker you get to a vet, the sooner your pet can recover. A GapOnly®-ready pet insurance policy is great to have in place in this kind of sudden emergency.

Stormy weather

A summer day of humidity is often capped off by a monster thunderstorm. Chances are your pet won’t like that. From the sudden drop in air pressure to the loud noises, thunderstorms are stressful and frightening for dogs and cats. And when they’re stressed, anything could happen. 

But by being prepared, you can mitigate this trauma and keep your furry friends happy: 

• Check the weather forecast – If you know a storm is brewing, you’ve got time to gather supplies or prepare your home for your pet before it hits. 

• Secure the house – Cats and especially dogs can go to extreme lengths to avoid danger when fearful. To avoid any sudden bolts or vanishings, shut your windows and doors, ensure all fences and gates are intact and secure, and make sure your pets are registered with your council and microchipped, as well as adorning them with a collar and tag with your contact number. 

• Drink up – While stress will kill your pet’s hunger, it can make them very thirsty. Make sure you have fresh water on hand and easily accessible, ideally away from windows and doors. 

• Safe space – Set up a calm, quiet, safe environment for your pet to ride out the weather. Put on gentle music, give them plenty of space, avoid windows, and keep the room dark. If your pet is crate trained, their home can be an extremely relaxing port in a storm. 

The change in temperature and humidity can also exacerbate skin irritations, so groom your pet’s coat regularly to reduce matting and tangles. This has the added benefit of improving the coat’s airflow, which keeps your pet cooler. It’s also a chance to notice conditions like itchy skin or ears early before a secondary infection sets in.  

There’s much to enjoy with your pet when summer comes to stay, but there’s plenty to watch out for, too. By taking some simple preventative steps and making sure you’re ready in case of an emergency, you and your pets can make the most of the warm weather.