Summer will soon be upon us once again. Summer is a fun time of year but it can carry extra risks for your dog. I have put together a few tips so you can take extra care of your four-legged friend through the scorching summer months.

Never leave your dog in the car, not even for a few minutes. Heat can rise extremely quickly inside a car, even with the windows cracked open, so plan ahead and leave your dog at home if you will need to make stops while you travel.

Keep your house cool, especially if you are going out and leaving your dog unattended. If you have air conditioning leave it on, if not close curtains and blinds and keep the fans running. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh cool water.

It is still important that your dog gets regular exercise during the summer but this should ideally happen early morning or evening when the temperatures drop. Carry enough water for you and your dog; some dogs can carry their own water in a doggy backpack. Check the pavement before you set out. As a general rule if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it is also too hot for your dog’s paws. Stick to walks which are shaded, where your dog can walk on the grass and if possible where there is access to water. We run our regular pack and training walks where there are plenty of access points that dogs can use to cool their feet as well as dog drinking points.

If leaving your dog in the yard, make sure s/he has plenty of shade and access to water. You can add ice cubes to water bowls, which your dog will love. Be aware that dog kennels can trap heat. Shade from trees, shade sails and umbrellas are often better at allowing airflow. A clamshell or kiddie pool is another great idea. Dogs cool down through their feet, as well as their breathing, so access to a paddle pool is great way for your dog to regulate his own temperature.

You could try making cool treats, or doggy popsicles in the summer months. Just freeze a container of water with a few hidden treats or pieces of dog food. This will help to keep your dog cool and act as a bit of environmental enrichment for when s/he is home alone.

At risk dogs such as the pug and bulldog breeds, older and overweight dogs should be watched carefully as their smaller airways make it more difficult for them to cool down.

Groom your dog regularly, especially if longhaired, as this will help remove excess build up of hair growth and make it easier for him/her to cool down.

Visit your Vet to ensure vaccines are up to date, diseases like Parvo spread in hot weather. Make sure your flea treatment is current too as fleas and mosquitos can spread diseases that carry heartworm. Give medication regularly to prevent ill health.

It isn’t just the heat dogs have difficulty dealing with, make yourself aware of the humidity levels too as high humidity can be particularly difficult for dogs to deal with.

Finally, I’ll leave you with a list of the signs of heatstroke or overheating. If you notice any of these signs treat it as a medical emergency and seek assistance from a Veterinarian as soon as possible:

• Heavy drooling • Trouble breathing • Weakness • Agitation • Heavy panting • Increased heart rate • Dark red gums and tongue • Dizziness – unsteady on feet

Stay safe and enjoy the summer everyone! We are so lucky on the Gold Coast with lots of great dog beaches, lakes and waterways for us all to enjoy.