How-To: Keep Your Pet Safe in Gold Coast Heat
How To Keep Your Pet Safe In The Gold Coast Heat
Summer is the perfect time for you and your dog to be outside, but trying to keep pet safe in heat isn’t always so ideal. With a little knowledge and a bit of planning, you can both enjoy outdoor activities even on the hottest days. The important issue is that your dog stays comfortable when the temperatures are high and we have a few tips to help out.
Time Your Walks
Exercise is an important part of a dog’s daily routine but walking in the summer presents a few challenges. The heat is the most intense during the middle of the day, so it’s best to walk your dog early in the morning and in the evening when the sun isn’t at its peak. If you can walk your pooch before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. you will minimize any potential heat injuries to your four-legged friend.
Stay Close to Home
If your daily walk is normally a long, outdoor adventure it’s best to keep it close to home on hot summer days. Your summer walks might be a little less exciting than your cooler weather outings but it’s best to stay within a short distance from home just in case Fido needs a break or access to some air conditioning and water.
Plan Some Breaks
Before you go out, plan ahead to give your dog some breaks. Look for places that are shaded or grassy. Park benches, porches, tree stumps – anywhere that your pooch can take a break and get out of the direct sun will help keep him or her cool on hot days. Once their panting has significantly slowed or stopped it’s safe to continue on your walk.
Avoid Asphalt
Asphalt is one of the biggest dangers to your dog’s paws in hot weather. If you’re unsure whether or not the asphalt is too hot for your pooch’s paws, test if out on your bare feet. If it’s too hot for you, it’s likely too hot for your dog too. If you can’t find a route that is completely asphalt free, you should try to cross the street as quickly as possible to minimize any possible damage to your dog’s paws. You could also try buying a pair of doggy boots at your local pet store.
Bring Water
On hot summer days, never leave home without some water and a bowl. Leave the ice at home though, as ice water will constrict your dog’s blood vessels which makes it harder for your pet’s body to cool down. You can also pour water on their pads, ears, inner legs and stomach to help bring their body temperature down.
Indoor Games
There are lots of things to do indoors on a summer day too. Outdoor playtime isn’t the only way you and your dog can squeeze in some bonding time. Incorporating treats will be sure to bring an extra level of fun to playtime. Try playing “Find the Treat”. Take several of your pooch’s favorite treats and hide them around the house. Give your dog the signal and let them have a blast sniffing for their reward.
Tricky Cups
If “Find the Treat” is a big hit try hiding a treat under one of three cups while your dog watches. Shuffle the cups around and see if Fido can sniff out which cup the treat is under. This game will give your dog plenty of mental stimulation in absence of the physical activity they might be missing during the warmer weather.
Indoor Obstacle Course
If it’s too hot to play outside, why not get crazy inside by setting up an indoor obstacle course. Use any objects around the house to test your dog’s mental and physical agility. Have your dog jump over some towels and weave in and out of their toys. You’ll kill two birds with one stone giving your pooch both mental and physical stimulation.
With a little planning, you and your best friend can safely enjoy a Gold Coast summer.
