Summer Safety for Aussie Pets: What to Look Out for and How to Keep Them Safe

As the Australian summer heats up, it's essential for pet owners to be aware of the potential dangers that come with the season. From scorching temperatures to deadly paralysis ticks, there are many hazards that can threaten your pet’s health and wellbeing.?

In this article, we'll outline the key things to look out for during the Australian summer and provide practical tips on how to keep your pet safe and happy.?

Heat Stress and Heatstroke?

Australia's summer temperatures can soar, putting pets at risk of heat stress and heatstroke. Dogs are prone to heat-related illnesses due to their thick coats and inability to sweat.??

• Signs of heat stress and heatstroke: Panting, drooling, restlessness, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse.?

• Preventing heat stress: Provide plenty of shade and fresh water, limit exercise to cooler parts of the day, and consider using cooling pads or mats. Do not leave your dog in the car for prolonged periods.?

• Action: If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stress or heatstroke, seek veterinary attention immediately.?

Paralysis Ticks?

Paralysis ticks are a major concern for pet owners in Australia, particularly during the warmer months. Ticks can cause paralysis and even death if left untreated.?

• Signs of tick paralysis: Weakness, paralysis, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.?

• Prevention: Use tick preventatives, such as topical treatments or medicated shampoos, and conduct regular tick checks on your pet.?

• Action: If you find a tick on your pet, remove it immediately and seek veterinary attention.?

Sunburn and Skin Cancer?

Just like humans, pets can suffer from sunburn and develop skin cancer. Dogs, cats, and horses are all at risk, particularly those with light-coloured coats or thin fur.?

• Signs of sunburn: Redness, inflammation, and blistering of the skin.?

• Prevention: Provide shade, use pet-specific sunscreen or equipment (horse fly mask), and limit outdoor time during peak sun hours.??

• Action: If your pet suffers from sunburn, seek veterinary attention for advice on treatment and care.?

Insect-Borne Diseases?

Mosquitoes, flies, and other insects can transmit diseases to pets, including heartworm, flea allergy dermatitis, and flystrike.?

• Signs of insect-borne diseases: Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and skin irritation.?

• Prevention: Use insect preventatives, such as topical treatments or medicated shampoos, and eliminate standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.?

• Action: If you suspect your pet has an insect-borne disease, seek veterinary attention for diagnosis and treatment.?

Other Summer Hazards?

In addition to the above hazards, there are several other summer dangers to be aware of, including:?

• Snake bites: Be cautious when walking your dog in bushland or grassy areas and seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect a snake bite.?

• Hot surfaces: If the footpath is too hot for your bare feet, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.?

• Fireworks and thunderstorms: Provide a safe and secure space for your pet to retreat to during fireworks and thunderstorms and consider using calming aids or pheromone therapy to reduce stress.?

• Drowning: Supervise your pet around water, and ensure they have easy access to shade and rest.?

• Grasses: Awns are sharp, arrow shapes with bristles and grown from grasses such as spear grass, wild oats, barley grass and brome grass. They are equipped with many small barbs pointing backwards, which enable the awns to attach themselves to a dog’s fur and which only allow movement in one direction – inwards, towards the?animal’s?body. The most common place for awns to lodge is between the toes where they lodge and cause small abscesses, which can be quite painful for dogs.?

By being aware of these summer hazards and taking proactive steps to prevent them, you can help keep your pet safe and happy during the Australian summer. Remember, if you're ever in doubt or concerned about your pet's health, seek veterinary attention immediately.?