Dog owners, 4 min read

Keeping dogs safe in a Perth summer

By the PackDay team. Checked against the sources listed at the end.

Perth summers are long, dry and hot, and they bring more than heat: snakes on the move, burning footpaths and fireworks. A few simple habits keep dogs safe and comfortable until the cooler weather comes back.

Know the signs of heatstroke

Dogs cool themselves mostly by panting, which works far less well than sweating. On a hot day they can overheat quickly. The RSPCA lists these signs of heatstroke: constant panting, a fast heart rate and breathing, pale or red gums, drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, weakness, confusion, muscle tremors, seizures and collapse.

Some dogs are at greater risk. The RSPCA names overweight dogs, very young and very old dogs, and flat-faced breeds, whose shorter airways make panting less effective. Our own mascot, Bandit, is a French bulldog, so on hot days he does his best work lying on a cool floor.

If you think your dog is overheating, the RSPCA advice is to cool them with room-temperature or cool water on their fur and skin, use a fan or air-conditioning, and get to a vet straight away. Murdoch University’s vets also warn against leaving wet towels draped over a dog, because they can trap heat rather than release it.

Walk early, walk late

Save walks and active play for the coolest parts of the day: early morning and evening. Murdoch University’s vets suggest exercising only when it’s below about 32 degrees.

Footpaths, roads and sand can get hot enough to burn paw pads. The RSPCA’s simple test is to hold the back of your hand on the surface for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet. Even grass in full sun can be warmer than you’d expect.

Never leave a dog in the car

Not for a quick shop, not with the windows down, not on a cloudy day. The RSPCA is clear that a dog can overheat and die in a parked car in a short time, even when it doesn’t feel very hot outside.

Make home a cool place

• Give your dog shade and good airflow all day. A shady spot with no breeze can still be stifling.
• Put out plenty of fresh water, with a spare bowl in case one gets knocked over.
• On the hottest days, bring your dog inside, ideally into an air-conditioned room.

Protect pale skin from the sun

Dogs can get sunburnt too, especially on pink noses, ears and bellies. The RSPCA recommends a sunscreen made for animals, and never a human sunscreen, as some contain ingredients that are harmful to pets. Your vet can suggest one.

Watch for snakes

Snakes are more active in hot weather. Murdoch University’s vets name dugites and western brown snakes as the species Perth pets most often meet, along with tiger snakes. A curious dog nosing through long grass or bush is at real risk.

If you think your dog has been bitten:

1. Keep them calm and as still as you can. Carry them if possible.
2. Go to a vet straight away, and call ahead so they can get ready.
3. Don’t wash the bite or use a tourniquet, and don’t try to catch or kill the snake. A photo from a safe distance is enough.

Bites can be hard to spot under fur, and some dogs show no signs at first. If you saw your dog near a snake, see a vet anyway.

Plan for fireworks

Summer means fireworks, and loud bangs frighten many dogs. The RSPCA suggests keeping your dog inside with the curtains closed, giving them a cosy spot they can retreat to, and taking them for a good walk earlier in the day followed by a meal. Never tie a frightened dog up, as they can hurt themselves trying to get away. Most importantly, make sure their microchip details and ID tag are up to date, so they can find their way home if they do escape. If your dog struggles every year, ask your vet about options.

Heading north for the holidays?

Ehrlichiosis, a serious disease spread by the brown dog tick, has been found in dogs in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne and northern Goldfields. If your dog is travelling with you, the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends an effective tick preventative from your vet and a daily check for ticks, especially around the head, ears and between the toes.

Sources

• RSPCA Knowledgebase: How can I protect my dog from heatstroke?
• RSPCA Australia: 4 ways to keep your dog cool this summer
• RSPCA Victoria: Keeping pets cool
• RSPCA Knowledgebase: My pet has been bitten by a snake, what should I do?
• RSPCA Knowledgebase: How should I care for my pets during fireworks displays?
• Murdoch University: Heat wave, snake bites deadly risks for pets
• WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: Ehrlichiosis