It's time to crank the air-conditioning for flat-faced dogs such as the Pug, French Bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs (known as Brachycephalic breeds) are not very well designed for our hot summer months and are very susceptible to heat stress.

Dogs are not able to sweat like humans and they rely heavily on panting to regulate their body temperature. Brachycephalic dogs have shorter muzzles and as a result, air-flow is restricted in and out of their mouth. This essentially makes it harder for them to effectively exchange hot air for cool, and they can easily overheat.

Brachycephalic dogs can be quite variable in terms of the degree of shortness of their muzzles and this means that some brachycephalic dogs will cope relatively well in the heat but others may find even a slight increase in temperature a challenge. Some of these dogs also have narrow nostrils (nares) making it even harder to draw in air to pant, putting them at greater risk of heat exhaustion.

 How to keep these dogs safe

- Know the signs of heat stress (read below for more information)

- Provide a cool environment for these dogs at all times and never leave them outside in the heat

- Keep airflow up with fans and preferably keep them in air conditioning

- Never exercise them in the middle of the day and skip exercise all together on extremely hot or humid days

- Avoid trips in the car unless absolutely necessary and never leave your dog unattended in a car even on a mild day

- Provide a shallow wading pool and frozen treat ice blocks to help keep them cool

- Keep your dog's weight under control as obesity can increase the risk of overheating

Some Brachycephalic dogs will benefit from corrective surgery to improve airflow through the back of the mouth and nostrils. The earlier this surgery is performed on these dogs the better. Ask us for more information.

1. Check under the car
Don't forget to check under your car before you drive off - cats, in particular, like to seek out the shade provided by a car and are often asleep, putting them at risk of being run over. A toot of the horn before you move the car is always a good idea. 

2. The hidden danger on our streets
Ever heard the term 'this pavement is so hot you could fry an egg on it?' The hidden danger on the street this summer IS the street!

Believe it or not, the pavement can get so hot in summer that it can cause burns and blisters to your dog's paw pads. We recommend you stick to walking your dog in the cool of the day and take the softer (grass) route to the park. You can try booties to protect the paws but most pets won't tolerate them. 

3. Pools are not always safe
Pets don't always like the water and many can't even swim. Never force your pet to get in the water and never leave your pet where they can access a body of water without supervision. Consider using a floatation device such as a life jacket for extra safety. 

Don't let your pet drink the pool water as it can be toxic and always provide copious amounts of fresh drinking water. Wash your pet off after a swim as chlorinated water, in particular, can irritate the skin and eyes. 

4. Beach beware 
If you take your pet to the beach beware of saltwater toxicity. Dogs are often inclined to ingest a whole heap of saltwater at the beach and this can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep them supervised and always provide plenty of clean and fresh drinking water. 

Also be aware that it's not just the pavement that can burn your pet's paw pads - the sand can become extremely hot too. 

And finally - the paralysis tick loves to hang out in coastal areas along the east of Australia. Make sure your pet is protected as this tick can be fatal - ask us for the best prevention. 

The warmer weather can be really stressful for our wildlife. After a few consecutive days of high temperatures, it is not uncommon for us to see wildlife suffering from heat stress and dehydration. Some animals can also suffer burnt feet from walking on hot tin roofs or even the pavement.   

Birds, possums and koalas are often the ones commonly affected but thankfully there are a few things you can do at home to help them out. 

Keep an eye out for animals that are ...

- Weak and lethargic

- Confused

- Come down to ground level searching for water (especially possums and koalas)

- Birds may open their beaks or hold their wings away from their body

How you can help our native furry and feathered friends

- Provide containers of water around your garden at varying heights - try and put them in protected areas such as hidden under a bush so the animals feel safe. Don't forget to place a stick or rock in the water so if an animal falls in they won't drown

- Keep cats and dogs inside and supervised at all times to prevent them preying on vulnerable wildlife

If you come across an animal suffering from heat stress you should call us as soon as possible for advice. If it is safe to do so, we may recommend you bring the animal to us for care. You can also contact your local wildlife shelter.