Australian summers hit different. Here's how to keep every member of the family cool, safe, and comfortable when the mercury climbs.
We love our Aussie summers — the beaches, the barbecues, the long golden evenings. But for our pets, a 38-degree day isn't a holiday. It's a challenge. And every year, vets across Australia treat thousands of pets for heat-related illness that could have been prevented.
Whether you've got a dog, a cat, a hamster, a bird, or an aquarium full of tropical fish, here's your complete guide to getting through summer safely — and actually enjoying it together.
Dogs: The Ones Who'll Overheat and Still Want to Play
Dogs are enthusiastic. Dangerously enthusiastic. They'll chase a ball in 40-degree heat until they physically can't. It's on us to be the sensible ones.
The basics:
- Walk early or late. Before 8am or after 6pm. If the footpath is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws. Test it — palm flat on the ground for 5 seconds.
- Water, water, water. Carry a portable water bottle on every walk. Keep multiple bowls around the house. Add ice cubes — most dogs love fishing them out.
- Never, ever leave them in the car. Not even for "just a minute." A car can reach 60 degrees inside in under 10 minutes. This kills dogs. Every summer.
- Know the signs of heatstroke: Excessive panting, drooling, glazed eyes, vomiting, stumbling. If you see these, cool them down with lukewarm (not cold) water and get to a vet immediately.
The fun stuff:
- Set up a sprinkler in the backyard and watch the chaos unfold
- Freeze treats in ice blocks — peanut butter, banana, and kibble work brilliantly
- A cooling mat in their favourite spot makes a huge difference on hot nights
- Kiddie pools are a hit with most dogs (and quite a few humans too)
Cats: The Ones Who'll Find the Coolest Spot Before You Do
Cats are natural thermoregulators. They'll seek out the bathroom tiles, the shady corner under the bed, or that one spot near the air conditioner that you didn't even know existed. But they still need help.
What to do:
- Keep fresh water flowing. A water fountain encourages cats to drink more — and hydration is critical in summer
- Close curtains during the hottest part of the day. This keeps the house cooler for everyone
- Brush them regularly. Removing excess fur helps with heat regulation, especially for long-haired breeds
- Watch for sunburn. Yes, cats can get sunburnt — especially white cats on their ears and noses. Pet-safe sunscreen exists. Use it.
- Don't lock them in hot rooms. Make sure they have access to the coolest areas of the house
Small Pets: The Ones Who Can't Tell You They're Too Hot
Hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits are particularly vulnerable to heat. They can't pant or sweat effectively, and they're often in enclosures that trap warmth.
Critical tips:
- Move enclosures away from windows and direct sunlight
- A marble or ceramic cooling plate gives them somewhere cool to lie
- Freeze a water bottle (wrapped in a cloth) and place it in their enclosure
- Never put them outside in the heat. Rabbits especially can die from heat stress in surprisingly mild temperatures
- Check on them frequently. Lethargy and lying flat are warning signs
Birds: The Ones Who Need Airflow
Wild birds can fly to shade and water. Our caged friends rely on us.
- Move cages out of direct sunlight — this seems obvious but it's the number one issue vets see
- Offer a shallow bird bath for them to splash in during the heat
- Mist them gently with a spray bottle (room temperature water) if they enjoy it
- Ensure good airflow — a fan in the room helps, but never pointed directly at the cage
- Serve fresh fruit. Watermelon, grapes, and berries provide hydration and enrichment
Aquarium Fish: The Ones Who Live in Their Temperature
When your house heats up, so does your fish tank. And for tropical fish that thrive in a specific range, even a few degrees can cause stress.
- Monitor tank temperature daily during heatwaves
- Float ice packs (sealed, never directly in the water) to gradually lower temperature
- Increase aeration — warmer water holds less oxygen, so an air pump becomes essential
- Reduce feeding slightly — fish metabolism increases in heat, but uneaten food decays faster too
- Keep lights off during the hottest hours — aquarium lights add heat
The Golden Rule
If you're uncomfortable, they probably are too.
Our pets can't turn on the aircon. They can't grab an iced coffee. They can't drive to the beach for a swim. They depend on us to make smart choices for them — and most of those choices are simple.
Fresh water. Shade. Common sense. That's really all it takes.
Here's to a safe, happy summer for the whole family — including the four-legged, feathered, and finned members.
Need summer essentials? From cooling mats to air pumps, we've got everything to help your pets beat the heat. Shop the full range.