How to Keep Your Pets Cool in Summer

Summer has finally arrived, which means holidays, beach days and barbeques! As the winter coats go away and the air conditioners go on, it’s important to make sure we help keep our pets cool as the temperature rises.

Not sure where to start? Here are our tips on how to keep your pets cool throughout summer!

DIY Ice Treats:

Ice treats are a great way to encourage your pet to stay cool and hydrated in the hot weather!

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for DIY ice treats:

  1. Place a few of your pets favourite treats in an ice tray (suitable for smaller dogs) or an empty ice cream container (suitable for larger dogs)
  2. Fill with water. To add a bit of flavor you can mix in some beef stock or gravy powder!
  3. Tip the treat out and watch as your pet enjoys their new treat! It’s a great idea to place the ice treat into an empty food bowl so there’s not as much clean up afterwards!

Pool Time:

Kiddie pools are a great way to help keep your pets cool in the warmer weather. Dogs can splash around and even drink! Alternatively, you can get out the garden hose and splash your pet, (as long as they are enjoying it!)

Stay Inside:

During the hot weather, it’s a good idea to keep your animals inside. If your pet normally sleeps outside, consider bringing them inside on warm nights, especially if you are lucky enough to have air conditioning. Like us, once they get hot it is hard for our pets to cool down, so its best to keep them cool before the weather heats up.

Smaller animals such as birds and rabbits can be quite heat sensitive too. If you can’t bring them inside then try to move their cages to a shaded area, and drape wet towels over their cage. And always make sure your pets have fresh water

Wet Their Feet:

As cats and dogs don’t sweat, it’s important for us to do what we can to help them regulate their body temperature. Dogs and cats regulate heat through their feet and paws, so dipping their feet in water will help cool them down.

Exercise:

It’s important for our pets to keep active despite how warm or cool it may be, so you may have to adapt their exercise schedule in line with the weather. During the warmer months, it’s a great idea to exercise your animals early in the morning, or in the evening to avoid peak temperatures. Here’s a list of our favourite pet-friendly destination’s in New Zealand if you’re lacking some inspiration!

summer

Top 6 dog friendly beaches in New Zealand

There’s nothing quite like a relaxing walk on the beach with your favourite furry friend by your side, and luckily for us, there are plenty of off-leash beaches to explore around the country.

Your pooches are sure to love running in the sand and cooling off with a nice swim while you get to get back to nature!

Unsure where to go? Here are our top 6 favourite dog friendly beaches in New Zealand:

  1. Takapuna Beach, Auckland

Takapuna beach is one of our favourite places as it offers breathtaking views and a whole lot of fun for your dog! In summer the beach limits dogs to be off-leash only before 10am and after 6pm however your dog can run free throughout the rest of the year!

After you’ve been to the beach, why not head to Takapuna Beach Café which is the perfect pet-friendly destination for you and your canine companion.

  1. Lyall Bay, Wellington

If going for a great walk is your aim, then head to Lyall Bay in Wellington – a popular meet-up for dog walkers alike. This surf beach has a great stretch of sand for a big walk and the refreshing ocean is perfect for a quick swim after you’ve worked up a sweat. The only catch is that dogs are not permitted in the area from the steps in the seawall or on the children’s playground.

  1. Piha Beach, Auckland

For breathtaking views you don’t want to miss, take your four-legged friend to the off-leash area in at the North Piha Beach. You can easily notice the dog friendly off-leash area as it is outlined by poles along the beach. Just remember that if your pup isn’t a strong swimmer, it’s best to keep them on-leash as the waves and water can be quite rough.

  1. Waimairi Beach, Christchurch

Get your body moving and go for a run with your dog along Waimairi Beach. You and your dog will love the gorgeous view! However from November 1st – March 31st dogs are prohibited on the actual beach, so you will need to head to Bottle Lake Forest Park located just behind the beach.

  1. Bethells Beach (Te Henga), Auckland

If your dog loves to get social with other friendly pups, then head down to Bethells Beach for a game of fetch and a swim in the water! Why not organise a puppy play date with a friend or two and enjoy the breathtaking views and some great bonding time with your dogs?

  1. Brighton Beach Reserve, Dunedin

If you’re looking for a great spot to walk your dog, then Brighton Beach Reserve is the place to go! Your furry friend will love to run around on the sand and cool off in the water with you by their side.

Adorable french bulldog seated on the beach