CLIPPING: Horsham Veterinary Hospital's Jess Hofmaier and Shanelle Pekin give border collie Scarlett a trim for summer. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
AS the mercury rises, it is important to look after pets.
Horsham Veterinary Hospital veterinarian Nicole Kimms said people should ensure pets such as dogs had plenty of shade and drinking water.
She said people could also freeze iceblocks for their pets to enjoy.
"As it defrosts during the day, the cool water helps them as well," she said.
Dr Kimms said long-haired animals should be clipped or kept in the cool.
She said many people filled children's sandpit shells with water for their dogs to climb in and out.
Dr Kimms said people should not walk their dogs in the middle of the day during hot days.
People should also avoid taking their pets in cars.
Dr Kimms said the heat could affect pets and cause heat stress.
"The animal will be sitting there panting an awful lot and not responding to you," she said.
"They will be looking distressed and might be unable to move."
Dr Kimms said generally by the time a vet saw the pet it would be unable to walk or move.
The vet might hose down the animal, pack iceblocks around it or even attach it to a drip to give it fluids.
Bureau of Animal Welfare director Stephen Tate said animals such as older pets, those with thick coats and those adapted to cooler climates were particularly vulnerable to the heat.
He recommended hosing dogs down regularly.
