19 Dec 2017

The heat is on pet owners to keep animals cool and safe in summer.

Christchurch City Council Team Leader Animal Management Mark Vincent says water and shade are the seasonal essentials at home and away as sweltering conditions can take a heavy toll on animals.

“Dog owners are being reminded to pay special attention to their pets as the temperatures soar,” Mr Vincent says.

“Kennels left sitting in direct sunlight can become a deadly heat trap, as can cars.

Remember to regularly top up your pet's water bowl.

Remember to regularly top up your pet's water bowl.

“If it is hot outside, can you imagine how much worse it must be for a dog left locked in a vehicle with limited air space?

“Most pet owners recognise the potentially fatal consequences of keeping pets in hot cars. Constant air circulation and ventilation are critical to your pet's survival. As Christmas shopping ramps up, we urge pet owners to leave animals at home in a cool, safe place, rather than stuck in a sweltering car.

“If you have to take your pet, try to park in a shady, cool area or in undercover parking, ensuring there is ventilation,” he says.

“When travelling with animals, keep the car interior cool and make regular stops for a short walk in the shade, and remember to bring a wet towel so your pet can lie back and chill out.

“Pets also need to stay hydrated, so keep a water bowl in the car and top up the contents regularly.”

A trip to the beach may also be on the Kiwi Christmas calendar.

“However, avoid walks in the middle of the day – between 11am and 4pm – as temperatures climb,” Mr Vincent says.

“I have already witnessed dogs being walked on hot sandy beaches and asphalt. If the surface is hot to the touch, don’t walk your dog on it. Hot surfaces will burn dogs' paws, causing pain, so steer clear.

“Excessive panting indicates your pet may be in trouble and needs shade and plenty of water to drink.”

Grooming and regular clipping can also help pets stay cool.

“The thicker the coat, the greater the risk of overheating,” Mr Vincent says.

And make sure your pet does not gorge on Christmas “treats”.

“A special Christmas lunch may come back up as quickly as it has been wolfed down.”

Whether your family pet is enjoying a staycation, travelling afar or boarding with fellow felines or canines, full care and suitable supervision lead to happy holidays.

Key messages

• Animals can quickly die in overheated vehicles.

• Pets aren’t allowed in shops, so please leave your special friends at home during the lead-up to Christmas.

• Constant vehicle air circulation is essential for pets as temperatures soar.

• Being able to cool down on wet towels will usually bring a joyous lick of thanks from your pet.

• Slow, progressive cooling is best for overheated dogs. Dunking dogs in cold water is not.

• Avoid walking dogs on hot asphalt surfaces or beach dunes and wait for cooler temperatures later in the day.