Have a happy and safe summer with your pets.

Words by Adele Ashton, Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand’s summer can be gorgeously warm, with days at the beach, family picnics or getaways. But when the days are hot, we recommend leaving the family dog at home in a cool, comfortable and sheltered area, with plenty of access to fresh water. If you are thinking about travelling with Fido, remember to do so safely and comfortably. Here, we’ve got some tips to keep your furry family member cool during the heat!

 IF YOU’RE PLANNING ON TAKING THE DOG IN A CAR: 
• What’s the weather like?
• Will I have to leave the dog in the car?
• How long will the dog be in the car?
• Is it better to leave the dog at home?

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBER: 
These are just a few things to pop on your checklist if your dog is coming:
• Water and bowl
• Collar and/or harness and lead
• Bedding
• Toys
• Food and bowl
• Pet-safe sunblock — yes dogs can get sunburnt too — especially on the muzzle and ears!

IN VEHICLES 
Try to make several stops along your journey and make sure that someone can stay with doggo at all times. It’s not okay for a dog to get heat stressed in a car, and even on mild temperate days, this can happen within a matter of minutes.

HEAT STRESS SYMPTOMS 
There are a few key signs to look for to ensure your dog is comfortable. If you see any of these symptoms, it can indicate they are suffering from heat stress:
• Panting
• Drooling
• Hyperventilation

If you notice any of these symptoms take immediate action to help doggo cool down, including:
• Finding a cool, shaded and well-ventilated spot to rest.
• Offer water.
• Placing a wet cool towel on your dog’s paws.

RIDING ON VEHICLES 
If the only option is for your dog to ride on your ute’s tray, make sure he or she is in a secured, well-ventilated cage or crate, or safely restrained in a manner that allows the dog to stand and lie down in a natural position and prevent them from reaching their legs over the side. Remember, being exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time can cause heat stress, so make sure to check in on them regularly.

The only time when it is okay for a dog to be loose on a vehicle is on a farm or on your block when a farm dog is actively working.

STAYING AT HOME 
Thought about it further and don’t think it’s appropriate to take the dog today? Just remember to cater to his or her needs at home to keep them as comfortable and as cool as possible. Access to plenty of fresh water is a must. Choosing the right water bowl is important to ensure it cannot be tipped over easily.

SHELTER 
You’ll be okay if your dog’s shelter meets the following needs:
• Their shelter is clean, dry, well-ventilated, and provides protection from weather extremes.
• Their shelter is big enough to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.
• They have constant access to clean,
fresh water.
• Their droppings and urine do not accumulate.

TETHERING
Tethering is not recommended, particularly if unsupervised, but if it is your only option, make sure that the tether allows your dog to breathe normally, pant, and drink. Ensure the tether keeps them from being tangled or getting injured and allows them access to a well-ventilated shelter for protection from the elements.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Failing to meet your dog’s needs can result in fines of up to $300. If you see a dog in any situation where they look stressed or are overheating, act immediately. Contact SPCA on 0800 SPCA NZ (77 22 69) or the Police (111).

Need more info on animal welfare?
Visit www.mpi.govt.nz/animalregs or email animalwelfare@mpi.govt.nz