Highton vet urges pet owners to be mindful of animal needs in heat and with fireworks

A Geelong-based vet has revealed how to best care for your furry friends and avoid emergency visits due to injury during the summer heat and New Year’s celebrations.

Doctor Sue Jacker from Highton Vet Clinic with dog with George. Picture: David Smith

Highton Vet Clinic’s Dr Nick Law says pet owners need to take extra care of their furry friends during this weekend’s warm weather and New Year’s Eve festivities.

The warning comes as the region is expected to experience hot weather in coming days, with the mercury tipped to reach 34C on New Year’s Day.

Dr Law said he previously treated animals for heatstroke and burns after they were taken for walks on hot pavement.

Another dog was treated at the clinic last year after it got spooked by fireworks, ran through a glass door and injured itself.

Dr Law said owners should treat pets like children, never leave them in cars and understand animals have similar heat tolerances to humans.

He said smaller animals were especially susceptible to heat related illness.

Doctor Sue Jacker with George. Highton Vet clinic. For a story about looking after your pets in the heat and with fireworks. s.

“Definitely the main thing is providing plenty of shade and free access to water,” Dr Law said.

“On those really hot days, keep animals inside, with the air conditioner on if possible.”

Dr Law said animals needed access to plenty of water and urged pet owners to be mindful of pavement temperatures.

He said he treated a dog in 2021 that suffered burns to all four paws and had to revisit the clinic “six or seven times” to get its wounds re-bandaged.

Dr Law said if it was too hot for people to walk bare foot on the pavement, it would be too hot for animal paws

“The easiest thing is to walk (your pet) first thing in the morning, or in the evening when it’s cooled down,” he said.

Doctor Sue Jacker from Highton Vet Clinic with dog with George. Picture: David Smith

Dr Law said it was also important to be mindful of loud noises, including fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

He said pet owners should keep animals inside for the duration of fireworks.

“Owners should keep their pets inside, or if they need to be outside, have them on a lead,” he said.

“When they’re inside, make sure they get dark areas of the house, particularly with cats, with their favourite toys.

“It can also be helpful to have the TV or radio quite loud, so they can’t hear the bangs.

The RPSCA also issued a warning, with a spokesperson reminding pet owners to ensure animal microchip details were up-to-date.

Originally published as Highton vet urges pet owners to be mindful of animal needs in heat and with fireworks