06/01/2026
Great Advice
🔥 Extreme Heat Warning 🔥
Melbourne is expected to reach 42°C tomorrow and 40°C on Friday. These extreme temperatures can be very dangerous for our pets.
🐾 Important heat safety reminders:
• All animals must have access to fresh, cool water at all times
• Ensure pets have shade or are kept inside with air-conditioning
• Dogs and cats release and absorb heat through their paw pads – hot surfaces can cause painful burns
• We do not recommend walking dogs during extreme heat. Concrete and asphalt retain heat and can be much hotter than the air temperature
👉 If you can’t walk barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog
❄️ Keep-cool ideas for pets:
• Small furry animals (like rabbits) can be offered frozen water-filled soft drink bottles – always ensure they can move away if needed
• Dogs can enjoy homemade icy treats – place treats in a container, cover with water or salt-reduced stock, and freeze
• Cooling mats, frozen towels, or shallow shell pools filled with cool water can help dogs cool down in shaded areas
• Cats will often seek out cool surfaces, such as tiles
⚠️ Brachycephalic (flat or squishy-faced) dog breeds should be on HIGH alert over the next few days. These breeds are at extreme risk of overheating and should be kept in air-conditioning and not walked until temperatures drop.
If you are concerned your pet may be struggling in the heat and needs veterinary attention, please ensure you have your local vet and closest emergency veterinary hospital phone numbers saved, and know their locations.
Stay safe and keep your pets cool 💙🐶
