🐾 Take a paws and learn something new for your furry mate
Part 2 of 3: Christmas Pet Safety Series
Series Navigation:
🎄 CHRISTMAS PET SAFETY SERIES
📍 You are here: Part 2 - Heat & Decorations
- Part 1: Dangerous Christmas Foods
- Part 2: Heat & Decoration Hazards ← You are here
- Part 3: Stress & Fireworks Management (Coming Dec 19)
⬇️ Download Free Christmas Safety Checklist
⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every dog is different. Always consult your veterinarian for specific health concerns, treatment options, or emergency situations. Standout Pets is not liable for any actions taken based on this information.
Australian Christmas is unique. While the rest of the world bundles up in woolly jumpers, we're dodging 40-degree heat waves and trying not to melt. And our dogs? They're wearing permanent fur coats in this scorcher.
In Part 1, we covered dangerous Christmas foods. Now let's tackle the environmental challenges: keeping your pup cool in extreme summer heat, avoiding decoration disasters, and travelling safely during the holidays.
Let's dive in!
The Big One: Australian Summer Heat Why Summer Christmas is Hard on Dogs
Think about it: your dog can't take off their fur coat. They can't sweat like we do, they cool down by panting, which becomes way less effective when it's 38 degrees outside.
Breeds that struggle most:
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Flat-faced dogs (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs)
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Thick-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds)
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Senior dogs
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Overweight pups
But honestly? All dogs are at risk when temperatures soar.
Spotting the Warning Signs
Heatstroke can happen fast. Know what to look for:
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Heavy, rapid panting (can't catch their breath)
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Excessive drooling
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Weakness or lethargy
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Stumbling or loss of coordination
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Vomiting
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Bright red or purple gums and tongue
If you see these signs:
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Get your dog out of the heat immediately
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Offer cool (not ice-cold) water
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Wet them with cool water (focus on belly and paws)
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Call your vet straight away
Don't try to cool them too quickly with ice, just cool water and shade, then straight to the vet.
Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool
Water, water, water:
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Multiple bowls around the house and yard
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Check and refill throughout the day (water heats up fast!)
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Add ice cubes on really hot days
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Always bring water on walks
Timing is everything:
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Walk early morning (before 11 AM) or late evening
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Avoid midday exercise when it's hottest
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Even during "safe" hours, keep walks shorter on 35+ degree days
Cool-down solutions:
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Air conditioning during peak heat (11 AM - 3 PM)
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Fans positioned where your dog rests
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Wet towels to lie on (refresh them regularly)
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Kiddie pool in the shade (always supervise!)
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Frozen treats - freeze
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in ice cube trays with water for a cooling snack
The car rule (never break this):
NEVER leave your dog in a parked car. Even for "just 5 minutes." Even with windows cracked.
Cars heat up shockingly fast, a 30-degree day outside can become 45+ degrees inside a car within 10 minutes. Dogs have died in much less.
If you see a dog in a hot car, call RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) immediately.
Don't Forget About Their Paws
Hot pavement can burn your dog's paw pads—and it gets hotter than you think.
The 5-second test: Put your hand on the pavement. If you can't hold it there for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Signs of burnt paws:
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Limping
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Licking paws constantly
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Refusing to walk
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Darker or blistered pads
What to do: If you think your dog has burnt paws, rinse them with cool water and contact your vet.
Prevention:
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Walk on grass instead of pavement
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Use dog booties for protection
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Stick to early morning or evening walks
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Apply paw balm before walks (creates a protective layer)
Pool Safety
Pools are tempting on hot days, but not all dogs are natural swimmers.
Keep them safe:
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Always supervise (never leave them unattended)
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Make sure there's an easy way out (ramps or steps)
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Consider a doggy life jacket for non-confident swimmers
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Rinse chlorine off after swimming
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Provide fresh water (they shouldn't drink pool water)
Same goes for beach trips, watch for strong currents and hot sand!
Christmas Decoration Hazards
Your home looks festive, but to your dog, it's full of shiny, tempting, potentially dangerous things.
The Christmas Tree
Tinsel = trouble:
The biggest culprit. Dogs love shiny, dangly things, and tinsel causes serious blockages if swallowed. This often requires surgery.
Our recommendation? Skip tinsel entirely. It's not worth the risk.
Ornaments:
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Glass and ceramic ornaments shatter into sharp pieces
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Small ornaments can be swallowed
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Solution: Use plastic ornaments, hang delicate ones up high, and secure everything to the tree
Lights and cords:
Chewing on electrical cords can cause burns, shocks, and fires.
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Use cord covers
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Keep lights out of reach
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Unplug decorations when you're not home
Tree water:
Often contains preservatives or chemicals that are toxic if your dog drinks it. Cover the reservoir with a secured tree skirt.
Tree stability:
Secure your tree to prevent it toppling over if your dog bumps it. A pet gate around the tree is even better!
Candles & Plants
Candles: Dogs can burn themselves or knock candles over. Swap them for LED flameless candles, they look just as good without the risk.
Festive plants to avoid:
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Holly: Can cause tummy upset
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Mistletoe: Toxic in larger amounts
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Poinsettias: Mildly toxic (not as bad as people think, but still avoid)
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Lilies: Extremely dangerous for cats, less so for dogs, but keep away from both
Solution: Keep plants on high shelves or use artificial alternatives.
Wrapping Paper & Ribbons
Dogs think wrapped presents are toys. The problem? Eating wrapping paper, ribbons, or bows can cause blockages.
Prevention:
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Store unwrapped gifts behind closed doors
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Clean up wrapping materials immediately after opening presents
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Supervise gift-opening time closely
Travel Safety
Car Trips
Many families hit the road for Christmas. Keep your dog safe:
✅ Never leave them in a parked car (worth repeating!)
✅ Use proper restraints: Dog seatbelt, travel crate, or cargo barrier
✅ Take regular breaks: Stop every 2 hours for water and bathroom breaks
✅ Keep the car cool: Air con is essential in summer
✅ Don't let them hang their head out the window: Flying debris can injure eyes
✅ Pack essentials: Water, bowls, treats, any medications, poop bags
If You're Leaving Them Behind
Boarding kennels or pet sitters:
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Book early, December fills up fast
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Check reviews and visit the facility first
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Make sure they have air conditioning
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Provide detailed care instructions
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Leave your vet's contact details
In-home pet sitting might be less stressful for anxious dogs.
Travelling With Your Dog
Taking them along? Plan ahead:
✅ Book pet-friendly accommodation (confirm their pet policy)
✅ Research the area: Where are the nearest beaches/parks? Emergency vets?
✅ Make sure their microchip and ID tags are current
✅ Pack everything they need: Food, water, bowls, toys, medications, bedding
Cool Treats for Hot Days
Keep your pup happy and cool with safe, natural treats from Standout Pets:
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Freeze lamb ears or shark cartilage for extended chewing
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Mix with water in ice cube trays for frozen treat cubes
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Australian-made, single-ingredient goodness
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Free shipping over $59
Cooling enrichment that's completely safe!
Download Your Free Christmas Safety Checklist
Get our complete printable guide:
✓ Dangerous foods
✓ Summer heat tips ← Covered today
✓ Decoration hazards ← Covered today
✓ Emergency contacts
Standout Pets: Your Summer Safety Partner
Keep your pup cool and happy this Christmas with natural, Aussie-made treats perfect for summer:
🦴 Natural Treat Buckets - Freeze for cooling enrichment
🎁 Lamb ears, shark cartilage, and beef jerky - Single-ingredient, no artificial additives
❄️ Frozen treat ideas: Freeze treats in ice cube trays with water for a refreshing Christmas snack
✨ Free shipping over $59
Because your pup deserves safe, healthy spoiling this silly season.
Quick Q&A
Q: How hot is too hot for my dog?
A: When temperatures hit 30+ degrees, limit outdoor time. Above 35 degrees, stay indoors with air con during peak heat. Always test pavement before walks.
Q: Is tinsel really that bad?
A: Yes. It causes blockages that often require surgery. Just skip it—it's genuinely not worth the risk.
Q: Can I leave my dog in the car with the windows down?
A: No. Even with windows open, cars become dangerously hot within minutes. Never leave your dog unattended in a car during summer.
Q: What if I don't have air conditioning?
A: Use fans, wet towels, provide lots of fresh water, and keep your dog in the coolest part of the house. Consider taking them somewhere with air con during extreme heat.
You're 2/3 Done!
✅ Part 1: Dangerous Christmas Foods ✓ Complete
✅ Part 2: Summer Heat & Decorations ✓ You are here
⏳ Part 3: Holiday Stress & Fireworks - Coming Dec 19
One more to go, and you'll have a completely safe Christmas plan for your pup!
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💬 Comment below: How do you keep your dog cool in summer? Any heatstroke scares?
About Standout Pets
We're Australia's go-to for premium, natural pet treats. Our mission? Help you spoil your furry mate with safe, healthy goodies.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This information is general in nature. Always consult your vet for advice specific to your dog's health and situation.
