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Pet owners reminded to keep beloved animals cool and hydrated in summer
Pets at increased risk of heatstroke with a scorching summer forecast in 2018-19
The hot weather can be fatal for dogs, who pant because they don't perspire
Dogs must be supervised when in water as many can't naturally swim

By Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 05:19 EST, 1 December 2018 | Updated: 06:19 EST, 1 December 2018

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Humans are not the only ones who need to keep cool and hydrated this summer as the warm weather heats up.

Pet owners have been reminded to also spare a thought for their beloved four-legged friends who are at increased risk of heatstroke, which can have a fatal toll.

A scorching summer was forecast for most parts of Australia when the Bureau of Meteorology released its 2018-9 summer outlook this week.

Dogs should be supervised and taught how to swim when cooling off in the water this summer

Most of the country had an 80 per cent chance of exceeding normal temperatures over the next three months, with Victoria the only state predicated to get average rainfall.

The sweltering weather can be fatal for dogs, who pant because they don't perspire.

'If you see a dog and they can't get cool air in, if they are panting and salivating, looking distressed, they are possibly overheating,' television vet Dr Katrina Warren told Channel Nine's Today Show.

Dogs also need to keep cool and hydrated this summer to avoid getting heatstroke

Parts of Australia have already had an early taste of summer as parts of Queensland soared into the 40s last week, recording record temperatures.

Brisbane is forecast to hit a scorching 38 on Sunday while Sydney will only be a few degrees cooler with temperatures in the mid 30s.

'We've already seen extremely hot temperatures through parts of north and central Queensland in recent days and this should act as an important reminder of the kinds of conditions we can get during an Australian summer,' the bureau's manager of long-range forecasting Dr Andrew Watkins said.

A trip to the beach or a baby pool is a great way for dogs to cool off but like young children, should be supervised when they're in the water.

Don't forget other pets such as rabbits (left) and cats (right), who also need to be kept cool

'Some breeds of dogs don't swim naturally, and they don't know how to swim,' Dr Warren said.

'Unfortunately lots of dogs drown, like toddlers as well.'

Frozen treats and ice cubes in the water bowl are also great for dogs feeling the heat.

The best time to walk dogs is at sunrise and sunset as the hot bitumen in the middle of the day can burn their paws.

RSPCA Queensland issued a warning last week after it received more than 230 reports of heat stress in cars and backyards in November.

Dog owners should put out several bowls of water on hot days, if case one gets knocked over

'The figures since the beginning of the year are even more alarming,' RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said.

'We've had 1, 126 reports of animals being left in hot cars and 2,026 of animals being left with no shelter or shade!'

Pets should never be left unattended in a motor vehicle or in the back of a ute.

'If it's 30 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can potentially rise to well over 40 degrees in less than five minutes,' Mr Beatty said.

'We tested a light coloured sedan and the temperature rose to 57 degrees in twelve minutes. Any animal left inside would have been dead.'

Dogs left in backyards can also be in danger.

Make sure your four-legged friend always has access to shade and water on warm days

'A dog can survive for days without food, but in these temperatures, if they don't have shade or can't reach water they'll die,' Mr Beatty said.

'A rope or a chain can easily become entangled in furniture or plants and that can be fatal. It's far better to make the yard or courtyard secure and then it won't be necessary to tether the dog in the first place. We would also recommend that there are at least two to three containers of water in case one gets knocked over.'

The best time to walk or exercise your dog during summer is at sunrise and sunset

Cats will generally find a place to keep cool when it's hot but it's helpful to ensure their water is in a convenient place in the shade or indoors.

Smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs, are more susceptible to heat stroke and should always be in cool, shaded areas with access to fresh drinking water.

If you see a distressed dog in a hot car unattended, call the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL.