WITH the end of the year fast approaching, now is the perfect time to make sure your pet is healthy and happy. Unlike humans, our pets can't communicate with us, so regular check-ups are the best way to make sure they remain in good health.

The team at Mossman’s Hands-on Healing Veterinary Clinic have provided the following tips to make sure your pet is ‘summer ready’.

KEEP THEM COOL AND HYDRATED

• Provide your pets with cool, clean, shaded drinking water, and lots of it. 
  
  
• Avoid too much exercise, especially in really hot sunny weather. Dogs can’t cool down like we do. So if you are going to go for a walk make sure you do so in the morning or evening and avoid the hottest part of the day.
  
  
• Don’t let your pets outside when the temperature sky rockets.
  
  
• Provide a shady, well ventilated area for you pet to lay in during the day.
  
  
• NEVER leave you pet in a hot car, even if you do leave the windows down.

GIVE THEM A SUMMER HAIRCUT
Pets will naturally shed their winter fur when it becomes hotter, you can help them along but giving them a bit of a trim which will make their fur more manageable during the summer months. However, it is not recommended your shave your dog or cat. Their coat act as insulation which helps keep them cool during hot days. Provide your pet with a cool, shaded placed to lay during the day and their bodies will do the rest.


HOY DAY ACTIVITIES WITH PETS
There is no reason to stop exercising with your pets during the hot months, it is important to be mindful about the time of day and what activities you do with your pets during the heat.

• Provide them with a paddling pool in a shaded area for them to play in during those hot days.
  
  
• If your pooch is especially fond of water you can throw a ball or a toy through a sprinkler. Not only does this keep them entertained but also gets them wet and helps them cool down.
  
  
• Take them to a dog friendly beach and let them socialise with other dogs and humans while getting there paws wet.
  
  
• Take them from a walk/run either early in the morning or late at night to beat the summer heat. It is better to avoid too much exertion during exercise or play time as this can cause heat stroke.

DOGGY DAYS OUT
There are a lot of companies our there that specialise in fun adventurous days out for your and your four legged friend, so why not indulge in a day out for you and your pet?

• A movie and wine in the park with your pooch
  
  
• A weekend escape down to the beach or creek
  
  
• Check out what your local city/council has on offer this summer.