From doggy treat ice-blocks to animal sun cream, Tauranga SPCA’s manager Andrea Crompton has all the tips and tricks to keep your pets safe this summer!

As we get into the depths of summer and the heat rises, it’s easy to get brain fog. Yet we can’t forget to care for the little guys – our precious pets.

Dogs go wild when they hear the word ‘walk’, but Andrea says pet owners should take extra caution when it comes to summer strolls.

“Walking your dog in the middle of the day on concrete is really not a good idea. It’s good to walk them either early in the morning or late in the afternoon on grass or somewhere that’s a bit cool with plenty of shade.”

While you’re enjoying a nice Popsicle, your pooch can be enjoying a cooling treat too.

“A great way to keep dogs hydrated is to freeze your dog’s favourite treat in some water, freeze a Kong, or freeze some water in an ice cream container with their kibble or something like that.”

Not only will this give your dog enrichment, it will cool them down and give them an activity.

For cats and smaller pets, Andrea recommends putting ice in their water bowls.

“Something people don’t think about is you can actually stroke your cat with a damp cloth too.

“That’s a great way to cool them down if they’re into that. The best places are on their paws, bellies or on the outside of their ears.”

Another thing you might not have thought about is slopping sunblock – animal-friendly sunblock of course –on your furry friend.

“It’s really important with white dogs, or dogs that have thinning fur on their noses. White-coloured dogs can get sunburnt real quickly.”

And if you see an animal in a hot car, Andrea says don’t hesitate to call the Police.

“Call the cops –they have the powers to break into cars in emergency situations. So that’s the first call to make if you're concerned.”

Be an animal ally this summer!