Brisbane Summer Survival Guide for Dogs: Heat, Storms and Keeping Your Dog Calm

12 hours ago

4 min read

Brisbane summers are wonderful for us and hard work for our dogs. The heat builds, the humidity sits heavy, and by mid-afternoon a storm often rolls in with thunder that shakes the windows. With storm season just around the corner, now is the best time to get your dog ready.

Here's how to keep your dog safe, cool and calm from the first hot day to the last clap of thunder.

Why Brisbane summers are tough on dogs

Dogs don't sweat the way we do. They cool down mainly by panting and through their paws, and panting works far less well in humid air. A day that feels perfectly fine to you can leave your dog overheating.

Some dogs are at higher risk:

Flat-faced breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and French bulldogs
Puppies and senior dogs
Overweight dogs
Dogs with thick or dark coats

If your dog is in one of these groups, be extra careful on hot days.

Spot heat stress early

Know the warning signs so you can act before it becomes an emergency:

Heavy panting that doesn't settle
Thick, ropey drool
Bright red gums
Unusual tiredness, wobbliness or collapse

If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog into the shade or an air-conditioned space straight away, offer small sips of cool water and wet their body with cool (not ice-cold) water. Then call your vet immediately. Heatstroke is an emergency and can become serious quickly.

Everyday ways to keep your dog cool

Most heat problems are preventable with a few simple habits.

Walk at the right time. Stick to early morning or evening. Bitumen and concrete can burn paws. Press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds, and if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.
Water, water, water. Keep several bowls of fresh water around the house and carry water on walks.
Shade and airflow. Make sure your dog can always reach a cool spot. A fan, air conditioning or a cooling mat can all help indoors.
Never leave a dog in a parked car. Not for a minute, and not with the windows cracked. A car heats up faster than most people expect.
Offer frozen treats. Ice cubes in the water bowl, a frozen lick mat or a Kong stuffed and frozen overnight are easy ways to cool down and keep busy.
Ask your vet about ticks and fleas. They tend to be more active in warm, humid months, so make sure your prevention is up to date.

Storm season: why some dogs panic

For many dogs, a thunderstorm is the scariest part of a Brisbane summer. Dogs hear far better than we do, so thunder can be overwhelming. Changes in air pressure, flashes of lightning and the smell of rain can all signal that a storm is coming, and some dogs start worrying well before we notice anything.

Signs your dog is frightened of storms can include:

Pacing, panting or trembling
Hiding, or sticking close to you
Drooling or refusing food
Trying to escape through doors, windows or fences
Chewing, scratching or other destructive behaviour

How to help your dog during a storm

When a storm hits, your goal is to help your dog feel as safe and calm as possible.

Create a safe den. Choose a quiet interior room away from windows. A bed, a crate covered with a blanket, or a spot in the bathroom can all work. Let your dog choose where they feel safest.
Stay calm yourself. Dogs read our mood. Speak softly and act relaxed. Most modern trainers agree that comforting a frightened dog doesn't "reward" the fear.
Mask the noise. Close windows and curtains and turn on the TV, music or a fan to soften the sound.
Offer a distraction. A lick mat, chew or food puzzle can help, but if your dog is too scared to eat, don't push it.
Keep them secure inside. Storms are one of the most common reasons dogs bolt and go missing. Make sure gates and doors are closed and that your dog's microchip details are up to date.

Never punish a dog for being scared. It only adds to their stress.

Build storm confidence before the season hits

The best time to help a storm-sensitive dog is before the storms start, which makes right now the ideal time.

Gradual sound training. Play a recording of thunder at a very low volume while your dog does something enjoyable, such as eating or playing. Over several weeks, slowly increase the volume as long as your dog stays relaxed. If they show signs of stress, turn it down and go back a step.

Talk to your vet if it's severe. For dogs with serious storm fear, your vet can discuss further options, including behavioural support and, in some cases, medication. A qualified trainer or behaviourist can also help.

Storm fear also often overlaps with separation anxiety, so if your dog struggles when you leave as well, our guide to separation anxiety in dogs is worth a read.

Wet-weather energy

Storms and wet days mean cancelled walks, so keep busy dogs entertained with scent games, short training sessions and puzzle feeders. If you live in an apartment, you'll find more ideas in our guide to apartment living with a dog in Brisbane.

Choosing day care in summer

If your dog goes to day care, summer is a good time to ask questions. Ask how the team manages hot days, how dogs are kept cool and comfortable, and what happens when a storm rolls in. A good day care will have clear, confident answers, and it's a question we're always happy to talk through at Doggy Day Care Brisbane. You can read more about what we do on our day care page.

Make this summer a calm one

A little planning goes a long way towards a safe, comfortable summer for your dog. If you'd like to see how your dog gets on in our care, book a trial day for $45 at doggydaycarebrisbane.com.au or call us on 0408 024 928.