With temperatures heating up, you've probably already switched to your Summer linen, packed away the winter jumpers, and have been running the ac to avoid the heat this season brings along with it. But what have you done to ensure your furry friend beats the heat?

Keeping your pet cool in summer is essential to their well-being and can significantly affect their health and happiness.

The Pet Food Australia team has compiled 11 tips on how to keep your pet cool in summer:

KEEP THEM HYDRATED

Whether you're on a walk, hike, beach trip, or simply lounging around the house, ensure your dog has plenty of fresh, cold drinking water to keep them hydrated.

Before you go on a walk, pop a few bits of ice in the water bottle you're carrying and bring a collapsible bowl in your backpack to ensure they can take regular breaks and rehydrate.

MAKE A DIY COOL MAT AND BED

If you plan on taking your dog out and about, purchase a cool mat or blanket to help them stay cool when resting outside. Alternatively, you can make one at home by filling a pillowcase with rice and freezing it for a few hours before use.

TRIM THEIR FUR

An animal with long fur can quickly overheat in summer. So give your pet a trim, avoid razor cuts and leave them with just enough coat to protect their skin from the sun. Or, take regular trips to the groomers.

KEEP THEM INSIDE DURING THE HOTTEST HOURS

On sweltering days, keep your pet indoors during the middle of the day when temperatures are highest. This will give your pet a break from the heat and help prevent them from over-exerting themselves.

PROVIDE PLENTY OF SHADE

If your pet is outside, ensure plenty of shade is available for them to rest in. Dogs will instinctively look for the coolest place to lie down and rest on hot days. Trees and large umbrellas are great options in the backyard, or string a shade cloth if you need to.

GIVE THEM A COOL WASH

A wet towel can work wonders in cooling down your pet. Apply it to their fur, avoiding the face and open wounds, and ensure you ring out excess water before applying it.

Water to play in

On particularly hot days, you could also fill up a shallow pool or water dish for your pet to play in and cool off. For large dogs, kiddie pools are an ideal size - make sure you empty and refresh the water every few hours.

KEEP THEIR PAWS COOL

Hot asphalt can burn your pet's paws, so avoid walking on the road or pavement during peak hours. Instead, stick to the shade and if you're going for a walk on the beach, do it during cooler hours, such as dusk or dawn.

USE A COOLING COLLAR

Cooling collars are a great way to keep your pet cool when out and about. They come in different sizes, fit snugly around the neck and provide relief to the head and neck area - perfect for those hot summer days!

NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR

It can be tempting to leave your pup in the car while you run a quick errand, but it's important to remember that vehicles heat up quickly. So even if the windows are down, your pet is at risk of heat stroke.

CHECK-IN WITH YOUR VET

If your pet has any heat stroke or dehydration issues, make sure you speak to your vet immediately.

By taking extra care of your pet during summer, you can help them beat the heat safely and comfortably.

Make sure you check out more of our purrrr-fect blog posts and articles for more tips on caring for your cat. Or keep up with us on Instagram and Youtube for a fur-ociously good time.