Badger and Me Dog Birthday Box – Review

Variety is the spice of life and we love nothing more than discovering up-and-coming pet businesses like newcomer Badger and Me, that put sourcing high-quality unique items at the top of their priority list! 

Having trialled a number of dog subscription and one-off dog gift boxes, we have found this market segment a bit of a mixed bag and many providers have come and gone over the years.

To stand out and survive, you need to deliver not only excitement but also value for money if you expect dog owners to part with their dollars on a regular basis for the subscription model.

More and more we’re leaning towards being able to hand pick all the elements from a huge selection of dog toys and dog treats, fashion accessories and party props – ideally Australian-made and owned - because we know what we and our dogs like!

Introducing Badger and Me Pet Boxes

Badger and Me is an Australian business located in Melbourne, which started in August 2020. Its owners were searching for ways to spoil their own motley crew of pets including their dog Badger, two cats, two rabbits and a budgie but finding there were limited options for them, they decided to create their own range of species specific custom pet boxes.

For dogs, you’ll find options to celebrate in style their Birthday or Christmas but you can also purchase individual toys, treats and fashion accessories from brands like Big & Little Dogs, Barker & Fetch or Barkin’ Style.

For Conner’s 14th Birthday we chose the “Build Your Own Box” option for a range of reasons. Sadly he no longer supports his hind legs due to worsening canine arthritis so former favourite activities like fetch and tug-of-war are now behind him. However he has the appetite of a lion and will hoe into any food or treats on offer and still enjoys murdering a soft toy, especially if it comes with a squeaker inside. 

Our birthday planning last week-end was marred by a two-day heatwave with temperatures soaring above 40˚C and with another dog suffering from gastroenteritis - eventually requiring a vet visit - these were not the ideal conditions to stage a dog birthday party!

Birthday boy Conner is grinning from ear to ear, looking forward to his Donut Tower
and biscuits from Pooch Cakes

The next day we finally got organised and in a party mood to set up a special area for the dogs to enjoy. Conner loved being the centre of attention, even if our senior citizen needed a few breaks and naps throughout the afternoon.

Our Badger and Me "Build Your Own Box" Experience

We did love some elements from the standard Dog Party Box but having already sampled a few, we elected instead to customise our own box to Conner’s special needs as an elderly dog. 

And with Christmas just around the corner, this allowed us to introduce some themed treats and a dog toy that you’d normally find in one of the Badger and Me Christmas Boxes so Conner got a little spoilt as he was sampling the best of both options! 

Build Your Own Box (Variation on Party Box)

✔️ A Big & Little Dogs "Birthday Balloons" bandana (RRP: $11.95) to dress up for the party! Being an extremely hot day, Conner appreciated the fact it was made from lightweight breathable material and it was easy to tie loosely around his neck. It will get more use over summer as a cooling bandana: it is as easy as running it under cold water and keeping it wet (you could put in the fridge as well).

✔️ 1 x Petbloon Interactive Balloon Ball Toy, which was an instant favourite with our active Malinois twins. Petbloon is a bright and light waterproof balloon cover transforming any standard balloon (3 are provided) into a fun, safe dog toy for fun in your backyard, in the pool or at the beach! (RRP: $21.95)

✔️1 x All Barks Aussie Nibbles (100g), which are an Australian-made lean blend of air-dried premium Kangaroo & Venison meat. Their bite size makes them very economical and ideal to use for training without loading up on calories. (RRP: $11.99)

✔️ 1 x Brown Dog Bakery ‘Sunflower Power’ (130g) of cute bone-shaped dog biscuits made of human-grade ingredients like Oats, Oranges, Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds and Natural Honey. (RRP: $16.50)

✔️ 1 x Bell & Bone Dental Sticks Kangaroo Mint & Turmeric (7 Large) to improve the dental hygiene of our Malinois Porthos (RRP: $18.95). As he shares our bed - and occasionally even our pillow - a fresher cleaner breath would be appreciated! 

Optional Christmas-themed Gifts

✔️ Laila and Me Elf Candy Christmas Treats (100g) suitable for both dogs and cats.
These are little pieces of Australian Pink Ling Fish squashed into little cookie pieces, which we'll be setting aside for a special low-fat Christmas snack! (RRP: $16.95)

Can you crush on dog toys? Apparently, the answer is yes and we’re not talking about our dogs… 

✔️ Christmas Holiday Tree-Rex Santa from PetShop by Fringe Studio. We could not resist this squeaky plush dog toy which features a smiling T-Rex covered in Christmas lights and topped with a Santa hat! (RRP: $26.99)

Honestly, it was so hard to choose just one toy that you may want to start collecting them all including the Sloth, Santa Unicorn, Feelin' Festive Pyjama Llama or Gingerbread Girl... 

Also included were a Yummo Doggo Christmas Tree Cookie (RRP: $6.00) from South Australian-based Brown Dog Bakery and a Barkin' Style Green & White Reindeer (Reversible) Dog Bandana (RRP: $12.00) so at least someone's festive outfit is organised for this year!

This is the main difference we find when dealing with smaller Australian-owned businesses like Badger and Me: customer service is top of mind because every single transaction (and repeat business) matters; you’re not “just a number” in their ordering system. 

They, in turn support our local economy by using other small Australian suppliers.

Whether you’re looking to spoil your dog rotten this Christmas with a box full of goodies, planning to celebrate a special occasion or are simply interested in discovering boutique brands of treats, dog accessories or toys, you’ll find loads of novel ideas when you browse the Badger and Me online shop.

We know we’ll be keeping an eye out on their new arrivals in 2021!

Price & Where to Buy:

RRP: from $55.00 - $70.00 (Christmas Box), $95.00 (Party Box) and set your own budget with the Build Your Own Box option at badgerandme.com.au

Follow Badger and Me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/badger.and.me/

or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/badgerandme 

Holistic Approaches to Dog Reactivity

What to change in your home life to decrease your dog's overall stress level

Owning a reactive dog is a challenge that makes life tricky in many ways. You might have to prepare every walk in detail (where to go - how many other dogs and people to expect - where to escape if your dog crosses his threshold), have a meticulous plan in place if you need to leave your dog with a sitter or put your dog in a room at the other end of the house every time company comes over. 

The stress of the dog pairs with the stress of his owner, and together you can quickly get into a spiral of being anxious and somewhat on edge most of the time.

While no dog trainer has a magic approach that will make your dog’s reactivity disappear, there are a number of small but impactful changes you can implement in your daily life to lower your dog’s general stress level. Reactivity is very much enhanced by existing stress, so making a deliberate attempt every day to reduce your dog’s stress will be very helpful.

A Holiday from Stress

In reactive dogs, we should strive to give them a holiday from stress as much as possible. Of course, in many cases we cannot prevent them from encountering their triggers every now and then. 

However, dogs actually “put up” with a lot of small stressors every day that we might chalk up to normal life. 

Think about your dog’s day-to-day behaviour: 

Is there anything happening around the house that irritates him? Is there an easy solution to avoid these situations? 

I, for example recently had a client whose reactive dog was really triggered by construction vehicles that drove by the house every morning at 8am. He started his day already jacked up on adrenaline from this morning stress, and every encounter with triggers later in the day was made worse by it. 

For him, we made sure that she put him into the room furthest away from the road well before 8am with something to chew. This small change completely took care of the “morning truck tantrum” and made the dog’s rest of the day much more relaxed. 

Chewing 

Chewing is a vastly underappreciated activity for adult dogs. While every dog owner realizes that puppies need to chew a lot, we tend to not be as mindful when it comes to providing ample chewing opportunities to grown-up dogs. 

Chewing (and licking as well) are very calming activities for dogs. In fact, we often see reactive and stressed dogs attempt to self-soothe by licking their toes, chewing on their feet or even giving themselves hotspots as they nibble away at their skin.

I recommend that every dog that struggles with reactivity and anxiety chews for at least one hour every day, better two or more. If you try this, you will usually see a change in your dog’s overall demeanour within a week. 

Perfect chew items are hollow rubber toys such as from the Kong brand or similar. You can fill them with any kind of puree (you can use soaked kibble, raw food, pureed pumpkin, yoghurt …) and freeze them. 

That way you have a refillable, affordable chew option always available for your dog. 

In addition to providing these every day, it can be useful to give these to your reactive dog after he has experienced a triggering episode to help him calm down.

Scatter-Feeding

Scatter-feeding is a highly effective way to calm dogs down and provide them with low-key mental exercise. 

Sniffing itself is very relaxing for dogs - just a few minutes of sniffing can lower your dog’s heart rate by 5-10 bpm!

We can make our dogs sniff by scattering their food instead of giving it to them in a bowl. When you scatter your dog’s food, make sure to actually cover a rather large surface with it. The most common mistake I see in owners who try this is that they put all the food into one place. Spread it out! You can pretend that you are putting out wildflower seeds. 

The more ground you cover, the more your dog will need to use his nose to search for the food, and the more he sniffs, the calmer he will get.

Nosework actually is a quite tiring activity for dogs, and this will not only relax your dog but also tire him out without the “high” dogs get from physically challenging exercise (such as playing fetch).

Schedule Naps

Dogs that are always a bit on edge and anxious tend to not take regular naps. As carnivores, they are not made to stay awake for hours on end. 

Aramis is usually "go-go-go"
but also enjoys taking long naps!

Most dogs do best if they are awake for about 3 hours and then take a nap. If your dog is always on the move, he will get more cranky and easily irritated as the day goes on. 

Some dogs do not know when it’s time to relax and are not good at settling down by themselves. If you have a dog that likes to go-go-go, make sure that you give him quiet times for napping. 

This might mean having him in one room, an exercise pen or his crate for the nap. 

Dogs that are allowed to go in and out at their choosing should be kept inside when it is time to nap - being outside all day can be so stimulating that they are unable to settle down.

Quality Time 

When you have a reactive dog, it is easy to see the dog and any interaction as always connected to the reactivity. 

It is extra important to make time for you to simply enjoy your dog and his company, without worrying about his difficulties. Find routines that you both enjoy and strengthen your bond. 

Maybe this is playing frisbee in the yard, teaching your dog manner and tricks. Maybe it is brushing or massaging your dog at night while you watch TV. Maybe it is challenging him with food puzzles and watching him work his brain.

The exact kind of activity does not really matter - it is only important that you get to connect and enjoy each other’s presence.

A Trusted Dog Sitter

Having a reactive dog can mean stressing out over any situation in which your dog might need to be without you. I highly recommend to try and introduce someone you trust to your dog who can take over if needed. 

Even if it takes a few weeks or months to make sure that your dog is comfortable with this new person, the time you invest into this now will pay off very much in the future. Whether you might have a work, health or family emergency or you simply want to take a trip for a few days - not having to worry that your reactive dog only feels safe with you will be a huge relief.

Once you have a trusted sitter, you can also use the help of them if you ever feel like you need a break from the stress and reactivity. If you are less stressed, your dog will be as well!

Find Safe Zones

Bush trails are Porthos' happy place!

Walking your reactive dog can be a struggle if you are constantly looking out for potential triggers and preparing yourself to calm down your dog in case he crosses his threshold. 

The good news is that chances are there are safe zones for walking your dog not too far from you - if you know where to look! Explore trails or industrial zones in your area. 

You will probably be able to find places with no other people and dogs that allow you to walk without always being on guard.

You might need to get a little creative and think outside the box of “usual walking paths”.

One of my clients for example asked a local school if he could walk his very reactive dog on the school grounds in the afternoon and evenings - the answer was yes - giving them a safe place for relaxed walks.

Take It One Day at A Time

As a dog trainer, I know how hard it can be to own and live with a reactive dog. Hang in there - you are doing amazing and your dog is very lucky to have you. Don’t be too hard on yourself (I meet so many owners who are always blaming themselves for their dogs’ behaviour!).

It is okay to have bad days and days in which your dog crosses his threshold. Take care of yourself and try to reduce your dog’s stress little by little on a daily basis. 

I wish you much luck and success.

written by Steffi Trott, Spirit Dog Training, November 2020 for Australian Dog Lover (all rights reserved).

About the writer

Steffi Trott is the dog trainer at SpiritDog Training (and a hopeless dog enthusiast!). 

She has studied dog training with European trainers such as multi-world champions in agility and European Open winners Silvia Trkman, Polona Bonac, Martina Klimesova and Anna Hinze as well as US trainers like Kim Terrill and Daisy Peel.

She has a personal interest in dog cognition and behaviour and keeps up to date with all scientific publications on the matter. 

She has been teaching dog training to thousands of clients both locally (all over New Mexico) and through online lessons since 2013.

She has 4 dogs of her own that she – of course – trains every day and also participates in competitive agility.

Dog Lovers Book Club - Christmas 2020

It's Christmas time and the most wonderful time of the year with a super-sized Christmas 2020 special edition of our Dog Lovers Book Club!

If you can't bear the thought of a Christmas morning without some great reads to look forward to, this new selection is certain to help you find the perfect present for dog lovers of all ages.

A DOG’S PERFECT CHRISTMAS
by W. Bruce Cameron

The perfect, feel-good holiday gift from W. Bruce Cameron, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the A Dog's Purpose series.

The problems fracturing the Goss family as Christmas approaches are hardly unique, though perhaps they are handling them a little differently than most people might. 

But then a true emergency arises, one with the potential to not only ruin Christmas, but everything holding the family together. 

Is the arrival of a lost puppy yet another in the string of calamities facing them, or could the little canine be just what they all need?

A Dog's Perfect Christmas is a beautiful, poignant, delightful tale of what can happen when family members open their hearts to new possibilities. You'll find love and tears and laughter - the ideal holiday read.

Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Pan Macmillan, 24th November 2020

RRP: $19.99 from all good bookstores and online retailers. 

For all the details, visit www.panmacmillan.com.au

EXTRAORDINARY OLD DOGS
Uplifting true tales of remarkable seniors 

by Laura Greaves 

Puppies are wonderful, but there is something truly special about an old dog. It’s the grey muzzle and salt-and-pepper eyebrows; the face that says ‘been there, sniffed that’. More than anything, it’s the lifetime of love, laughter and licks. 

Most dog lovers wish their four-legged friends could live forever, and yet senior canines are surrendered to shelters and rescue groups in heartbreakingly high numbers. But every day, all over the world, elderly dogs are doing incredible things.

Dogs like Maya, a rescue dog who pioneered the technique used to save koalas after the Black Summer bushfires. Or Haole, who continued working as a surf therapy dog while battling cancer, and eighteen-year-old Holly, who survived for days lost in the outback. There’s Chilli, who found television fame as a senior, and Chaser, the ‘talking’ dog who even in old age could identify over 1000 different objects.

From saving lives and breaking records to leading online movements and surviving against the odds, stately seniors are wringing every ounce of joy and adventure from their lives. In Extraordinary Old Dogs, meet the geriatric tail-waggers proving there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet.

Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia, Imprint: Michael Joseph, 1st December 2020

RRP: $34.99 from all good bookstores and online retailers. 

The HUH? Book
by Ruthless Photos

From the pet photographer that brought you the Tails of Sydney book and the #SquishyFaceCrew book, comes the HUH? book. 

Ruthless Photos' third fundraiser coffee table book features 89 dogs and puppies doing their best “what did you just say?” head-tilts. The HUH? book project has raised $5,000 for Fetching Dogs. 

The finished product is a beautifully designed, limited edition, full colour, hardcover, coffee table book. 

There's a pickup option (Sydney) available at checkout so you don't need to worry about Christmas delivery delays.

Price: $125.00 at www.ruthlessphotos.com

MAX THE MIRACLE DOG
The Heart-Warming Tale of a Life-Saving Friendship
by Kerry Irving

Are you ready, Max? If anyone's going to help me do this, it's you.' This is the heart-warming tale of a life-saving friendship.

In 2006, a traumatic car accident changed Kerry Irving's life forever.

Suffering from severe neck and back injuries, Kerry was unemployed and housebound, struggling with depression and even thoughts of suicide. He went from cycling over 600 miles a month to becoming a prisoner in his own home.

With hope all but lost, Kerry's wife encouraged him to go on a short walk to the local shop. In the face of unbearable pain and overwhelming panic, he persevered and along the way, met an adorable yard dog named Max. As the Spaniel peered up through the railings, Kerry found comfort and encouragement in his soulful brown eyes. This chance encounter marked a turning point in both their lives.

In Max, Kerry found comfort and motivation and in Kerry, Max found someone to care for him. This is their remarkable, inspiring story.

Paperback, 272 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 2nd December 2020

RRP: $17.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

TRAVELLING WITH PETS 

on Australia’s east coast (5th edition)
by Carla Francis

Get your paws on the latest edition of Travelling with Pets on Australia’s East Coast.

Travelling with your beloved dog, cat, bird or horse? Independently researched and collated, this newly updated fifth edition explores the best pet-friendly accommodation (from 5-star hotels to campgrounds) between Port Douglas and Port Fairy. 

Every entry includes a brief, unbiased opinion plus details regarding price and which pets are welcome.

Now also featuring the best doggie days out, dog-friendly beaches, parks, cafes, pubs and wineries, so you can enjoy family outings with your beloved furry friends. 

In collating this invaluable resource for pet owners, no advertising was accepted, and only the author's choice of the best accommodation has been included.

Paperback, 240 pages
Publisher: Woodslane, 23rd November 2020

RRP: $34.99 from all good bookstores and online at www.woodslane.com.au

HIKING MOUNT KOBE
by Kobe the Pyr

Hiking Mount Kobe is a comprehensive dog travel guide to the Blue Mountains, from Glenbrook at the base of the mountains to Lithgow on the western edge. 

Many people assume the Blue Mountains is not a dog-friendly place because dogs aren’t allowed in the national park, but there’s a whole world of tracks and trails on local council land just waiting for the adventurous canine to explore. 

From bush tracks to waterfalls to magnificent cliff faces, there’s something here for every dog, and our guide book provides all the practical information you need for a fun dog day out in the mountains.

Apart from encouraging more dogs and their humans to visit the Blue Mountains, Hiking Mount Kobe also has a more important purpose, and that’s supporting a community still recovering from the previous season’s devastating bushfires. 

For every copy of Hiking Mount Kobe sold, $5 will be donated to the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC) to support their important work in bushfire recovery.

Paperback, 148 pages 

First edition: October 2020

RRP: $45 (includes a $5 donation to BANC), available at:  from kotesbykobe.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS’ CORNER

WHAT THE DOG KNOWS
Scent, Science, and the Amazing Ways Dogs Perceive the World (Young Readers Edition)
by Cat Warren, illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne

In this young readers edition of the New York Times bestseller, Cat Warren and her canine companion, Solo, teach readers that the nose knows no bounds when it comes to working together, being persistent, and helping others.

Solo has a fine nose and knows how to use it, but he’s only one of many thousands of scent-detection dogs all over the United States. That’s a group that includes cadaver dogs, tracking, trailing, and apprehension dogs; dogs that can locate unmarked graves of Civil War soldiers; and even dogs that can find drowning victims more than two hundred feet below the surface of a lake.

All these dogs love to use their noses. They think their job is simply the best, most interesting game they’ve ever played! What good working dogs can do may seem magical or mysterious, but What the Dog Knows shows the science, the rigorous training, and the skilled handling that underlie these amazing abilities.

Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 6th October 2020
For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Price: $17.90 from www.booktopia.com.au

RIGBY, THE SLED DOG’S CHRISTMAS STORY
by Raymond P Byiers, illustrated by Levente Farkas

Rigby is a beautiful gentle husky sled dog who has a dream. He wants to help Santa Claus pull his magical sleigh on Christmas Eve! 

One Christmas, as a little puppy, Rigby saw Santa and his reindeer. But then he didn't see them again for years.

Then, one night, he hears them . . . Santa's jingling bells! Santa is coming, and the magic has begun!...

Hardcover, 24 pages
Publisher: FriesenPress, 12th November 2019

RRP: $29.76 at www.amazon.com.au

THE DOG WHO COULDN’T BE PETTED 

by Rain Jordan,  illustrated by Elizabeth Anderson 

Beautifully illustrated and inspirational to kids and parents alike, The Dog Who Couldn't Be Petted is the story of a little boy who figures out how to help his scared dog learn trust. 

Pet adopters and owners, shelters and rescues, trainers, pet service providers -everyone wins with The Dog Who Couldn't Be Petted. 

Paperback: 52 pages
Publisher: Dog's Heart Press; Illustrated edition (17 July 2020)
For Ages: 5 - 8 years old

RRP: $39.56 from www.amazon.com.au

LUNA, A DOG NAMED AFTER THE MOON
by Diane Dean

Luna, a talking puppy with a positive attitude, deals with being adopted, fears, boredom, and a bothersome cat. When trouble happens Luna uses her animal instincts to help. 

Have you ever thought a dog was talking to you? Luna is the lovable puppy who does just that. When adopted by a family in a hectic Hollywood household, she seeks to achieve her own fame and purpose. 

As Luna tells of her experiences, we see an appreciation for the important things in life. Parents and grandparents reading the story to children may find conversation starters in the life lessons Luna learns. The puppy’s sense of humour and a balance of humility and ego will bring a chuckle to adults.

Paperback, 118 pages
Publisher: Diane Dean Books, 18 February 2020 

Price: $24.52 at www.amazon.com.au

THE TWELVE DOGS OF CHRISTMAS
by Alison Ritchie, illustrated by Marisa Morea

The big day has almost arrived and one little puppy is very excited about his first EVER Christmas. 

But with three drooling Dalmatians, six sausage-snaffling Scotties and every dog in town helping out, the festive season is a shambles! Will everything be ready in time for Christmas Day?

Children will love picking their favourite dogs and spotting the puppy in busy scenes. 

This hilarious picture book is a great way to introduce children to Christmas traditions.

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK, 1 November 2017
For Ages: from 3+ years

RRP: $14.99 from all good bookstores and online. 

For stockists, visit www.simonandschuster.com.au 

BLUEY: HOORAY, IT’S CHRISTMAS!
A Sticker Activity Book
by Bluey

Based on the hit ABC KIDS TV show.

Bluey is a six-year-old blue heeler pup who loves to play. Along with her friends and family, Bluey enjoys exploring the world and using her imagination to turn everyday life into an amazing adventure.

Get into the holiday spirit with Bluey and Bingo! Write a letter to Verandah Santa, make your own Christmas labels and play with stickers. A fun-filled sticker activity book for kids of all ages.

Bluey has been a phenomenal success since airing on ABC KIDS in October 2018, amassing legions of dedicated fans. It holds the coveted position of being the most watched program ever on ABC iView, with over 260 million plays for Series One, and is the winner of an International Emmy for Most Outstanding Children’s Programme.

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, 3rd November 2020
For Ages: 3 - 5 years old

Price: $6.00 at www.amazon.com.au

6 Tips on How to Survive Summer with Dogs

Essential summer survival guide for our four-legged friends

Whether you’re going on a road trip or basking in the Australian sun from the comfort of your own home, no matter where pet owners spend their summer, they must consider the safety of their pet as temperatures rise.

More than a quarter of Aussie pet owners take their pets on holidays or road trips [1], and with our pet-friendly beaches and activities this country has to offer, summer is the perfect time to explore your local surrounds and enjoy time in the great outdoors with your pet.

To ensure all pet parents can enjoy a safe summer with their best buddy, Dr Sasha Nefedova from PETstock Vet has compiled an essential summer survival guide for dogs. 

1) Provide plenty of water and shade 

Warm weather combined with a limited supply of water or shade can lead to your pet suffering from severe heat stress and dehydration. Keeping your pet comfortable on a hot day, whether you are at home or not, is your responsibility as a pet owner.

The most common signs of dehydration include loss of skin elasticity, acting flat or lethargic, sunken eyes, excessive panting or even collapse. If you notice any of these signs, take them to your local vet immediately for an examination.

2) Never leave your pet in the car

Even if it’s just for a ‘quick’ trip to the shops, you must NEVER leave your pet unattended in a car, especially during the warmer months. The temperature inside a car can take as little as one to two minutes to rise from air-conditioned levels to ambient, and only seven minutes to reach 40 degrees [2]. 

Leaving them in a hot car can result in dehydration, heatstroke or even cause death.

If you see another pet owner’s dog in a car and are concerned for its safety, you can call emergency services and explain the situation. If the car is in a public shopping centre or supermarket car park, approach the customer service desk and advise them of the situation along with license plate details so they can make a public announcement on their PA system to alert the owner.

3) Pet sunscreen

Just like humans, pets too can get sunburnt and there are certain breeds who are more susceptible to the sun and require preventatives such as sunscreen to avoid skin cancer or other sun induced skin diseases. It’s important that owners take pet-friendly sunscreen on all daily walks or trips to the beach during summer and apply regularly to minimise the risk of their pet developing sun-related health issues. 

Ensure your pet has access to all day shade and shelter and fresh water daily during all four seasons.

4) Plan your walks

The best time to take your dog on their daily walk is either early in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature has dropped, unless you have access to body of water or shade that can work to keep your pet cool. 

If you do walk them during the day, walk on grassed areas and always avoid hot pavement to ensure the heat doesn’t burn your pet’s paw pad. As a rule of thumb, put your hand on the pavement for seven seconds before heading outdoors with your dog. If it’s too hot for your hand, then it’s also too hot for your dogs’ paws. 

If you let your dog off the lead, remember snakes like to live around rivers and creeks. If you notice your dog come back from a run in tall grass or near a creek looking wobbly, vomiting or just not quite right contact your vet for further advice.

5) Beach safety

Be prepared by packing essential items such as plenty of fresh water, a bowl, waste bags, sunscreen, and towels.

Keep an eye on your buddy and always be on the lookout for risks such as snakes, fishhooks, or jellyfish. Inquisitive dogs may get bitten, stung or ingest dangerous items. 

Make sure your dog is always within eyesight (and earshot) so you can catch them before they touch something they shouldn’t.

After a day at the beach, monitor them back home and be aware of any odd behaviour as your buddy could be dehydrated or feeling unwell from ingesting saltwater. Contact your closest vet immediately if you are concerned.

6) Fire safety plan

During bushfire season and days of high risk where there is an increased chance or erratic winds and hot, dry weather, pet owners need to ensure their pets are safe when facing a possible emergency evacuation.

Important things to include in your pet emergency plan include bedding, food and water, towels and woollen blankets to cover and protect your pets. 

If you decide to leave early, know where you could house your pet and discuss with neighbours about protecting your pet if you are not at home during a bushfire. 

For more advice, visit the CFA website. 

References:

1 Animal Medicines Australia 2019: Pets in Australia 
2 RACQ Temperature in Cars Survey 2014