Beat the Heat: Science-Backed Additions for Your Dog’s Food Bowl

By Ellie Gronkowski, DoGood Pet Nutrition

Today is National Food Day—the perfect reminder that the journey to vibrant health begins with what goes into the bowl. When the blistering Australian summer arrives, keeping our canine companions safe, comfortable, and energetic becomes our top daily priority. As loving dog parents, we naturally adjust our routines: we wake up earlier to beat the morning sun, map out walks through shaded park trails, test scorching pavements with our bare hands, and keep water bowls filled to the brim.

Yet, true summer wellness goes beyond shade and external cooling—it starts from the inside out. What we put into our dogs' daily food bowls can fundamentally change how comfortably they navigate high temperatures. Fresh, species-appropriate whole foods enriched with biological moisture not only turn standard meals into an exciting sensory retreat, but also actively support internal thermoregulation, kidney function, and metabolic cellular health.

The Biology of Canine Hydration: Why Summer Bowls Need Moisture

To understand why moisture-rich foods matter so much, we must look at how dogs process heat. Unlike humans, who possess millions of sweat glands spread across their skin to cool down via evaporation, dogs possess sweat glands primarily in their paw pads. Their main mechanism for releasing excess body heat is panting.

When a dog pants, rapid air movement over the moist surfaces of their tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract causes water to evaporate, effectively drawing heat away from the body. However, this vital cooling process comes at a physical cost: significant fluid loss. As panting increases during warm weather, respiratory moisture evaporates rapidly, accelerating the risk of mild to moderate dehydration.

While clean drinking water must always be freely available, relying solely on drinking water isn't always enough—especially for dogs fed exclusively dry kibble, which typically contains less than 10% moisture. Introducing fresh, water-dense, nutrient-rich toppers turns daily mealtime into an effective, highly digestible hydration strategy.

Here are ten science-backed, fresh food additions to keep your dog hydrated, nourished, and thriving all summer long.

1. Watermelon: Nature’s Hydrating Summer Refreshment

Few foods capture the essence of summer quite like crisp, juicy watermelon. Composed of over 90% natural water, this iconic fruit serves as an exceptionally hydrating topper for hot afternoons. Beyond pure moisture, watermelon delivers a valuable matrix of beneficial plant compounds, including immune-supporting vitamin C, muscle-supporting potassium, and lycopene—a potent carotenoid antioxidant celebrated for supporting cellular health.

• How to Serve: Always remove the outer rind and every seed entirely, as both can cause painful intestinal blockages or severe digestive distress. Cut the sweet pink flesh into small, bite-sized cubes. Serve them chilled straight from the fridge, or freeze them into icy, crunchable summer treats.
• Nutritional Note: Watermelon naturally contains fruit sugars. Portion sizes should remain modest, and dogs managing weight, diabetes, or metabolic conditions should have fruit additions individually evaluated.

2. Cucumber: Low-Calorie, High-Crunch Moisture

When simplicity meets high biological functionality, cucumber takes centre stage. Made up of approximately 95% structured water, cucumber is one of the most efficient whole foods available for increasing fluid intake without introducing extra calories or sugars. It is particularly beneficial for overweight dogs or seniors on strict caloric restrictions who still crave a satisfying mealtime crunch.

• How to Serve: Slice cucumber into paper-thin rounds, finely dice it, or grate it directly over fresh or kibble-based meals. For an interactive cooling snack, offer chilled cucumber spears as a refreshing reward after a walk.

3. Frozen Berries: Antioxidant Powerhouses in Bite-Sized Treats

Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are compact nutritional powerhouses. Blueberries, in particular, owe their deep purple hue to anthocyanins—a specialised class of polyphenolic compounds extensively researched in veterinary and human nutrition for their capacity to combat oxidative stress and neutralise cellular free radicals.

• How to Serve: Toss a small handful of frozen blueberries directly into your dog's food bowl. The temperature contrast adds mental stimulation while delivering vital dietary fibre and diverse phytonutrients. You can rotate among raspberries and strawberries for varied nutrient profiles.

4. Cranberries: Targeted Support for Cellular and Urinary Health

Fresh or frozen cranberries are exceptional functional additions to a summer feeding routine. They pack a dense polyphenolic profile, most notably rich in A-type proanthocyanidins. These unique natural compounds have earned significant scientific interest due to their ability to impede bacterial adhesion along the mucosal walls of the urinary tract.

• How to Serve: Always opt for raw, fresh, or plain frozen cranberries. Puree or finely chop a small pinch into fresh food—a little goes a long way.

Warning: Never feed commercial dried cranberries or juices, which are routinely loaded with added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

5. Leafy & Cruciferous Greens: Phytonutrient Boosters

Adding gentle green vegetables to your dog's summer meal provides dietary fibre, essential folate, carotenoids, and natural chlorophyll. Dog-friendly options include broccoli florets, dark leafy lettuces, and steamed greens. These vegetables support healthy digestion, nourish beneficial gut microbiota, and promote natural liver detoxification pathways.

• Preparation Tip: Canines lack the specific digestive enzymes required to easily break down raw plant cell walls. Lightly steam, blend, or finely chop green vegetables to unlock their nutrients and ensure maximum digestive comfort. Keep greens to under 10% of the overall meal to preserve correct protein and mineral ratios.

6. Raw Chicken or Duck Feet: Chewing Enrichment & Joint Support

While visibly distinct from hydrating fruits, raw chicken and duck feet serve a valuable purpose in a thoughtfully constructed summer fresh-food diet. Packed with natural cartilage, soft connective tissues, glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen-rich proteins, they nourish joint health while providing rewarding jaw exercise. On hot summer days when high-energy outdoor activities are limited, chewing on a raw foot offers calm, indoor mental enrichment.

• Crucial Safety Rule: Never feed cooked bones of any kind. Cooking permanently alters bone density, causing bones to splinter dangerously into sharp fragments upon mastication. Feed raw feet only to dogs accustomed to appropriate raw meaty bones, select the proper size for your dog's mouth, and always supervise chewing sessions closely.

7. Celery: Practical Hydration with Essential Minerals

Celery is a humble kitchen staple that delivers remarkable summer benefits. Composed of roughly 95% water, celery infuses the food bowl with biological moisture while remaining naturally low in calories. It also offers dietary fibre along with subtle amounts of potassium, folate, and vitamin K.

• How to Serve: The long, tough fibres of whole celery stalks can pose a choking hazard or cause digestive inconvenience, especially for small dogs or rapid eaters. Chop celery into small, manageable dice or blend it into a liquid topper before pouring over food.

8. Sardines: Big Omega-3 Benefits in Small Packages

Sardines are widely regarded as one of the most nutrient-dense whole-food additions for dogs. They offer high concentrations of bioavailable long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). 

These crucial fatty acids incorporate directly into cell membranes, modulating systemic inflammatory responses, soothing summer skin allergies, supporting cognitive function, and maintaining a glossy coat.

• Why Sardines? Because sardines are small fish sitting low on the marine food chain, they accumulate drastically lower levels of heavy metals such as mercury compared to larger predatory fish like tuna or salmon.
• How to Serve: Choose canned sardines packed strictly in plain water with no added salt, seasonings, garlic, or oils. Adjust portion size according to your dog's weight and total dietary fat allowance.

9. Frozen Bone Broth Cubes & Summer Gummies

For dogs who are reluctant water drinkers, frozen bone broth creations are the ultimate summer hydration hack. Bone broth infuses hydration with irresistible savoury flavour, transforming routine fluid intake into a high-value treat.

• How to Prepare: Simmer a dog-safe broth made purely from meat bones and water, excluding onions, garlic, excess salt, or heavy spices. Pour the cooled broth into silicone ice-cube trays and freeze.
• Gummy Recipe: Combine warm, unseasoned broth with plain, unflavoured gelatine and a touch of pure pumpkin puree. Pour into moulds and chill in the refrigerator to create hydrating, gut-soothing summer gummies.

10. Coconut Water: Natural Fluid Enrichment (Used Wisely)

Pure, unflavoured coconut water naturally contains key electrolyte minerals, particularly potassium. Offered in small quantities, diluted with fresh water, or frozen into cooling pops, it can provide a tasty, flavour-rich hydration boost on particularly hot afternoons.

• Use with Discretion: Fresh water must always remain your dog's primary hydration source. Dogs eating a nutritionally balanced diet do not require human-style electrolyte drinks simply because the weather is warm. Because coconut water contains potassium and natural fruit sugars, it is not suitable for dogs with renal, cardiac, or complex metabolic conditions. Always check labels to verify the product is 100% pure coconut water free from added sugars or additives.

The Ultimate Foundation: Never Underestimate Plain Water

Despite all these incredible whole-food toppers, the single most effective hydration strategy remains amazingly simple: add fresh, clean water directly into your dog's food bowl.

Mixing a splash of filtered water into dry kibble or fresh food instantly increases total fluid consumption with zero added calories. It softens dry morsels, enhances aroma, improves digestibility, and ensures your dog absorbs vital moisture alongside their meal.

Heat Safety & Vital Warning Signs

Hydration powers nearly every vital system inside your dog's body—including circulatory health, digestive motility, nutrient transportation, renal filtration, and internal temperature control. While nourishing food toppers support daily fluid balance, no food or frozen treat can protect a dog from environmental heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Important Heat Safety Protocols: During hot Australian summer days, keep your dog safe by adhering to strict heat management protocols:

• Schedule all outdoor exercise for early morning or late evening when ambient temperatures drop.
• Provide constant access to deep shade and multiple clean water stations indoors and outdoors.
• Never leave your dog inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes with windows cracked open.

Know the Emergency Signs: Heavy, frantic panting, excessive thick drooling, bright red or pale gums, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, confusion, or collapse indicate acute heat distress requiring immediate, emergency veterinary attention.

Keeping the Summer Bowl Simple and Balanced

You do not need to pile all ten ingredients into your dog's bowl at once. In fact, nutritional simplicity and gradual rotation work best. One day might feature a spoonful of grated cucumber and a couple of frozen blueberries; another might introduce a sardine with a splash of chilled bone broth.

True canine wellness isn't found in a single trendy "superfood." It blossoms from a complete, balanced diet built on high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, wholesome ingredients, and abundant moisture.

Use this summer season—and this National Food Day—to make your dog’s bowl fresher, more engaging, and deeply nourishing. Keep it fresh, keep it balanced, and keep that water bowl full!

General nutritional information only. Every dog is an individual. Dogs with diabetes, kidney or heart disease, pancreatitis, urinary stones, cancer or other medical conditions may require specific dietary modifications. Significant dietary changes should be discussed with your veterinarian or qualified canine nutrition professional.

References & Clinical Background

• National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.
• Hand, M.S. et al. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th ed. Mark Morris Institute.
• Calder, P.C. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Nutrients, 2010.
• Vauzour, D. et al. Polyphenols and human health: prevention of disease and mechanisms of action. Nutrients, 2010.
• Howell, A.B. Bioactive compounds in cranberries and their role in prevention of urinary tract infections. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2007.
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Heatstroke in dogs and principles of fluid and electrolyte balance.
• National Research Council resources on canine water, electrolyte and macronutrient requirements.

About the Author

Ellie Gronkowski is the founder of DoGood Pet Nutrition (dogoodgc.com.au) and a dual-qualified Veterinary Nurse and Canine Nutritionist. After graduating from the Australian College of Veterinary Nursing, she earned her Canine Nutrition Diploma, specialising in natural nutrition and raw food protocols.

As a proud member of the Complementary Medical Association (CMA), Ellie believes that every dog possesses a unique biological profile with specific nutritional requirements. She provides professional nutritional consultations that move beyond generic advice, offering tailored dietary support designed to enhance long-term health and vitality.

From One Special Kelpie to 10,000 Dog Lovers: The Next Chapter of Sniffspace

When we first introduced Australian Dog Lover readers to Sniffspace back in late 2020, Tracey Horey and her Kelpie cross Rafferty were just launching their vision for safe, private off-lead spaces. Fast forward to 2023, and as the platform grew rapidly, we shared their callout for everyday Australians to host local spaces.

Now, nearly six years after that ball-obsessed Kelpie cross inspired a whole new way to think about dog parks, Sniffspace is preparing to launch its biggest platform upgrade yet.

It all started with Rafferty

Like many great ideas, Sniffspace started with a problem that needed solving—and one very special dog.

Rafferty, a Kelpie cross and the much-loved inspiration behind Sniffspace, is a clever, energetic, and well-trained dog. He loves agility, comes when called (unless there’s a bird involved!), and believes there’s nothing better in life than chasing a ball.

But Rafferty has never quite understood why strangers want to touch him, or why other dogs insist on playing bitey-face when there’s a perfectly good ball waiting to be chased.

For his owner, Sniffspace co-founder Tracey Horey, visits to public off-leash parks had become increasingly frustrating. Unwanted interactions with unfamiliar dogs, inattentive owners, and unpredictable situations made what should have been an enjoyable outing unnecessarily stressful.

Rafferty wasn’t a bad dog. He simply had his own personality, preferences, and boundaries.

And he certainly wasn’t alone.

That realisation became the foundation of Sniffspace: a network of privately owned, locally hosted spaces where dogs could run, sniff, explore, and play without unexpected encounters with unfamiliar dogs.

Working alongside business partner Jignesh Patel, Tracey set out to create an alternative that would benefit dogs and their owners while giving everyday Australians the opportunity to earn additional income from their backyards, paddocks, and unused land.

Five years, thousands of happy sniffaris

Today, Sniffspace has grown from that original idea into a national community.

With more than 80 privately hosted spaces across Australia, over 10,000 active users, and more than 1,200 bookings each month, the platform is helping dogs of all personalities enjoy off-leash freedom.

While Sniffspace has become particularly valuable for owners of anxious, reactive, and rescue dogs, its appeal extends well beyond them.

Pure off-leash joy: Staffy crosses enjoying secure, stress-free water play at a private Sniffspace location. Photo credit: Ruthless Photos

From energetic dogs who need room to stretch their legs to families wanting a private outing with their pets, Sniffspace offers something increasingly difficult to find: exclusive use of a space where owners know exactly who will be joining them.

And for hosts, it creates an opportunity to turn an underused backyard or acreage property into an income-producing space while doing something positive for their local dog community.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Building and growing a self-funded platform, navigating complex insurance requirements, and operating with a limited advertising budget have required persistence.

But the original mission has remained unchanged: Safe. Secure. Sniffari.

Introducing the new Sniffspace

Now, five years after its original launch, Sniffspace is preparing to introduce a completely rebuilt website and refreshed iOS and Android apps.

The new platform has been developed around feedback from the Sniffspace community, with improvements designed to make finding, booking, and hosting private dog spaces easier than ever.

For Dog Owners:

• ✅ Easier space discovery and booking: Refreshed search, clearer space information, and a simpler journey from selecting a space through to payment and confirmation.
• ✅ Stronger account security: Password-free email sign-in options, two-step verification, and biometric sign-in on supported devices.
• ✅ A better mobile experience: Improved navigation, messaging, and booking management across the website and mobile apps.
• ✅ New eGift Cards: Dog lovers can purchase personalised gift cards for birthdays, Christmas, or just because, with the option to schedule delivery for a special occasion.
• ✅ Greater booking reliability: Behind-the-scenes improvements to help prevent duplicate bookings, double charges, and repeated notifications.

For Hosts:

Hosts will enjoy a simpler listing setup process, improved photo management, and more control over their spaces. New features include:

• ✅ Ability to set minimum advance booking notice
• ✅ Setting buffer times between bookings
• ✅ Dynamic pricing and capacity management
• ✅ Clear, space-specific rules for visiting guests

These changes give hosts greater flexibility to share their properties on their own terms, while helping guests understand exactly what to expect when they arrive.

The redevelopment has also included extensive testing, with more than 1,200 issues addressed ahead of launch. Existing Sniffspace members will have their accounts, dogs, spaces, bookings, and reviews carried seamlessly over to the new experience.

Discover some of Australia's special Sniffspaces

From spacious rural paddocks to dedicated agility spaces, every Sniffspace offers something different.

Kimz Private Dog Park — Mandogalup, Western Australia

Set on a peaceful rural property south of Perth, Kimz Private Dog Park offers dogs a wonderful opportunity to run, sniff, and explore in a secure, private environment.

The property features four separate paddocks, providing different spaces for training, playing, and following interesting scents. Shady trees offer relief during warmer months, while a sheltered area makes visits more comfortable when the weather changes. Each paddock has its own water supply, providing a welcome alternative to crowded public dog parks.

For host Kim Taylor, creating Kimz Private Dog Park was about much more than opening a paddock to visiting dogs. Kim had always dreamed of creating somewhere dogs could run freely and explore without unexpected encounters with unfamiliar dogs, while their owners could simply relax. When she discovered Sniffspace approximately three years ago, she turned that dream into reality.

Since then, Kim has watched countless dogs and their families enjoy the freedom and peace of mind her property provides. Kim recalls one owner being brought to tears as she watched her beloved dog running freely around the park—her dog hadn't been able to enjoy off-lead freedom for more than a year. Another pregnant visitor with two Golden Retrievers chose Kimz for a secure, stress-free outing, while one family even returned after losing their dog to scatter its ashes at their pet's favorite place.

Kimz is particularly popular with owners of anxious or reactive dogs who regularly praise the secure fencing, generous shade, and the genuine care Kim puts into making visitors feel welcome.

• Explore Kimz Private Dog Park

Karrawe Agility — Bilpin, New South Wales

Nestled in the beautiful Blue Mountains region, Karrawe Agility offers a different kind of Sniffspace adventure.

Hosted by Conina, this private, fully fenced space is designed for small to medium-sized dogs to enjoy off-leash play, exploration, and agility activities. With agility equipment available, Karrawe provides an opportunity for dogs and their owners to enjoy an engaging experience that combines exercise, mental stimulation, and fun.

Rafferty exploring the colourful agility tires at Karrawe Agility in the Blue Mountains.

Visitors can enjoy activities including fetch, frisbee, sniffing, and agility, while training sessions can also be arranged.

The space has earned enthusiastic feedback from guests who appreciate its secure setting, welcoming host, and the opportunity for their dogs to explore somewhere different. One visitor described how much their tiny Chihuahua, Maple, enjoyed her first Sniffspace experience, while another praised the agility equipment and the many interesting scents for their dog to discover.

Karrawe Agility is a lovely example of how Sniffspace isn’t just about finding somewhere to run—it’s also about discovering new experiences that suit each dog's personality and interests.

• Explore Karrawe Agility

More than a place to run

For some dogs, a Sniffspace booking is simply a fun adventure. For others, it can make a meaningful difference to their quality of life.

Owners of anxious and reactive dogs often face challenges that other pet owners may never experience. Finding somewhere to exercise their dogs without worrying about unfamiliar dogs or people can be difficult. Private bookings provide an alternative, allowing owners to choose an environment suited to their dog's individual needs—creating a place where dogs can be free, owners can relax, special bonds can grow, and beautiful memories can be made.

A special Christmas offer for new hosts

To celebrate the new platform and encourage more Australians to open their backyards and properties to local dogs, Sniffspace is introducing a special offer for new hosts.

Sign up as a new Sniffspace host before Christmas 2026 and enjoy your first month's hosting income with no Sniffspace host fees deducted.

Whether you have a secure suburban backyard, a large paddock, or a private dog-friendly property, your unused space could provide a welcome adventure for local dogs while generating extra income. Listing a space on Sniffspace is free, and hosts maintain full control over their availability and booking arrangements.

The next chapter begins

For Tracey Horey and Jignesh Patel, the launch of the new Sniffspace platform represents another important step towards their original vision: a network of private, locally hosted off-leash spaces across Australia, with ambitions to expand into New Zealand.

But at its heart, Sniffspace remains the same idea inspired by Rafferty five years ago. Every dog deserves the opportunity to explore, exercise, and enjoy being a dog—even if a traditional dog park isn't right for them.

And somewhere out there, another Rafferty is waiting for a space to call his own.

Discover Sniffspace

• Find a park or host a space: www.sniffspace.com.au
• Explore the new platform features: www.sniffspace.com.au/meet-the-new-sniffspace

Could Your Dog Be the 2027 Australian Dog of the Year?

From hard-working farm dogs to life-changing best mates, the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards are back to celebrate extraordinary Aussie canines making a real difference.

Has your dog changed someone’s life, served their community, or shown an extraordinary talent? Puppy Tales wants to hear their story! Nominations for the 2027 Australian Dog of the Year are now officially open and close on Sunday, 10 January 2027.

Now in its seventh year, the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards—Australia’s original national awards recognising the contribution of dogs—celebrates the true-blue Aussie spirit through the love, courage, companionship, and remarkable contributions of dogs nationwide. The winners will be unleashed on Australia Day, 26 January 2027.

“These awards shine a national spotlight on the often-unsung dogs making a difference every day in homes, schools, hospitals, and communities across the country, usually without asking for anything in return,” says Kerry Martin, award-winning dog photographer, author, and founder of Puppy Tales.

The awards are inspired by the dogs Kerry has met and photographed throughout her years of travel across Australia.

“Our dogs are as diverse as Australia itself—from hard-working farm dogs, conservation heroes, therapy and assistance dogs to the fearless hounds serving in rescue teams, the military, and the police force,” she adds.

The 2026 Australian Dog of the Year, Louie, is a gentle Border Collie and certified therapy dog who offers calm, grounding comfort to people during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

The 2026 Australian Dog of the Year winner, Louie—a gentle Border Collie and certified therapy dog. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.

“Louie doesn’t seek attention. He simply shows up, and that quiet presence makes a real difference to the people he meets,” says Kerry.

Last year’s awards attracted nominations from every state and territory, with around 35 per cent coming from regional areas and 9 per cent from rural or remote communities. A third of all nominated dogs came from rescue backgrounds.

Celebrating Dogs with Big Rewards

Alongside the main title, the awards recognise dogs’ unique contributions through several distinct medal categories, offering more than $20,000 in prizes and charitable donations for winners, nominees, and voters.

“I’d love to see even more of Australia in the mix this year: the working dogs on farms, the little dogs doing big things, the sporting and trick dogs, and the rescue dogs who’ve turned lives around. If a dog has made a difference, their story belongs here,” says Kerry.

Major Award: Australian Dog of the Year

The overall winner receives:

• ✔ $1,000 donation to their chosen charity or non-profit organisation.
• ✔ Professional photography session and ‘The Bailey’ Collection from Puppy Tales (valued at $4,000+).
• ✔ Personalised trophy of the winning dog (valued at $300).
• ✔ National media campaign with Pet Journo to publicise their achievement.

Award Medal Categories

• ✔ People’s Choice Medal: Chosen through public voting from the finalists. Includes a $250 donation to the recipient's chosen charity.
• ✔ ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) Medal: Recognising that rescue dogs are just as special, talented, and deserving of celebration as any other dog. Every nominated rescue dog is automatically considered for this medal as well as the main title.

2026 ARAS Medal winner Willow, a deaf rescue dog who communicates via sign language. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.

• ✔ Paws-itive Change Medal: Celebrating dogs making a positive impact in the community—from policing, conservation, biosecurity, and therapy to education, advocacy, and legislation changes.
• ✔ Canine Home Hero Medal: Honouring dogs whose courage, intuition, companion care, or life-saving actions have made a significant difference to their owner or family (including medical alerts, emotional support, or farm work).

Australian Shepherd Barkley.
Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.

• ✔ Dog of Talent Medal: Celebrating talented pooches who love to perform—from sporting stars and trick dogs to TV performers and clever canines with show-stopping party tricks!
• Each Medal Recipient Receives:

• A photography session and large canvas print from Puppy Tales (valued at $1,250).
• A personalised medal for the winning dog.
• A media feature campaign with Pet Journo.

Bonus: Ten nominators and ten People’s Choice voters will also each win a $450 Puppy Tales photography gift card!

Which Dogs Can Be Nominated?

Every dog is a hero in their own way, and ALL dogs are encouraged to enter! Nominations are open to:

• Guide, hearing, and assistance dogs
• Therapy dogs visiting hospitals, aged care, or schools
• Dogs helping individuals with disabilities or health challenges
• Classroom reading support dogs
• Wildlife detection, conservation, or protection dogs
• Search, rescue, or life-saving canines
• Police, military, and service dogs
• Working farm dogs
• Canine blood donors
• Sporting, trick, and performance dogs
• Rescue dogs who have transformed lives
• The loyal best friend who helped you through a tough time

If your dog represents the true spirit of Australia through courage, love, or devotion, share their story for a chance to be celebrated!

Key Dates to Remember

• Nominations Close: 8:00 PM (AEDT) on Sunday, 10 January 2027
• Finalists Announced & Voting Opens: Tuesday, 12 January 2027
• People’s Choice Voting Closes: 12:00 PM (AEDT) on Friday, 22 January 2027
• Winners Announced: Australia Day, Tuesday, 26 January 2027

Ready to nominate your hero dog? Visit the official Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Website to submit your story today!

Photo Credit: Hero shot features deaf Australian Cattle Dog Liberty Belle. All photos by Puppy Tales Photography.

About Kerry Martin & Puppy Tales

PhoDOGraphy™ you’ll adore, travel adventures you’ll dig

Kerry Martin is an award-winning dog photographer, author of the Dog Tales of Australia books and founder of Puppy Tales and the Australian Dog of the Year Awards. Based in Melbourne and travelling throughout Australia, she is known for her Snow Dogs photography experiences and Project Dogalogue™. Through her photography, writing and social media community of over 500,000, Kerry celebrates the bond between dogs and people. Puppy Tales supports animal welfare organisations through photography and fundraising. Visit puppytales.com.au.