Safe Summer Activities for Pets in Melbourne

Melbourne summers can be a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets - long daylight hours, park visits, beach trips and family adventures. However, our summer weather can also be unpredictable, with heatwaves, high UV levels and sudden temperature spikes posing real risks to dogs and cats.

At Oakleigh Central Vet, we want to help you enjoy summer safely with your furry family members. Here’s a guide to pet-friendly summer activities and how to keep your pets safe while having fun.

1. Early Morning and Evening Walks

Walking your dog is still important in summer. Timing is everything.

Why it’s safer:

• Pavements can reach dangerous temperatures during the day

• Cooler air reduces the risk of heatstroke

Safety tips:

• Walk before 8am or after sunset

• Test pavement temperature with the back of your hand (if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws)

• Stick to shaded paths and grassy areas

• Always carry fresh water

2. Dog-Friendly Beaches and Water Play

Melbourne is fortunate to have several dog-friendly beaches where pets can cool off and enjoy a swim.

Popular options include:

• St Kilda Dog Beach – a well-known off-leash area outside restricted hours

• Brighton Dog Beach - a fenced off leash-free area available all year round

• Mentone Dog Beach - off-leash on the sand, with specific, varied ties during summer

• Port Melbourne Sandridge Beach - 200m off-leash section

• Altona Dog Beach – spacious and popular with local dog owners

Important precautions:

• Check council rules for on-leash and off-leash times

• Rinse your dog after swimming to remove salt and sand

• Discourage drinking seawater, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea

• Dry ears thoroughly to reduce the risk of ear infections

• Supervise closely and use flotation devices if appropriate. Not all dogs are confident or capable swimmers

3. Backyard Water Games

Sprinklers, shallow paddling pools and gentle hose play can be a safe way to cool off at home.

Tips for safe water play:

• Use shallow pools only

• Never force a pet into water

• Ensure shade is available nearby

• Empty pools after use to prevent mosquito breeding

Cats may enjoy ice cubes in water bowls, frozen treats or supervised access to cool tiled areas.

4. Shady Park Picnics (Pet-Friendly)

If you’re heading out for a picnic, choose locations with good tree cover and grassy areas rather than exposed concrete.

Popular dog-friendly picnic spots include:

• Princes Park (Carlton) – wide open green spaces with shaded areas

• Fawkner Park (South Yarra) - central location, wide open spaces, well maintained picnic facilities

• Caulfield Park - designanated off-leash areas, walking paths, lots of shade

• Elsternwick Park - off-leash zones, close to Brighton beach

• Yarra Bend Park (Kew) – extensive walking tracks and natural shade along the river

How to keep pets comfortable:

• Bring plenty of water and a portable bowl

• Use a cooling mat or damp towel

• Avoid high-energy games during the hottest parts of the day

• Take frequent breaks in the shade

Remember, dogs don’t need intense exercise every day, mental stimulation can be just as beneficial during hot weather.

5. Indoor Enrichment and Mental Games

On very hot days, staying indoors is often the safest choice.

Great indoor activities include:

• Food puzzles and snuffle mats

• Frozen KONGs or licky mats

• Short training sessions

• Hide-and-seek with treats

• Window perches and interactive toys for cats

Mental enrichment can help reduce boredom while keeping pets cool.

6. Short, Safe Adventures Only

If you’re travelling around Melbourne with your pet:

• Never leave pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes

• Use air-conditioning during car trips

• Bring water and portable bowls

• Plan rest stops in shaded areas

Heatstroke can develop rapidly and is a medical emergency.

Know the Signs of Heat Stress

Even with precautions, pets can overheat.

Warning signs include:

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Lethargy or weakness

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Bright red gums or tongue

• Collapse or seizures

If you notice any of these signs, move your pet to a cool area immediately and contact us or an emergency clinic.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

If you’re unsure whether an activity is appropriate for your pet, particularly for puppies, senior pets, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds or animals with existing medical conditions, please seek immediate veterinary advice.

Our team is always happy to provide personalised summer safety guidance suited to Melbourne’s climate.