Expert advice: Keeping your pets safe this summer

Temperatures across much of New England are still consistently reaching the high 20s and early 30s and if you are further west in Inverell or Moree, expect mid to high 30-degree daytime temperatures for the next week at least.

What are some ways of keeping our pets safe in the summer months?

We spoke to Dr Eden Faulkner from Highlands Mobile Vet to get some ideas.

"The first and perhaps most obvious point to make about the heat is that it's important to make sure animals always have access to shade and access to cool water," explains Dr Faulkner.

"Sometimes people forget that water left out in the sun can become warm and off putting for the animal to drink, so it's important that it too is kept in the shade to stay cool."

"Another thing, particularly with dogs is making sure that they're not getting walked in the middle of the day so that their foot pads are coming into contact with hot road surfaces or foot paths.

"If they're somewhere inside, it's important to ensure it is a well ventilated space, as dogs use evaporative cooling in the form of panting to help thermoregulate, which relies on fresh, cool airflow," said Dr Faulkner.

"So, if they have stagnant air inside, it is harder for them to cool down."

Another point is that if you have dogs with white or pale skin they are more prone to getting sunburn which can potentially be fatal.

"Some skin cancers are triggered by UV light, so you know, those dogs that love to roll on their back and lie in the sun with their belly exposed, they may be more prone to getting skin tumours.

There's a lot of horses in the area. So, the same goes for them.

"Making sure that they've actually got shade in their paddock. Some paddocks as you drive past, I notice they've got plenty of grass, plenty of space, plenty of water. They don't necessarily have a lot of shade.

"Most horses will be fine without shade, but it definitely helps," Dr Faulkner said.

"Making sure the horses don't have their rugs on during the summer heat is another big one.

"I would be encouraging people not to put any rugs on them unless it's just like a light fly rug, to prevent them from, sweating and overheating under the rug."

Dr Faulkner moved to the region from Townsville with her husband who is also a vet.

"We absolutely love it here, she said. "We love it a little bit cooler and the community has been extremely welcoming and supportive of the business which has been very encouraging."

Eden writes a monthly blog on her website covering topics relating to cats, dogs, horses, sheep and cattle.