From dog-friendly beaches to top tips to keep our four-legged friends cool.

Once again, it’s been one hell of a hot Summer and we’ve still got plenty of heat ahead of us. If you’re feeling the heat you can bet that you’re four-legged friend is too.

So, to make Summer a little easier on all of us, we’ve put together a bit of a guide on how to keep them feeling cool over these warm months; from places to visit and tips for the home.

Places to Visit

Redhead Beach
Redhead Beach is my personal favourite when it comes to dog-friendly areas. The massive strip of beach from second creek is a completely off-leash dog-friendly area which is perfect for them to socialise, have a run and cool down in the water afterwards.

Horseshoe Beach
Closer to home is the local favourite for dog-owners to get a bit of exercise in whilst owners and pets can enjoy getting cool!

Speers Point Fenced Dog Area
The large green open space is completely dedicated and fenced off for dogs and their owners. With plenty of shaded areas and even agility equipment, making it another great spot to get the dogs outside for a bit of exercise.

Granny Pools Blacksmiths
Take the pup for a walk along Blacksmiths breakwall before letting them jump on at the Granny Pools.
#Insider Tip – Get in early as it gets might popular round here!

Coon Island
Not far up the road is another personal favourite; Coon Island. Situated right near Swansea boat ramp and Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park, Coon Island offers a spot good for every member of the family. Set up for the day and load the car up with a gazebo, paddleboards, kayaks and floaties for the kids as well as the esky for mum and dad and make sure to pack a ball for your four-legged friend!

Naru Beach
A little bit off the beaten track, but well worth the find, this hidden sandy secret behind the Lake Macquarie Aerodome is great for your four-legged friends who LOVE getting wet and playing fetch.

Dog-Friendly
If you’re looking to take the pups out for a morning coffee or an afternoon beverage these Summer months, click the link above for all of Newcastle’s dog-friendly cafes and bars.

Tips to Stay Cool

Ice cubes
Keep them hydrated for longer with ice cubes. Puppies especially love them!

Water
Plenty and plenty of water. Put water in all corners of the house or the yard; you can never have too much available for them.

Grooming
You may think you’re doing your dog a kindness by shaving all their fur off to keep them cool, however, dogs with double coats are designed to keep dogs cool in the heat and warm in the cold. So, do some research and know whether your dog’s coat needs to be groomed or not.

Don’t leave them in the car
NEVER leave your pooch in the car, it can only take minutes for animals to suffer.

Think about their paws
Hold the backside of your hand on the footpath for three seconds and if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pup!

Know the signs of heatstroke
To be safe, make sure you know the signs of heatstroke and react immediately if you know something is up. Symptoms can include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, rapid heartbeat, and vomiting. If this occurs, move your pooch to the shade and try lowering their body temperature gradually.

Damp towels or cooling mats
Invest in a cooling mat or put a damp towel somewhere for your dog to sit on when they’re getting too warm.

Keep indoors
On those 40+ degree days, if you can you should keep your pup inside. If you know you would hate to be spending the day outside in the heat, so would your dog!

Pet sunscreen
Pets need their skin looked after just as much as humans do! Invest in some doggy sunscreen to apply when you know they’ll be outside in the sun.

Beaches Further Afar

One Mile Beach
Boomerang Beach
Sandbar Beach Smiths
Lake Blueys Beach
Tuncurry Beach
Terrigal Beach
Ocean Beach
Umina Beach
Pearl Beach
Putty Beach
Forresters Beach
Lakes Beach
North Shelly Beach

Whilst they're all dog-friendly make sure to do some research ahead of visiting to make sure you're on top of each of their individual rulings.

Happy Summer!