Wednesday is set to reach a top of 39 degrees in Bendigo with Thursday reaching 34 and Friday heading to 33.

Pet Insurance Australia is urging pet owners to keep their pets cool this summer by following a few simple steps.

“It’s that time of year again when we really need to make some adjustments to ensure that our pets are kept cool and safe during the summer period,” Pet Insurance Australia’s Nadia Crighton said.

“Some basic steps can literally mean the difference between life and death during this time of year.”

First off, pet owners should make sure their pet has ample shade. 

Owners should also monitor their pets space – a spot that is shady in the morning might not be in the afternoon.

Long-hair breeds of animals could be clipped to help with overheating in the summer months.

There should be plenty of water bowls around. Steer clear of using stainless steel bowls as they can heat up quickly in hot weather.

To help with boredom, some creative pet owners make frozen ice treats for their pets or fill a child’s clam-shell pool with water for their dogs.

If your dog doesn’t like missing out on its daily walk, go in the cooler times of the day.

Check the temperature of the pavements with the back of your hand – if it’s too hot for you it’s too hot for your dog.

Consider sun-screen or sun-suits for white dogs and keep white cats inside and away from direct sunlight.

Ms Crighton also reminded owners to never leave their pets in a hot car.

Studies have shown that even with the windows cracked, the internal temperature of a car will rise at the same rate as with the windows closed.

“A Standford University study revealed that when it’s only 22 degrees outside, the temperature inside your car will rise to a staggering 47.2 degrees within 60 minutes,” Crighton said.

“If it’s hot outside, your cars internal temperature will climb to an unbearable and life-threatening level.

“You can try this yourself, sit in a car for a few minutes with the windows cracked and see how quickly you become uncomfortable, for a dog, this can be a death sentence.”