Summertime is always a fun time, but it can also be a challenging time for our furry friends. Pets can overheat easily, so it's important to take some precautions to help them stay safe and comfortable during the summer months. Here are a few tips from Moody's Mutts to help prepare your pet for summer. Summertime is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the company of your furry friends. But before you take your pup swimming, hiking, and running around town, make sure they're prepared for the heat with these 10 tips!
If your dog isn't used to being in hot weather, start by taking them outside for short periods of time and gradually increasing their exposure. You might also consider taking your dog out when temperatures are cooler, like in the early morning or late evening. If you do not have the time to get up and walk your pet early in the morning, consider hiring a dog walker to come to pick up and exercise your dog before the summer heat sets in for the day. Mid-day is usually extremely hot in Texas summer so consider these alternative hours of the day to keep your pet safe from heat stroke or heat stress.
Dogs can get sunburned too, so make sure to put sunscreen on their noses and any other exposed areas. Pet owners who treat their pets as if they were babies know that our fur babies need to be cared for when out in the sun! If you want you can even purchase sun protection that is specifically made for dogs. Sunscreens like Bodhi Dog Sun Protector Spray are a great option for noses and exposed skin on your pet.
The hot summer months can leave your pet extra thirsty. Dogs can get dehydrated quickly in hot weather, so make sure to offer them fresh clean water often and take breaks in the shade. Drinking water is one of the best ways for humans and their pets to stay healthy in the heat. Keep their water dish topped off with cool water and make it easy for them to get to. If you are out and about with your pet be sure to bring a water bottle and bowl to water your dog on the go. Water bottles like the OllyDog OllyBottle are made for just the occasion and make it super easy to keep your pet hydrated on the go.
The pavement can get incredibly hot during the summer months and higher temperatures, so walk your dog on the grass whenever possible. If you must walk on pavement, do so during the cooler hours of the day. Additionally, you could invest in some paw balm, like Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax, or paw protectors like QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes. This will help protect your dog's paws from getting burned on hot asphalt when it simply can't be avoided.
It can be tempting to bring your dog along for errands but never leave them alone in a hot car. Even on days when the outside temperature is only in the 60s or 70s, your car temperature can soar! The temperature inside a parked car can rise quickly, and your dog could suffer from heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or even die. If you do not feel comfortable leaving your dog at home during the hot summer months, consider hiring a dog sitter or taking your pup to a doggy day camp. This way they can stay in a comfortable cool environment and you can get your errands done.
Heat stroke can be a life-threatening condition for humans and pets alike. Knowing the signs can help save your pup's life or at the very least save you from having to visit the vet when your dog gets sick from too much fun in the sun. If your dog is panting heavily, has a rapid heartbeat, is drooling excessively, or seems lethargic, it may be suffering from heat stroke. Get them to a cool area immediately and call your veterinarian.
Stick to shorter walks and slower games of fetch in the summer heat. Taking your furry best friend to the dog park early in the morning is a great idea but when those Texas summer high temperatures hit, avoid afternoon excursions with your furry companions. If your pet needs a fun afternoon activity try to stay indoors in a cool place or consider water play. No matter what you choose do your best to keep pets safe by providing adequate shade, water, and even a wet towel or bandana around their neck to keep your pet cool.
Clever pet parents know that a kiddie pool is a great way to keep your dog cool in the summer heat. Just make sure to empty and refill it regularly to avoid dirty water and be prepared to get wet because some pets love to splash their pet parent. Another water activity you can do with our pet in hotter months is to invest in a mister on your patio or take your pup to a dog park that has a pet beach or fountain. Water is a key ingredient to keeping cool in warmer months and it might be one of your pet's favorite summertime cavities.
On those hot summer days, an icy treat is just the thing to cool us off. The same can be said for pets! You can make healthy and delicious frozen dog treats at home with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Try this recipe for peanut butter, banana, and yogurt treats, or this one for blueberry iced treats. If you don't have time to make your own there are plenty of safe and healthy store-bought options available as well. Just check out your grocer's frozen food isle for dog treats that cool your pup off.
Yes, we even have beaches in Texas. LAKE beaches. And as mentioned earlier, water play is a great way to keep your pup cool in warm weather. Many beaches have special areas where dogs are allowed to play and swim. You could also explore a creek that also offers lots of shade. This is a great way to let your pup cool off and have some fun at the same time! Just be aware, that not all dogs are good swimmers so start your pup off in some shallow water before you go into the deep end. In Light Farms in Celina Texas, we are fortunate to have our own little lake with a dog beach that many of our furry residents like to explore.
Pet Care in the summer months is a bit different than other times of the year, but with the right preparation, you and your pet will have a blast not only when it is hot but all year round. And remember, if you need help with your pet this summer or any time, Moodys Mutts is here for you! We offer dog walking, pet sitting, and yes, even visits to our own Light Farms dog park at the Constellation park dog beach! Let us know how we can help make your time in the heat a little more bearable for you and your furry friends.