Summer Tips for Doggies & Pups
Summer is my favorite season and I loooove being outdoors with my besties aka furry soulmates aka babies aka so many other nicknames.
Throughout my life I’ve worked with dogs and grew up with both short hair and long hair dogs in the family. When I became a dog groomer and dog walker it opened up my mind to all of the ways we are sometimes unprepared for the hot weather.
Here are my thoughts, opinions, and information I’ve gathered to help you and your furry best friend be ready this summer. Let me know what I missed and your thoughts too!
Swimming or at least comfort with dipping toes in the water can help your dog more than you know. Dogs cool themselves off, in part, through their feet. One thing I love to do with every new dog I adopt is to go to the lake or river and sit on the shore with my feet in the water, walk along the waterline, and even go in depending on my dog’s comfort level. I take time to acclimate them to being around a water source before asking them to walk into it.
Beach in the area are not always dog friendly in the summer, although they are in winter. I know, ugh. I hate these rules but I understand because some dog parents disgustingly don’t clean up after their dogs. So check the city websites or call your city hall to ask about certain beaches or parks.
Cooling vests and shirts are a great options and pretty inexpensive online or in local pet stores. These are typically very lightweight fabric that you get wet then put on your dog. Some of them even have ice packs built in. Make sure to have an extra water bottle or be close to a water source to keep it wet if you’ll be out for more than an hour at a time.
Early morning or late night walks are one of my favorite activities. It allows me time to spend with my dogs in a calmer environment, because most people exercise their dogs mid-day. But also the temperature is cooler. I prefer later evening walks about 30 minutes after dusk, because although the ground is warmer than in the mornings it’s still cooled down and allows me to walk longer distances (I am not a morning person).
Collapsing water bowls and water bottles with built in bowls are available at almost any local pet store. These usually have a large clip to make them easy to attach to your backpack, your dog’s leash, etc. I put mine in the freezer overnight, filled approx 20% with water, to freeze overnight. It thaws throughout the walk and my dog has cold water to help bring down their temperature. If I go hiking I have a water bottle filled 20% with ice and a 2nd bottle with 70% ice.
Feel the ground! It sounds weird, I know, but just do it. You’re expecting your dog to touch the ground so you should too. If you can’t hold your hand on the ground without it being too hot, your dog can’t either.
Dog carrying harnesses or dog slings are available for all of my hiking friends. They make them for all sizes of dogs and can easily fold into your or their backpack. These are great for if a dog has any kind of medical emergency when out in nature.
Frozen lick-mats and treats are something my dogs love to utilize every day we’re outdoors for more than an hour. I throw them into a plastic bag in my cooler and pull them out while we relax. Make sure to stay with your dog anytime they have anything frozen, to avoid choking hazards. I like to use a 50/50 mix of applesauce and water as the main base then add fruits and peanut butter. Sometimes I even freeze a bully stick or no-rawhide chew in the ice too. Lucky dogs!
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is something we sometimes forget about over the winter because here in WA we don’t see many of those parasites as a problem during the cold months. Don’t forget to renew these asap. Heartworm is not something we see huge cases of yet, but it is in our area and over time will become a bigger issue if we aren’t diligently protecting our dogs.
Know first aid and signs of heat stroke! Signs of heat stroke are excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, glazed eyes. Signs your dog’s paws are too hot include them holding up their paws (usually rotating between each foot), hopping around, pulling to grass or dirty, whining, and/or licking their paws. Look up your local pet first aid classes before you need them!
A pop up tent to provide shade is highly suggested if you plan to be out for an hour or more. Providing a way to keep your dog safe in-case you can’t find shade is important. They can’t keep themselves safe, so that’s your responsibility. These pop up tents can be found at most outdoor supply stores and are frequently in the camping and/or picnic supply areas of the store.
Do you have any favorite tips, tricks, or advice for people and their pups to stay safe this summer?
Do you want to collaborate on a blog post?
Let me know! You can email PicklesPlayland@gmail.com