Protect Your Pets
With the brutal heat of the Texas summer, keeping your pets active without overheating them can be challenging. Luckily, we have helpful tips for dog owners ready to take on summer adventures with their furry friends.
Pay extra attention to the water bowl.
Whether your animals are outside or inside dogs, always keep their water bowl in the shade and refill it regularly with chilled, fresh water. Water can heat up incredibly fast even if placed in the shade, so dog owners must frequently change their pet’s water. Also, make sure to secure your pet’s water bowl in place. If your animals are outside animals and their water gets spilled while you are gone all day, that could spell big trouble. Give your pet more water than you expect them to drink. If you want to go further, get them a kiddie pool, always in the shade.
Change dog walking routine.
It would be best to exercise your dog regularly, but you may have to change the routine when the heat is on. Walking your pets early or late in the evening will ensure the pavement isn’t too hot for their paws. Always check your pets’ paw pads to see their condition when walking. The hot asphalt can tear them up and cause blisters and bleeding, so ensure you are walking them at the correct times or avoiding asphalt or other hot surfaces like concrete.
Get grooming done before summer.
It is essential to groom your dog consistently, especially in the summer. If you have a dog with long or dense fur, consider shaving them or trimming their coat down so that they don’t have all their extra layers of fur keeping the Texas heat from escaping. You wouldn’t walk around Lubbock wearing a coat in July, so don’t make your dog wear one.
Whip up summer dog treats.
Everybody loves summer treats, like ice cream or popsicles. Why not make some for your pets? Freeze fruit or peanut butter in ice cubes or makeshift popsicles to cool their insides. They are healthy snacks, and your pets will love you for it!
If you have more summer dog-caring tips that you’d like to share, please tell us on Facebook so we can add them to the list!
