Keeping Your Dog Cool For Summer: 6 Essential Tips
Summer is upon us, and with rising temperatures, it’s important to help your pup stay cool and comfortable. At Tailored Tails of Lubbock, we’re all about healthy, happy dogs—so here are six reliable ways to beat the heat on those summer outings!
1. Hydration Is Key: Travel-Friendly Water Solutions
Whether you're on a hike or a beach day, portable water is essential. Pack a collapsible bowl or a dog water bottle. If you’re taking a cooler along, bring extra ice cubes for a crunchy cooling treat!
2. Shade & Rest: Know When It's Time to Take a Break
Plan your outing with plenty of shady spots or bring a pop-up tent. Be aware of signs of overheating and pause activities when needed. Look out for symptoms like excessive panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, vomiting, collapse, or seizures. Be sure to have the contact for a 24-hour emergency vet clinic saved in your contacts, just in case! Here is the Lubbock Small Animal Emergency Clinic in Lubbock, TX: (806) 797-6483 6305 66th Street, Suite 300, Lubbock, TX 79424.
3. Cool Paw Pads
Pavement can heat up fast. Consider training your dog to wear protective booties when on hot surfaces for long periods like a walk, hiking, or other outings. Our signature Skin Repair Balm made with 100% ingestible proprietary blend of ingredients helps to soothe hot paw pads and is small enough to fit in your pocket for on the go! Come by the shop and grab some or use this link to purchase online: Grassdog Apothecary
4. Use a Cooling Vest or Bandana
Moisturizing a bandana or investing in a cooling vest can help keep your dog comfortable for outdoor fun. SPARK PAWS has some great cooling vests and booties: If you have a smooth or short coated dog, a plastic pool with cool water on the patio is always fun!
5. Use Sunscreen & Avoid Peak Sun Hours
Opt for early mornings or late evenings to avoid the hottest sun hours (10 AM–4 PM). Keep outdoor play times moderate. Remember to use a dog safe sunscreen regardless of the time of day. We like K-9 Care Sunscreen from Epi-Pet.
6. Schedule a De-Shedding & Skin Hydration
Contrary to popular belief, shaving your dog’s coat or cutting it super short isn’t always the answer. While some longer coats can benefit from going short, double coated breeds such as Australian Shepherds and Siberian Huskies actually NEED the longer guard hairs to protect them from the heat. Think about all of the people who work outside wearing long sleeve shirts, hats and bandanas. Having that extra barrier from the sun not only protects the skin, but prevents burning and an internal temperature rise. Double coated breeds can definitely benefit from a de-shedding of the undercoat and a powerful skin conditioner to promote the health of the skin’s natural oil barrier. Consider scheduling a professional grooming appointment with one of our certified skin and coat estheticians to make sure your pup is in prime condition.
Tailored Tails of Lubbock is packed with tips to keep your best friend cool all season. If you'd like personalized care recommendations, contact us or book a consultation. We’re here to help!
