As temperatures rise, summer becomes prime time for outdoor adventures, splash sessions, and sunny strolls with your furry friend. This summer survival guide for pet parents offers essential tips and advice to keep your pets safe, cool, and comfortable during the hot months.
➡ Discover the Scenthound difference at our Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Tucker locations.
1. A Reliable Hydration Plan
Checklist:
- Always carry a portable water bowl or dog-friendly water bottle
- Offer water frequently — don’t wait until your dog shows signs of thirst
- Add water to dry kibble to increase moisture intake during meals
- Watch for signs of dehydration like dry gums, fatigue, sunken eyes, excessive drooling, or heavy panting
Don’t forget to offer water frequently, especially during outdoor play or walks.
Dogs need a break from the heat just like we do. Indoors, keep fans or air conditioning running, and provide shaded, ventilated spaces for outdoor dogs. Cooling mats or damp towels can help lower your pup’s body temperature naturally.
Avoid crating your dog in direct sunlight or leaving them in poorly ventilated spaces, even for a few minutes. Heat can rise rapidly, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
2. Dog-Friendly Sun Protection
Dogs with light coats, thin fur, or exposed skin are at risk of sunburn — especially on the nose, ears, and belly. Prolonged sun exposure can also lead to long-term skin damage.
A dog’s coat can offer some protection from the sun, but dogs with thin or light coats are still at risk and need extra care.
Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas like the nose, ears, and belly. Limit prolonged sun exposure, especially for breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, which are more prone to heatstroke due to their short snouts
Checklist:
- Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed skin
- Limit time outdoors during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Create shade zones with umbrellas, pop-up tents, or trees
- Avoid hot pavement that can burn paw pads
3. Flea and Tick Protection
Fleas and ticks are more than annoying — they can transmit diseases and cause serious health issues. Summer is peak season, and your dog needs protection that works 24/7.
Skipping treatment or delaying application can leave your dog vulnerable. Fleas and ticks multiply quickly, and just one bite can cause a cascade of health problems.
Checklist:
- Use vet-recommended flea and tick prevention consistently
- Avoid wooded and high-grass areas without protection
- Check your dog daily for ticks, especially after outdoor activities
- Wash bedding weekly and keep outdoor spaces well-maintained
➡ Discover the Scenthound difference at our Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Tucker locations.
4. Summer-Ready Gear
The right gear makes all the difference in keeping your dog safe and comfortable. From shade to paw protection, think ahead before heading out.
Checklist:
- Cooling vests or bandanas for temperature regulation
- Dog booties for hot pavement and rough terrain
- Travel bowls and dog-safe insect repellent
- Life jackets for boating or swimming outings
Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, and use car-safe travel gear for summer road trips
5. Consistent Hygiene Care: The Cornerstone of Total Summer Wellness
While sunshine and splash time are fun, they also increase your dog’s exposure to allergens, dirt, parasites, and skin irritants. That’s why hygiene care is a critical — and often overlooked — part of your summer dog care checklist.
Checklist:
- Routine bathing to remove allergens & dirt
- Regular ear cleanings to prevent moisture buildup
- Nail trims to avoid painful cracks or snags during outdoor play and to keep your dog’s paws healthy
- Skin and dog’s coat maintenance to check for ticks, mats, or irritants
- Dental care to support full-body health
At Scenthound, we’ve built our mission around hygiene care because it’s the foundation of your dog’s long-term health. Our services focus on the five core areas of dog wellness — skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth — so you can worry less and enjoy more summer memories with your dog.
Keep Your Cool and Keep Your Dog Cooler with Thoughtful Care
Summer is a season of fun, but it’s also a time for smart planning. With the right essentials, you can keep your dog safe, cool, and carefree all season long and improve the lives of both your pets and your family!
➡ Discover the Scenthound difference at our Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Tucker locations.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
