Keeping Your Pup Cool in Arizona This Summer

There’s no way around it: Phoenix summers are terribly hot. With temperatures reaching 120 degrees, it is important to keep all members of your family safe – including your four-legged friends.

Making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and attention without exposing him to possible heat exhaustion or paw pad burns is important for his health and happiness. Here are three easy ways to keep your pup cool this summer:

Early Morning Walks

The best time to take your dog on a walk is early in the morning before the concrete and pavement have absorbed the heat of the sun. The air temperature is cooler, and you’re more likely to find shade for rest stops.

Still remember to bring a bottle of water with you to provide your dog drinks along the way. Though the temperatures are considerably better in the mornings, it is still a Phoenix summer, reach down and feel the concrete prior to walking your dog – even in the morning.

Water Play

In the same way you might take your kids to a water park for summertime play, letting your pooches run around in the water is a great way to keep them cool while burning energy. It’s easy to forget that most dogs wear a heavy winter sweater all-year around. Getting that sweater of fur wet, cools your pup down to the outer body at minimum.

Some public parks like the Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert, have pet-friendly ponds. Otherwise, buying a plastic kid’s pool and filling it up with the hose can give your pup plenty of cool outside play.

Doggie Daycare

When you leave for work in the summer, keeping your dog outside all day will potentially expose him to dangerous overheating and dehydration. Daily dog daycare in Scottsdale is a readily available option to ensure your pooch is having not only a fun day, but also a safely cool one. Make sure the boarding or daycare facility has air-conditioning! You would be surprised at how many do not, leaving your pooch in yet another overly hot environment.

These three ideas will help keep your pup cool, exercised, and well-loved all summer long. Even though it’s hot, it doesn’t mean your four-legged family member can’t enjoy the summer in a safe and fun way!

Scottsdale Pet Hotel offers temperature-controlled accommodations at their dog daycare. With plenty of one-on-one interaction and complimentary toys and treats, your dog will