Pet Summer Safety Guide

Consider these pet summer safety tips when bringing your furry friend along on your adventures — plus, try a few dog-friendly destinations and treats.

4 Dog-Friendly Destinations

Experience the dog days of summer throughout Texas. You’ll find many dog-friendly spots across the Lone Star State, but here are a few can’t-miss destinations.

• Jumping Jack Dog Ranch, Manchaca: If you’re looking to cool down, head to this dog-themed pool. Pups are free to splash and play. Plus, there’s an Instagram-worthy bone-shaped island.
• Padre Island National Seashore, Padre Island: Explore nearly 70 miles of underdeveloped beaches and natural habitats with your pooch. Pets must be leashed at all times during your visit.
• Waggin’ Tail Ranch RV Resort, Pilot Point: Designed with your dog in mind, this RV resort features an agility course, a dog park, and a swimming pond. Plus, there’s a wash station handy after all that outdoor fun.
• The San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio: Stroll along the River Walk’s lush, vibrant 15-mile urban waterway with your leashed dog. Some restaurants even offer pet menus.

Summer Treats

With a few simple ingredients, you can treat your pets to a frozen delicacy this summer. These treats are the perfect way to include your pet in a backyard barbecue.

For Cats: Pâté Pops
Open a 12.5-ounce can of pâté cat food and scoop the contents into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of dried catnip over the pâté. (A little bit goes a long way!) Stir in the catnip until the mixture is soft and malleable. Spoon an even amount of the mixture into a silicone ice cube tray or 12 small paper cups lining a cupcake pan. Set the treats in the freezer for about 2 hours or until frozen. Before serving, pop them out of the silicone casing or peel the paper from the treats. Keep the remaining treats in the freezer.

For Pups: Doggie S’mores
In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon carob powder and 1 cup plain Greek yogurt. Mix until smooth, about 1 minute. Dip one side of a mini dog biscuit into the mixture and place on a metal tray covered with wax paper. Carefully place another dog biscuit on top, creating a sandwich. Repeat this process until there are 12 dog biscuit sandwiches. Set the tray in the freezer for about 2 hours, until the biscuit filling hardens. Store the remaining treats in the freezer.

Pro Tip: Carob powder is an alternative to cocoa powder that’s safe for dogs. It gives a chocolatey taste without the toxicity!

5 Must-Have Pet Products for Summer Travel

When prepping for a trip, you might find yourself packing just as much gear for your pets as you do your kids. These products will make the trip easier for you and more enjoyable for your pet. (Note: prices accurate as of press time.)

• Grooming Wipes: Hypoallergenic waterless grooming wipes by Frisco come in handy for both cats and dogs.
• Portable Litter Box: Travel Cat’s “The Porta-Pawty” allows you to reuse the same litter multiple times. Also, its sturdy construction blocks unwanted odors.
• Water Bottle: Kalimdor’s portable dog water bottle is a great option because of its leakproof, compact design. Plus, it’ll lower your plastic water bottle count.
• Cat Backpack: Thick, padded straps allow you to comfortably carry up to 25 pounds of kitty with Travel Cat’s Navigator Backpack. You can also use this for small dogs.
• Dog Seat Belt: This direct-to-seat belt swivel tether by Kurgo will keep your pup safely secured for long, and short, drives.

6 Heat Safety Tips for Pets

The summer months in Texas can be brutal as triple-digit days become the norm. Here are some things pet owners can do to keep their four-legged loved ones cool and safe.

• Stay on top of grooming. This is especially important if your pet has a long or thick coat.
• Never leave them unattended in a car. Even if the vehicle is running and the air conditioning is on, the temperature inside a vehicle can rapidly rise during the summer.
• Scale back on exercise during hot days. Consider starting your routine earlier in the morning when the temps are significantly cooler.
• Bring water with you. Take bottled water and a water bowl with you wherever you go to prevent dehydration.
• Find shelter. Stop to drink up and cool off in areas with shade or shelter; dogs primarily sweat through their feet, so you want to make sure the ground is cool.
• Know your pet’s limits. If your furry friend is older, overweight, and/or has a medical condition, keep a close watch on them while outside. Watch out for excessive panting, lack of coordination, and a bright red or purple tongue, as these could be signs of an impending heat stroke.

How to Keep Your Pets Hydrated

Water fuels nearly every one of your pet’s important bodily functions, from aiding digestion to carrying essential nutrients throughout their bodies. Getting enough water also helps boost their energy levels and regulates body temperature. Dehydration can be life- threatening, even fatal, if it’s not treated. That’s why it’s necessary to know the symptoms of dehydration in your pets.

Your cat or dog might be experiencing dehydration if you notice:

• A loss of energy.
• A diminished appetite.
• Excessive panting.
• A dry nose and mouth.
• Pale gums.
• Dulled, delayed responses or mental activity.

Keep your dog hydrated by:

• Giving them frozen treats.
• Adding moisture to their food. This can be as simple as pouring a small amount of water into their kibble.
• Flavoring their water with low- or no- sodium broth or, sparingly, with the juice of dog-safe fruits, such as pineapples.

Keep your cat hydrated by:

• Investing in a larger water bowl. A smaller bowl might rub against their whiskers, which can be sensitive and uncomfortable.
• Adding an ice cube or two to the water bowl. The bobbing motion might entice your cat over for a drink.
• Offering several sources of water throughout your house. Cats are curious by nature, so this will grab their attention.

There are plenty of other paw-some activities to do in Texas with your dog. Check out these dog-friendly activities for the dog days of summer.