WOOF! If you have lived through a Texas Summer, you know they don’t play around. It gets murderously hot here, and equally as humid. This is a dangerous combination, especially for dogs! High temperatures combined with high humidity make it incredibly difficult for dogs to cool off, plus the summer sun can heat pavement to paw-blistering temperatures. To help keep your pup cool and safe this summer, here are 8 ways to beat the San Antonio heat!
1. Make Frosty Paws
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It’s hard to beat an ice cold treat on a hot summer summer day! Frosty Paws are healthy and easy to make at home, which means you can help your pup beat the San Antionio heat all summer long! Simply blend a little plain/unsweetened Greek yogurt or kefir with banana, peanut butter, and maybe some fresh fruit, and then freeze in popsicle molds or silicone molds. If you don’t want to make your own, you can also purchase a puppy paleta from Pawsicles Ice Cream.
2. Play Indoor Games Like “Find It” or Hide and Seek
Sometimes the only way to beat the San Antonio heat is to stay inside. Luckily, there are some fun indoor games you can play with your pup to wear them out physically and mentally.
One of our favorites is “find it!” To play, put your dog in another room and then hide smelly treats around your home. Some pieces should be easy to find, especially if your dog is new to this game. Bring your dog out and encourage them to “find it!” At first, you might have to show your dog where a couple of treats are, but most dogs pick up on this game really quickly.
You can also play hide and seek by hiding from your dog, and then calling them to you. Start off easy, perhaps just “hiding” in a different room. As your dog gets the hang of it, you can find more challenging hiding places. Once your pup finds you, be sure to celebrate with lots of praise and treats!
3. Get a Kiddie Pool
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One of the things I most looked forward to about buying a house was getting a kiddie pool for the dogs! As a human, I would much prefer a full-sized version, but the kiddie version is a lot cheaper. We got this 59” pool for $15 from Walmart, and the dogs freaking LOVE IT. They splash around, bob for toys, and then take off for some zoomies around the yard before jumping back in. It’s a great way for dogs to play and wrestle outside without worrying about them overheating.
As a note, we did have to teach our girls how to get into the pool. Both were very reluctant about stepping over the edge, so we used treats and praise to lure them in at their own pace. Once they figured it out, they loved it!
4. Create a Fun Ice Lick
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One way to help your pup beat the San Antonio heat this summer is to make different ice licks for them to enjoy outside. Feel free to use any container you have on hand, from Bundt pans to buckets to leftover (large) yogurt containers. You can even add in a little chicken or beef broth (be sure there the broth is no salt/seasonings added!) to make it taste even better!
Licking is a self-soothing behavior for dogs, which is why you see all those Lickimats getting advertised for stressful activities like bath time or nail trims. With the ice lick, your dog can engage in this natural behavior while “foraging” their way to treats and toys. Bonus: it keeps them hydrated!
5. Chase a Sunrise
Once we hit peak summer weather, mornings are the only time it’s safe to take your pup for a walk! Not only is it less hot out, but the pavement is cooler on their paws, too. Commit to waking up early on a Saturday and head out for an early morning hike. Catch a sunrise and then head home before it gets too hot.
Be sure to still bring plenty of water for you and your dog. It’s also important to remember that some mornings will still be too hot and humid for your dog to do any strenuous physical activity depending on their age, breed, coat type, etc. Always put your dog’s safety first, and if you aren’t sure—don’t push it!
6. Invest in COOL Gear
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The Kool Collar is hands down one of my favorite dog purchases ever. I bought mine YEARS ago, and I haven’t had a lot of luck finding that exact brand for sale. However, this collar from Amazon is basically the same thing. Stuff the collar with ice cubs and have your pup wear it around their neck. As the ice melts, it wets their throat and chest with cold water, helping them keep cool outside in the heat.
Another cool product to help you beat the heat in San Antonio this summer is a cooling mat. This mat has a non-toxic cooling gel that is pressure activated, cooling off your pup for up to 3 hours when they lay on it! I’ve not used it yet, but I’m excited to try one out this summer!
7. Snack Like a Boss
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There are very few things as revitalizing as a cold piece of watermelon on a scorching summer day! This is partially because it is 92% water, making it an excellent source of hydration! Cucumbers are 95% water and are a great source of phytonutrients, which may help protect against cancer. Both are wonderfully healthy snacks for you, and you can share them with your canine companion.
Another fun summertime snack is strawberries! Juicy and sweet, strawberries are bursting with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and manganese. Pop them in the freezer for a delicious and nutritious treat, or add them to your frosty paws or ice lick! As always, feed these summer time treats in moderation to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
8. Go For a Swim!
Swimming isn’t for every dog, and that’s okay. But if your dog loves to splash and frolic in the water like mine, check out this post for 5 places to take your dog swimming in and around San Antonio. If you visit these places, remember to respect leash laws and always pick up after your pet so that dogs will be welcomed there in the future!
Author: Blair Salt
Blair is a native San Antonian, committed dog mom, and all around animal lover. She lives in San Antonio with her husband, three rescued dogs, and a rescued cat. You can find her writing about responsible pet ownership over at her dog mom blog, Dogs Are a Girl’s Best Friend. When not hanging out with her pets, you can find Blair working at the McNay Art Museum, teaching yoga at AC Power Yoga, or cooking up a delicious plant-based meal in her kitchen. Find her on social media @twopupsinapawed!
