top of page

Safe Fun, Summer Sun!

Summer is here! After spending months in quarantine limited to 30 second spurts of indoor fetch our furry friends can't wait to get out for some fun in the sun. Let's be honest, we're excited to get back out there too, but temperatures here in hotlanta can get pretty intense which can make even some routine activities unsafe. Let's talk about ways to make sure our canine companions have safe fun in the summer sun!


As business reopen, and we venture back outside for work or play what's on Fluffy's

agenda for the day? While a ride in the car may sound like tons of fun for both you and your pet be sure to plan your trip. It is always unsafe to leave a dog in the car, but the summer sun makes it even more dangerous. If pet-friendly destinations are not the plan for the day, then at home little scruffy should stay! The sweltering heat can also make staying outside for long periods of time unsafe. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about how much time outside your fuzz ball can handle. Every dog is different , and may have more strict limitation based on age or breed. Avoid potentially life-threatening affects or prolonged or intense heat exposure ( i.e. heat stroke, dehydration, etc) by providing closely monitored free play or leashed walks only. If your schedule does not allow time for getting those leashed walks in; never fear Happy Hearts dog walking services are here to help! Be sure to schedule walks at the beginning of the week to take advantage of special discounted rates.


For our long-haired or thick-coated friends it can be hard to beat the heat without a fresh summer cut. If your doggo has a short coat it may be better to continue with his regularly scheduled bathing program. Pets' fur helps to protect their skin from sunburn. While you may have considered shaving your pet so you can both don the shiny bald look; we seriously recommend leaving at least the dog's grooming to the professionals!

Happy Hearts Pet Care Services offers several options so that you and your fur-baby feel safe during your scheduled groom. Grooming is offered in your home, at our facility, and soon from our mobile facility as well. Don't forget to protect those freshly pedicured paws. Pavement can reach dangerously high temperatures after baking in the sun all day. Plan walks for late evening or early morning when the ground is not as hot. You may also consider purchasing booties to be worn during walks to help avoid hot asphalt.


We are getting used to safely navigating this summer during a pandemic, but what about our pets? Does Fido need to stay 6 feet away from all of his friends?

Let's talk

summertime social safety. If you are heading back out to the park it may be best to avoid making new friends. There has always been risk of contracting communicable disease associated with close contact between dogs. Now that there has been a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 in the United States we should be monitoring our pup's playmates even more closely. Keeping all recommended vaccines current will also help prevent spread of communicable infectious diseases, and protect your pet if they are exposed. While nobody can deny the importance of staying well hydrated during play in the heat it is best to avoid shared water bowls. Drinking from shared water bowls can cause exposure to other dogs saliva (potentially spreading illness), and even certain intestinal parasites.

Whew, there sure are a lot of things to consider when planning for a safe summer. Don't worry, you are not alone. Be sure to give us a call if you need help planning Spot's schedule for summer. With Happy Hearts you'll always get quality pet care by quality pet people.




bottom of page