Stay Cool & Clean: Summer Safety & Grooming for Your Pup

mari20910
5 days ago
3 min read

☀️ Dry Dogs = Healthy Dogs

After a dip in the pool or splashing around at beach day, it’s important to fully dry your pup. Damp fur can lead to painful hot spots and skin irritation, especially in hard to dry areas like under the legs or around the ears. Water left in the coat also increases the risk of matting for long haired or curly coated dogs, which is quite uncomfortable. For dogs with thicker or curly coats, a high velocity dryer is highly recommended to help fully dry your pup! These dryers allow you to reach the skin and dry much quicker than towel drying. Here is a great option on chewy!

Wet golden doodle dog happily stands in a blue pool, showing teeth. Background is blurred, creating a joyful and playful mood. — Every day during summer is a dog swim day at Houston Bark Park and Daycare!

🐾 Brushing is Not Optional

Summer is prime time for dirt, grass, and debris to get tangled up in your pup’s coat. Regular brushing helps remove buildup, prevent matting, and distribute natural oils for a shiny, healthy coat. Aim to brush your dog at least a few times a week, or daily depending on their outdoor activity and coat condition. This helps maintain coat health and keeps your pup looking and feeling great between baths. Using both metal combs and slicker brushes can help reach the skin and ensure your pup is tangle-free.

🔥 Protecting Paws from the Heat

Houston pavement can get hot in the summer sun, which can burn or injure your dog’s paw pads. Here’s how we help protect them:

Cooling Turf: At Houston Bark Park and Daycare, our turf is regularly sprayed down throughout the day to help keep surface temperatures low and paws safe.
Paw Balm Protection: We proudly carry Musher’s Secret, a protective paw wax that creates a barrier between your dog’s pads and hot surfaces. Just ask our staff if you'd like us to apply it before playtime.

Doggy shoes: For extra-sensitive paws or high-heat outings, consider using dog booties or paw protectors when walking your pup. Your pup might take some time to adjust, but their paws will thank you!

Dogs playing outside on clean, green artificial turf, jumping and frolicking around a water hose spray. Many dogs in the sunny background. — With splash pads, bubble cannons, misters, and pools, we are a doggy water park! Access to water keeps them cool and having fun!

🌞 Don’t Forget Doggy Sunscreen

Yes, dogs can get sunburned too, especially pups with short, light-colored, or thin coats. Sunburns can cause discomfort and even skin damage over time. To help protect exposed skin (like ears, noses, and bellies), we offer dog-safe sunscreen upon request at all locations. Let us know if your pup needs an extra layer of protection before they head out to play.