At Dog Days Daycare & Boarding, we provide expert care for dogs across California. Our services include grooming, daycare, and overnight boarding—perfect for busy pet parents or summer travelers. We're dedicated to keeping your dog healthy, comfortable, and well-loved, no matter the season.

This guide covers everything you need. You'll find simple, powerful summer pet care tips. Learn how to keep your dog healthy during hot days. Discover smart travel advice. Explore the benefits of dog boarding and daycare.

Let's dive in! 

• Cars heat up in minutes, even with windows cracked.
• Heatstroke can happen fast and be fatal.
• Always take your dog with you or leave them at home.
• Never risk even "just a few minutes" inside a hot vehicle. 

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Walk your dog during cooler mornings or evenings.
• Hot pavement can burn paw pads—test it with your hand.
• Bring water on walks to keep your pup hydrated. 

• Dogs need a cool, shaded area when outside.
• Use umbrellas, trees, or a ventilated dog house for shade.
• Always offer fresh, cool water.
• Check their water bowl throughout the day and refill often. 

• Refill your dog's water bowl multiple times a day to ensure it stays fresh.
• Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls, as plastic can absorb heat.
• Add ice cubes to their water for an extra cool refreshment.
• Bring a collapsible water bowl or portable pet bottle when walking to keep them hydrated. 

• Use dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter, plain yogurt, or bone broth for frozen treats.
• Pour the mix into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze for easy snacks.
• Add fruit like blueberries or banana slices for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Give one or two at a time to avoid overfeeding and monitor for choking hazards. 

• Use a cooling mat for naps; it doesn't require electricity and keeps your dog cool.
• Soak cooling vests or bandanas in water, wring out, and have your dog wear them.
• Keep extra cooling gear in the fridge for extended relief on hot days.
• Choose breathable, lightweight materials to help regulate your dog's temperature. 

• Too much play can lead to exhaustion and heatstroke.
• Watch for signs of fatigue: heavy panting, drooling, or slow movement.
• Always take breaks in the shade during active play.
• Stop and cool down when needed—don't push them too far. 

• Dogs can get sunburned, especially on exposed areas.
• Apply dog-safe sunscreen on the nose, ears, and belly.
• Reapply as needed, especially if your dog gets wet.
• Use sunscreen made specifically for pets to ensure safety. 

• Pavement, sand, and concrete can burn paws quickly.
• Stick to grass or dirt paths during walks.
• If needed, use dog booties to protect paws from the heat.
• Test the ground with your hand to check if it's too hot. 

• Research hotels, parks, and rest stops before your trip.
• Confirm each location allows dogs and check for any breed restrictions.
• Look for dog-friendly restaurants or patios if dining out.
• Map out nearby vets or emergency clinics just in case. 

Equipping yourself with a well-stocked first-aid kit is essential when traveling with your dog. Here's a guide to assembling a comprehensive pet first-aid kit:

• Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers.
• Pack any daily medications your dog needs.
• Add vet contact info and vaccination records.
• Bring flea and tick prevention, especially for outdoor trips. 

• Always restrain your dog in the car for safety.
• Use a crash-tested harness or a secure travel crate.
• Never let your dog ride with their head out the window.
• Make sure they're comfy with breaks for water and potty stops.

• Not all vacations are safe or fun for dogs.
• Long drives, flights, and heat can cause stress or illness.
• Boarding keeps your pup in a cool, dog-friendly space.
• They get daily care, playtime, and plenty of attention. 

• Look for climate-controlled spaces with air conditioning.
• Indoor areas protect dogs from extreme heat and sunburn.
• Ask about shaded outdoor areas for short play sessions.
• Comfort matters just as much as fun during hot months. 

• Staff should be trained to spot signs of overheating.
• Ask if they know pet CPR and emergency response.
• Make sure someone monitors the dogs throughout the day.
• Your dog's safety depends on attentive, skilled care. 

• Can't walk your pup in the heat? Daycare keeps them cool and safe.
• Daycares provide climate-controlled spaces for dogs to play.
• Your dog will stay active and social without overheating.
• Daycare provides a structured environment, reducing stress from boredom. 

• Many daycares offer grooming services, perfect for busy schedules.
• Book a bath, nail trim, or brush-out during daycare visits.
• Keep your pup fresh and cool without extra trips to the groomer.
• Scheduling grooming through daycare helps maintain your dog's comfort and health. 

• Good daycares offer regular hydration and rest periods.
• Make sure your dog has a quiet space to nap during playtime.
• Hydration and rest are key to preventing heat exhaustion.
• Ask if the daycare monitors dogs for signs of overheating during active play. 

• Signs of heatstroke: panting, vomiting, or collapse.
• Act fast—move your dog to a cool place and offer water.
• Call your vet immediately if symptoms worsen.
• Never leave your dog in a hot car or unattended outdoors. 

• Use flea and tick prevention treatments regularly.
• Check your dog's fur after walks for ticks or bites.
• Consider using natural bug repellents for added protection.
• Keep your dog's environment clean to prevent flea infestations. 

• Avoid swimming in ponds or lakes with blue-green algae.
• Algae blooms are toxic to dogs and can cause severe illness.
• Symptoms of poisoning: drooling, vomiting, or seizures.
• Stick to safe, chlorinated pools or clear, flowing water sources. 

• Select Appropriate Shampoo: Choose a dog-specific shampoo that suits your pet's skin type to prevent irritation.
• Prepare the Bathing Area: Use lukewarm water and ensure the environment is calm to make the experience pleasant for your dog.

• Choose the Right Brush: Use a brush suitable for your dog's coat type to effectively remove tangles and mats.
  
• Be Gentle: Brush gently to avoid causing discomfort or damaging the skin.

• Use Proper Tools: Utilize pet-safe scissors or clippers to carefully trim the hair around paws and the belly area.
  
• Avoid Over-Trimming: Ensure not to cut too close to the skin to prevent nicks and allow for natural protection.
  

• Inspect After Outdoor Activities: After walks or playtime, thoroughly check your dog's body, especially under the collar, between toes, and around the ears.
  
• Use Preventative Treatments: Administer veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives regularly to reduce the risk of infestations.
  

• Use Proper Nail Clippers: Employ dog-specific nail clippers to safely trim nails without causing harm.
  
• Trim Gradually: If unsure, trim a small amount at a time to avoid cutting the quick, which can cause bleeding.
  

• Use Vet-Approved Cleaners: Clean your dog's ears using solutions recommended by your veterinarian to ensure safety.
  
• Dry Ears Thoroughly: After cleaning, ensure the ears are dry to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections.
  

• Use sprinklers or a kiddie pool to keep your dog cool.
  
• Let your pup splash around for a fun, refreshing activity.
  
• Make it a game by throwing toys into the pool for retrieval.
• Always supervise your dog to ensure safety around water. 

• Freeze toys or treats in ice cubes for a cool, rewarding game.
  
• Let your dog dig and lick the ice cubes to get their prize.
  
• This game helps keep your dog mentally engaged in the heat.
• Try using flavored water or broth for an extra tasty treat. 

• Fill a Kong with your dog's favorite treats or peanut butter.
  
• Freeze it for a cool, long-lasting activity.
  
• The frozen Kong keeps your dog entertained while they cool off.
• Great for reducing anxiety or boredom during hot weather. 

• Heavy Panting: Dogs pant to cool down, but excessive panting can be a sign of heat stress.
  
• Bright Red Gums: Red or pale gums can indicate overheating.
  
• Drooling or Vomiting: Excessive drooling or vomiting can be signs of heatstroke. Wobbly Legs or Collapse: If your dog is unsteady or collapses, they're in immediate danger.
• Glassy Eyes: Dilated or dull eyes can indicate heat exhaustion. Act Quickly: Move your dog to the shade, offer cool water, and call your vet immediately. 

• Older dogs overheat more easily: They struggle to regulate their body temperature and need extra care during hot weather.
  
• Walk during cool hours: Opt for early morning or evening walks to avoid the heat of the day.
  
• Provide cooling mats or fans: These help keep your senior dog comfortable indoors.
• Keep water within reach: Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times to stay hydrated.
• Check joints for pain: Heat can exacerbate joint pain in older dogs. Watch for signs of discomfort.
• Visit your vet for summer checkups: Summer can bring extra stress on senior dogs, so regular vet visits are key to catching any issues early.