With the heat rising the way it has, it can become challenging to make sure our pets are well taken-care of and entertained. Their time outside has to be limited so they don't overheat. But we want to make sure they don't just have to stay in the house all the time. I've got some tips and tricks to keep our furry friends happy and healthy.
- If you have space for a little kiddie pool, it can be a great way for any pup or person to keep cool outside
- Try an insulated dog bowl to keep water cool or add ice cubes to the bowl
- Keep outside walks and park visits short and sweet, no matter how excited they are, and try to keep it to cooler hours of the day (if that exists here), early morning or later evenings
- Be aware of the ground they are walking on so their paws don't burn
- Add freezer blocks or frozen water bottles to their beds
- Drench a towel in tepid water and drape over your dog's coat if they are feeling overheated, remove when dry
- If you have the funds, invest in cooling harnesses and collars, which will come in handy if you HAVE to take your dog outside
- Make some frozen treats like ice pops, frozen blocks with fruits and veggies, or frozen Kong treats
- If you have fans, make them available to where your dog can reach the air
- Let the kids play with water toys with the pups, squirt guns, sprinklers, hoses (just make sure to cut the fun if the dog gets overexcited, they will overheat)
 |
One of the first things any pet owner should do is take a trip to the vet. They can head off any issues your dog may have before you even head outside, paying special attention to specifics that affect each breed. Dogs with shorter snouts, for example, have a harder time panting so the heat is not ideal for them. Ticks come out in the summer so your vet can prescribe something to help counteract that. Make your pet's health a priority and remember to never leave them in a car, even for a few minutes.
Know the signs of heatstroke and how to help:
- excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- increased heart and respiratory rate
- drooling
- a deep red or purple tongue
- mild weakness, stupor or collapse
- extreme symptoms include seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, elevated body temperatures over 104, seek attention right away
If heatstroke occurs, get them to a shaded area and try to apply an ice pack or wet towel to their head, neck and chest. Let them lick small amounts of cool water or ice cubes and get them to a vet as soon as you can.
If you are in need of a vet, here are a few in the Henderson/Boulder City area:
Highlands Animal Care
1651 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Suite 120, Henderson, NV 89012 - (702) 518-6414
Henderson Animal Hospital
360 Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89015 - (702) 564-0900
Green Valley Animal Hospital
6150 Mountain Vista St, Henderson, NV - (702) 795-4440
The Grateful Pet Animal Clinic
707 Canyon Rd Suite 103B, Boulder City, NV 89005 - (702) 294-4899
 |
There are many "paw-some" (sorry) dog parks throughout Vegas. Again, try to avoid the middle of the day when the weather is at its worst. If you have some time, try getting you and your pup a break from the heat and visit nearby Mount Charleston. It'll be 20 degrees cooler and there's plenty of trails to explore. Just make sure to stay leashed. If you want to free your dog from the leash, visit one of these dog parks:
Heritage Bark Park
All the parks have plenty of space for your dog to run, but this one is special since it has a separate splash pad just for doggies
Amador Vista Park
The park here has a nice secluded feel, away from the play area where the dogs may get distracted
Acacia Park and Acacia Demonstration Gardens
After your dog runs out of energy at the park, you can take a nice, leisurely stroll through the gardens and spot some bunnies
Veterans Memorial Dog Park
Plenty of room and shade for pups to run wild and free
Stay out of the heat with an indoor dog park (yeah, I said it)
Get your dogs all the playtime they could want, in the air-conditioning. There are membership fees but they have options for day care and boarding, also
 |
A trip to the Salon may be what your pet needs. It's a good idea to get longer hair trimmed, but not shaved as their coat helps provide them with protection from overheating. Try these groomers:
90 Stephanie St Suite 140, Henderson, NV 89012 - (725) 252-0883
10890 S Eastern Ave Suite 112, Henderson, NV 89052 - (702) 270-8868
710 Boulder Hwy Suite 0, Henderson, NV 89015 - (702) 534-0411
1400 Wyoming St Suite 2, Boulder City, NV 89005 - (702) 998-2828
Here's a list of stores that will allow you to bring your dog shopping (you may want to call ahead to verify at your specific location before you make the trip):
- Petco & Petsmart (this one is a no-brainer but in case you didn't know)
- Home Depot
- Lowes
- Nordstrom
- The Apple Store (double check if it's in a mall)
- Bass Pro Shops
- Pottery Barn
- LUSH Cosmetics
- TJ Maxx/Marshalls
- Ross
- Michael's
- Joann
Wish to Dine with your dog? Here are some local spots that don't mind serving your four-legged friend:
Lazy Dog-right now, the closest location is Town Square but they are opening one in Henderson in the Sunset Station lot
The Egg Works-Eastern and Sunridge Heights
The Original Sunrise Cafe-Pebble and Eastern
Crepe Expectations- Eastern and Serene
Nevada Brew Works-the Arts District
We love our pets and want to be able to make memories with them as well as our kids! The summer heat doesn't have to stop us.
Happy Summer!
Do you know of a pet-friendly business that isn't listed here? We would work with them. Please submit their info here https://henderson.macaronikid.com/directory/submit and we will add it to our list!
