Bringing a puppy home during a Texas summer can be an exciting and joyful experience, but the heat is no joke. As responsible dog breeders and puppy lovers based right here in the Lone Star State, we know firsthand how brutal our summers can get. With temperatures often soaring above 100°F and humidity that makes the air feel like soup, it’s crucial to take extra steps to keep your puppy safe, healthy, and happy.
Whether you’re a new puppy parent or just need a refresher, this guide shares practical and experience-based summer puppy care tips tailored for the Texas climate, as well as, other states having a similar summer to Texas, such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida.
Understanding the Texas Heat
Texas isn’t just hot, it’s consistently hot. From May to September, most areas experience extended periods of high heat and humidity, which can be dangerous for young dogs. Puppies are especially vulnerable because they’re still building up their stamina and learning how to regulate their body temperature.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat. They rely mostly on panting and small sweat glands in their paw pads. So, when it’s scorching outside, they can overheat quickly. That’s why it’s essential to recognize that summer in Texas isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a health hazard for your pup if you’re not prepared.
Choose the Right Time for Outdoor Activities
Puppies need exercise, but that doesn’t mean you should take them out in the midday sun.
Best Time to Walk:
- Early morning (before 9 a.m.)
- Evening (after 7 p.m.)
These windows are typically the coolest parts of the day. Walking on hot pavement during peak hours can burn your puppy’s paw pads. A simple test: if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet.
Pro Tip: Walk on grassy areas or shaded trails whenever possible. Parks with shaded trees are your best friend in the summer.
Keep Them Hydrated
Puppies are active, curious, and often too distracted to remember to drink water, until they’re already thirsty.
What to Do:
- Always keep fresh, cool water available indoors and outdoors.
- Bring a collapsible water bowl on walks or car rides.
- Add ice cubes to their water bowl or offer dog-safe ice treats to encourage hydration.
Dehydration in puppies can escalate fast, leading to fatigue, panting, dry gums, and worse. Watch for signs and encourage regular water breaks.
Create a Cool Zone Indoors
Even indoor pups can struggle if your home isn’t adequately cooled.
Puppy Cooling Tips:
- Keep the AC running in at least one room where your puppy spends time.
- Use a fan or cooling mat in their crate or sleep area.
- Block direct sunlight with curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
Some Texas homes have tiled floors, which are great in summer. Puppies often lay belly-down on them to cool off. Let them!
Watch for Heatstroke Symptoms
Knowing how to recognize early signs of overheating could save your puppy’s life.
Signs of Heatstroke in Puppies:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Bright red or pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Rapid heartbeat
- Collapse or lethargy
If you suspect heatstroke, move your puppy to a cool area immediately, offer water, and call your vet right away. Never use ice-cold water to cool them down rapidly, it can cause shock.
Adjust Playtime & Training Schedules
Young puppies need both mental and physical stimulation. But in Texas heat, you need to adjust your routine.
Smart Summer Activities:
- Indoor fetch using soft toys or small balls
- Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys
- Short training sessions in air-conditioned rooms
- Puppy-safe kiddie pools under supervision in shaded outdoor spaces
Keep sessions short and fun, with plenty of breaks. Puppies tire out faster in the heat, just like us.
Never Leave a Puppy in the Car
We can’t say this enough: even a few minutes in a parked car can be fatal, even with the windows cracked.
Temperatures inside a car can rise 20°F in just 10 minutes. Puppies can’t handle that kind of heat. If you’re running errands, leave your pup at home in the cool.
Grooming Can Help, But Don’t Shave!
If you have a doodle breed like a Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle, grooming plays a big role in summer comfort. Their wavy, curly coats can trap heat if not properly maintained.
Summer Grooming Tips:
- Regular brushing prevents matting and allows better airflow to the skin.
- Ask your groomer for a “summer cut”, shorter, but not shaved.
- Never completely shave your dog’s coat. It can lead to sunburn and overheating, as the coat also insulates them against the heat.
Consider Your Puppy’s Breed & Coat Type
Some breeds handle Texas heat better than others. Bernedoodles, for example, are a mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, both of which have thick coats designed for cooler weather. That means extra caution is necessary in summer.
Talk to your breeder or vet about specific care recommendations for your puppy’s breed. This includes grooming needs, hydration strategies, and activity tolerance.
Provide Shade Outdoors
If your puppy spends time outside, even for potty breaks or supervised play, make sure there’s ample shade available.
Shade Ideas:
- Pop-up canopies or patio umbrellas
- Dog houses with ventilation
- Large trees (natural shade is best)
Combine shaded areas with a cool surface like grass or water-resistant mats to give your pup a place to escape the heat.
Be Mindful of Bugs & Pests
Texas summers bring fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and fire ants, all of which can harm your puppy. Mosquitoes, in particular, can transmit heartworms, a serious and sometimes fatal disease.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep your puppy on vet-approved flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
- Avoid tall grass or unkempt areas during walks.
- Check your pup’s coat after coming indoors.
Conclusion:
Texas summers may be intense, but with a little planning and awareness, your puppy can enjoy the season safely. As breeders and dog lovers based right here in Texas, we know the heat adds another layer of responsibility, but also countless opportunities for bonding, training, and play.
By adjusting your routines, staying informed, and listening to your puppy’s signals, you’re setting them up for a happy, healthy start to life, even under the Texas sun.