What Are the Dog Days of Summer, Really?
Despite what the name suggests, the “dog days of summer” aren’t about pups lounging in the sun—although they often do. This phrase actually dates back to ancient times, referring to the period when the star Sirius (aka the Dog Star) rises alongside the sun, usually from early July through mid-August. Historically, it’s been associated with extreme heat, drought, and restlessness—for humans and pets alike.
And if you’ve noticed your pets panting a little more or retreating to cooler corners of your home, you’re not imagining things. The dog days of summer are no joke for our furry companions.
Why Pets Struggle in the Summer Heat
Pets—especially dogs and cats—can’t sweat the same way humans do. Dogs rely on panting and paw pads to regulate their temperature, while cats will often groom themselves more to cool down. But in high humidity or soaring temperatures, these built-in cooling systems fall short.
This can lead to:
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Dehydration
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Heatstroke
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Burned paws on hot pavement
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Excessive fatigue and irritability
Cooling Tools That Go the Extra Mile
🐶 SPLEASH®: Walk, Protect, and Refresh on the Go
One of the simplest but most impactful ways to help your dog beat the heat is to keep them hydrated and cool during walks. That’s where SPLEASH® comes in—a patented leash handle that transforms your everyday walks into hydration-ready adventures.
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Hydrate Anytime: SPLEASH® attaches to your existing leash and holds drinking water, with a built-in flip-open cup for easy slurps.
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Spray to Cool or Protect: The easy-pull trigger can spray water up to 14 feet, great for cooling off your dog, rinsing muddy paws, or even fending off unwanted off-leash encounters.
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Quick Setup: Installs in under 30 seconds.
And here’s the best part: A portion of proceeds supports PetPartners.org, providing Therapy Dog Teams to comfort children testifying in court. With SPLEASH®, you’re keeping your pet cool and contributing to a cause.
🐱 For the Cats: Meet the Katio™—A Game-Changer in Cat Care
Cats may not go on walks, but the summer heat affects them just the same. Traditional litter boxes can add to discomfort with lingering odors and confined, poorly ventilated spaces.
Enter Katio™: a window-installed cat litter box and perch that’s as innovative as it is practical.
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Vent Odors Outside: Say goodbye to smelly rooms—fresh air in, waste air out.
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Elevated Design: No more bending or squatting to clean. It’s ADA compliant and dog/kid-proof!
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Space-Saving and Secure: Installs in windows 24″–48″ wide/tall, and supports even the chunkiest cats (up to 200 lbs!).
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Made in the USA.
And just like SPLEASH®, 5% of every Katio™ purchase goes directly to your chosen animal shelter or rescue via the Doobert Forward Program.
Tips to Keep Pets Cool This August
Even if you’re not in the middle of a heatwave, late summer temperatures can still be dangerous for pets. These extended tips offer practical, proactive ways to ensure your furry companions stay safe, healthy, and cool through the dog days of summer:
🕐 Walk During Cooler Hours
Schedule your daily walks during the early morning or late evening hours—before 10 AM or after 6 PM—when the sun is low and pavement temperatures are more manageable. Midday outings can lead to burned paw pads, overheating, and dehydration. Test the ground with the back of your hand for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
💦 Keep Water Accessible at All Times
Make sure your pets have access to fresh, cool water throughout the day, indoors and out. For dogs on walks, bring a portable hydration solution like SPLEASH®, which not only provides drinking water with a built-in cup but also lets you spray them down to cool off. Change water bowls frequently and clean them to prevent bacteria build-up.
❄️ Provide Cooling Options at Home
Set up cooling pads, damp towels, or frozen water bottles wrapped in cloth for your pets to lie next to. If your pet prefers a crate or confined area, position it near a fan or in a shaded area of your home. Keep blinds closed during peak sun hours and consider running the A/C or a pet-safe fan in high heat.
🍦 Make Frozen Treats
Whip up some DIY frozen treats for dogs and cats using pet-safe ingredients like unsalted broth, peanut butter, plain yogurt, or small fruit pieces. Freeze them in ice cube trays or silicone molds for a tasty, enriching way to beat the heat. Just make sure you avoid ingredients like grapes, xylitol, or too much dairy.
🚗 Never Leave Pets in the Car—Not Even for a Minute
Temperatures inside a parked car can spike to fatal levels in just 10 minutes, even with windows cracked. Leaving pets in cars is not only dangerous but also illegal in many places. If you’re running errands, leave your pet at home in a cool environment instead.
🐾 Protect Those Paws
Hot asphalt, sand, and concrete can burn your pet’s paws in minutes. Use protective booties, stick to grassy routes, or use paw wax to reduce heat exposure. A quick rinse or spray with water (again, SPLEASH® comes in handy here!) after walks can cool their paws and remove irritants.
🛁 Rinse, Don’t Over-Bathe
While it might be tempting to give more baths during the summer, over-bathing can strip your pet’s skin of natural oils. Instead, give a quick rinse or wipe-down to remove sweat, allergens, and dirt. Always dry thoroughly to avoid hot spots and skin issues.
🧊 Use Ice (But Safely)
Drop ice cubes into your pet’s water bowl or let them play with frozen chew-safe toys. Just be sure the ice is an appropriate size and texture for your pet’s breed—some dogs may try to bite chunks too quickly, which can be harmful.
🧼 Maintain a Summer Grooming Routine
Brush out excess fur regularly, especially for double-coated breeds. This allows better airflow and prevents matting, which can trap heat. For cats, consider a cool, well-ventilated perch—like the Katio™ window litter box and lounge—that helps regulate their body temperature naturally while offering a quiet space.
🌳 Make Outdoor Time Enriching but Safe
If your pets love the outdoors, create shaded rest areas and limit high-energy activities like fetch during peak heat. Offer short play sessions in grassy, shaded areas. Watch for signs of heat stress—excessive panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat—and bring them indoors immediately if they show any of these.
Shop Smart. Support Rescues.
When you purchase SPLEASH® or pre-order the Katio™, you’re doing more than investing in your pet’s comfort—you’re giving back to the animal welfare community. Through the Doobert Forward Program, 5% of every purchase supports a shelter or rescue of your choice.
Because helping pets stay safe and cool is good. But doing it while helping other pets? That’s even better.
Ready to beat the dog days of summer?
👉 Explore SPLEASH® and pre-order your Katio™ today—and don’t forget to choose your shelter at checkout!
