Dog Pool Time Is Here: A Fun New Way to Beat the Heat
Temperatures have been soaring across the country this summer, and La Crosse hasn’t been an exception. Hot pavement, a baking backyard, and a restless dog by 2pm make for a rough combination. Here’s how we’re helping dogs beat the heat this season, including something brand new.
Daycare: Your Dog's Own Version of Summer Camp
While you’re out on a day trip or just running errands in the heat, your dog can be having their own kind of summer camp fun, playing and cooling off in a temperature-controlled space built for exactly this kind of weather. And, this summer, that day just got a whole lot cooler with a brand new pool time add-on. Now through the end of September (plus select weather-appropriate dates in October), dogs staying with us for daycare or boarding can add on a 20-minute pool time session for just $25. Those sessions are in a pool that’s 3 feet deep with human supervision, and life jackets are available for those pups who need a little extra support when swimming. Pool time can be booked solo, for dogs who prefer their own space, or in a small group for dogs who love company in the water.
Pool time may not be right for every dog, so our team gets to know each dog first. If pool time isn’t a good fit for yours, we’ll let you know. Pool time is an add-on, not a separate reservation; just let us know when you book daycare or boarding that you’d like to include it. Spots are limited, so booking ahead is the safest way to guarantee your dog a spot in the water.
Fun Ways to Stay Cool at Home
We know that not every day is a daycare or boarding day, so here are a few ideas to keep your dog entertained and cool at home when the heat is too much for a normal walk or backyard play session.
Frozen treats. A frozen stuffed toy or a lick mat spread with plain yogurt and mashed banana can occupy your dog for a good while, and the cold takes the edge off a hot afternoon. Skip anything with xylitol or added sugar.
A kiddie pool at home. A cheap plastic pool with a few inches of water can become your dog’s favorite spot on a hot day. Keep it in the shade and change the water often so it doesn’t sit and get gross.
Indoor trick or fitness training. When it’s too hot for a real walk, a 10-minute training session inside can burn more mental energy than you’d expect. Teaching a new trick, brushing up on an old one, or exploring some fitness exercises gives your dog something to focus on without the heat.
Shift your walk times. Early morning and after the sun goes down tend to run cooler than midday. A short walk timed right can do more good than a longer one in the heat.