You know we love our mutts. Bunny, Hope, and Oakley are our favorite mutts, of course. But everyone’s mutt is the best mutt, that’s just science.

Earlier in the year we wrote about why it’s so great to adopt pets from a shelter instead of buying them. You make a huge difference in a dog’s life, and non-purebreds are usually cheaper. Not only to bring home, but later in life too since they often don’t exhibit the inherited diseases that you might find in purebreds. And an adopted dog can be an incredibly happy one!

We like to celebrate National Mutt Day on July 31 with tips on keeping our beloved pets safe. Now that it’s summer, we mutt owners have to think about heat, fires, and traveling safely with our pets.

Heat/summer safety

Ensure your pets don’t have access to dangerous chemicals like antifreeze and grill cleaner. Keep those sharp pointy grill instruments somewhere your dog can’t reach them or be injured by them.

• Friendly furniture and weather protection

Your doggo needs a comfy place to settle down with you when you’re hanging out on the porch or patio. Make sure the cover is water-proof and machine washable, and the insert is weather-resistant to avoid mold or mildew. 

Cotton is not a good material for a dog bed. Consider a raised bed so air can circulate underneath for summertime.

• Hydrate!

Mutts need water available at all times. Not only for drinking, but potentially for splashing in and cooling off with as well. If your kids are older, you could repurpose your kiddie pool for a pooch cool-off spot.

Fire safety

You’ve probably seen all the articles about how the American West is suffering from extreme drought. Wildfires are fairly common in southern California, but with climate change, fire season is now longer than it used to be. More states are experiencing wildfires as well. Prepare to evacuate with your pets if necessary.

• Go bag

In wildfire conditions, being able to bail when necessary is key. Just as you prep a go bag for yourself and members of your family, keep one for the pets too. 

They’ll need food and water just like humans, and any meds as well. You might grab some extra bowls to put the food and water in to make it easier for them to eat and drink.

If you have cats, pack a litter box and some litter too.

• Preparing to go on short notice

This is often easiest with dogs that are used to the leash, and other animals that you normally keep in a cage or aquarium, such as hamsters and snakes or lizards. Pop the leash on your dog (and harness on your cat if you’ve trained them to it) and they’re ready to go.

Cats might be harder to deal with. (Ha ha, we said “might”.) Leave their carriers out at home so they’re used to having them around. Consider keeping the open carriers in one room of the house where their water, food, and litter is. That way if you do get the order to leave, you can get them in their carriers more easily.

Travel safety

Summer is travel season, and lots of people prefer to bring their beloved pets with them. Well-trained animals are welcome in a lot of places. But if your pooch doesn’t get along well with animals or people, consider leaving them at home with someone providing TLC or a well-reviewed kennel instead.

Cars

This is probably the most popular way to keep your mutt with you on vacation.

• Keep them out of the driver’s seat and in the back

We know you love your dogs, but don’t drive with them in your lap. Nearly one third of drivers with a dog admit to distracted driving with their pooch. Don’t drive any more distracted than you have to!

They can stay in the back in a crate, or with a harness. A crate is safer in the event of an accident, but harnesses can also help protect them from being thrown around the car in the event of a sudden stop or other incident.

After all, you make sure your kids are belted in or are properly positioned in a car seat. Protect your pets while driving too.

• Safely restrain them

Do you let your kid stick their head out of the window while the car is speeding down the road? (Certainly not if you saw the horror movie Hereditary!) It’s not good for dogs either, as they can be injured by debris and have dangerous particles enter their lungs and eyes.

Dogs are known to jump out of windows, as well as car doors, when you reach your destination. Hundreds of dogs are lost this way each year. 

Don’t let your beloved pet suffer the same fate! If you don’t already have them harnessed, make sure they’re on a leash before you open the door.

• Keep them hydrated and with you 

You might have noticed that your dog pants more on road trips. They’ll be thirsty! Make sure they have plenty of water to drink in the car, or take more frequent rest stops so they can drink.

Don’t leave them inside the vehicle. In 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees, even with the window cracked open, on an 85-degree day. Dogs may also attract thieves, even when you think the air is cool enough for them to stay inside. Don’t do it.

Planes

Not the best way for you to travel with your pup, unless you’re taking a private jet!  Dogs with pushed-in noses, like pugs and bulldogs, are especially susceptible to being deprived of oxygen. As well as heat stroke.

Whatever kind of dog you have, try to fly with them in the cabin with you. You’ll need to arrange your flight well in advance. Ask if they have special requirements as far as immunizations and carriers go. You will need a carrier if you’re going to fly commercially with your pet.

Ships and trains

Not all cruise lines and trains accept your pet for traveling. Check their policies first! You’ll need a carrier, and an easy way to keep them hydrated during the trip too.

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