With warmer weather just around the corner, taking care of your dogs can present new and different challenges. It’s that time of the year where we look into the summertime threats to dogs and what you can do about it. After all, we all want to take care of our pets and do what’s best for them.
Snakes
Not just any snake, rattle snakes! Like in the image above. Rattle snakes can present to most obvious summertime threats to dogs – and humans alike. This can happen just about anyplace where the climate is hot and dry. These images were taken by one of our service techs in Thousand Oaks, California. We’ve seen them in many of our service areas in the Los Angeles area, particularly in Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley. They have even been spotted in the North Dallas areas of Frisco and Flower Mound, Texas.
What to do to be aware of snakes?
So, what can you do? Well, fist you have to be vigilant when walking your dog. Keep an eye out for the obvious, like signs that say “Rattle Snakes in the Area”. Chances are, you may not see them on them sidewalks. I like to walk my dogs off the beaten path, in the trees and river beds. If you like to walk in those areas, then you will have to pay attention to the landscape. Keep an eye open for low lying shrubs and rocky surfaces.
What if you see a snake?
If you see a snake while taking your evening constitution, the most important thing is to make sure you have a tight grasp on your dog’s leash. You dog may see the snake as a play toy, much like a squirrel. Only squirrels don’t bite with deadly poison if your dog gets too close. Beyond that – STAY AWAY!
Snakes pretty much want to leave you alone, as long as you leave them alone. Otherwise, they may curl up and hiss at you as a way of protecting themselves. Simply walk away from them and don’t disturb them. And not to worry, the snake will not chase you. They may slither in the same direction as you are, but they’re not chasing you.
How can I train my dog in snake avoidance?
The best way to prepare for snake season is to train your dog to avoid them. There are several classes available for snake avoidance in areas where snakes pose a problem. In Austin Texas, Unleased Unlimited will help you train your dog to avoid snakes for a nominal fee. Totally worth it compared to the visit to the vet’s office.
If you’re in Los Angeles or Ventura County in California, Rattlesnake Aversion Training by natural Solutions may be the way to go. They may be based in Southern California, but they offer training nationwide.
Some municipalities hold snake aversion training once or twice a year as a free service from their parks and Recreation divisions.
Dogs Left in Cars
According to PETA, there were over 140 animals that died in overheated cars in 2025. Fortunately, twice that many were reported rescued. Of course, that’s only the reported deaths. Another source indicated that over 250 animals died in 2025 due to heat related causes.
The sad part is that people purposely leave their dogs in the car with windows cracked open. While an average of 45 children die in closed cars each year, mostly from parents forgetting they’re there.
The lesson to learn… don’t leave your dog in the car on hot days! In fact, your dog would probably like it better if you just leave it at home.
Dogs Walking on Hot sidewalks
You may not know this, but dogs usually run around in their bare feet. So, yes, the sidewalk can get pretty hot in the summer months. I have personally witnessed the hot foot dance performed by dogs. That’s what they do when the ground is hot, they try to lift their paw quickly before it burns.
Each year Scoop Masters has the privilege of working at the American Council of the Blind’s national convention. We build dog relief areas and clean up accidents inside the hotel. After all, there have been more than a couple of hundred dogs at some conventions, and they have to go somewhere.
They have had conventions in Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas and several other states. I’ve taken the ground temperatures at many locations and have measured the ground at over 145 degrees. That’s hot, even for us humans.
One way around this threat is to fit your furry friend with little booties. Yes, they make booties for dogs. No, most dogs don’t care for them. They take a little getting used to. Dogs will do a little dance because their paws can’t do their job, like feeling the ground. Or leaving its scent.
The lesson here is – be aware of the hot ground. Bend down and feel it with your hands if you’re in doubt. If you can’t keep a hand on it for more than 5 seconds, neither can your dog.
In conclusion
Use common sense when it comes to hot whether and your dog. It should go without saying, but make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water throughout the day. If you have an outside dog, have lots of shade available for your dog to rest under it. Last and not least, don’t leave your dog in the car, even for a few minutes while you run into the local 7/11 for that Big Gulp. Your dog will appreciate you.
Why Scoop Masters?
With locations in Los Angeles, Ventura, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Nashville and Palm Beach, Scoop Masters pet waste removal helps dog owners enjoy their yard again. Since 1988, we’ve been enforcing the “no flies” zone in backyards, patios and dog runs by keeping them dog poop free.
We also offer a sanitizing service to help get rid of the smell on rocks, concrete and artificial turf. Contact us for a free quote. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it! Coming soon to Salem, Oregon.