Surviving the Hottest 30 Days of Summer: How We Keep Northwest Arkansas Pets Safe
By Jared Ritter, Owner & Founder
Solgave Animal Solutions
The next month is one of the toughest stretches of the year for dogs, their owners, and professional dog walkers and pet sitters.
People often assume the hottest part of the day is 3 or 4 p.m. While that’s certainly true, the challenge for professional dog walkers is a little different.
We work almost entirely in the mornings and around lunchtime for hour and half hour walks, and from mid-July through mid-August, even those hours can become incredibly hot and humid. Post noon is very shaded twenty minute walks and backyard potty breaks!
After more than a decade of caring for pets throughout Fayetteville, we’ve developed routines that help keep both our team and your pets safe.
🌡️ 1. We Walk Early Whenever Possible
Our general philosophy is simple:
- Hour-long walks are typically completed by 9:00 a.m.
- 30-minute walks are usually wrapped up by noon
- Nearly all walks are finished by 1:00 p.m when possible.
As temperatures rise throughout the afternoon, we transition toward potty breaks, feeding visits, and indoor enrichment whenever possible.
💧 2. Every Walker Carries Water
Every member of our team leaves home prepared.
That means:
- Water bottles
- Ice water
- Collapsible bowls
- Waist packs or fanny packs for hands-free walking
Many of us even fill our bottles with extra ice before leaving the house because cold water simply stays colder longer during Arkansas summers.
🧊 3. Cold Water Matters
Whenever appropriate, we’ll offer dogs fresh, cool water during or immediately after walks.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference during July.
🌳 4. Shade Changes Everything
Not every route is created equal.
When scheduling visits, we naturally pay attention to neighborhoods with:
- Mature trees
- Grass instead of long stretches of pavement
- Opportunities for shaded breaks
A shady route can feel dramatically different than walking beside reflective asphalt.
🐾 5. We Let Dogs Set the Pace
Every dog handles heat differently.
A young Labrador and a senior Shih Tzu have completely different needs.
Some days a shorter walk with extra sniffing, play, and affection is actually the healthier choice.
Exercise is important.
Safety always comes first.
🏡 6. Overnight Clients Benefit Too
For overnight families, daytime visits are planned with the same philosophy.
Morning potty breaks happen early.
Midday visits are scheduled with the heat in mind.
Evening routines become more relaxed once temperatures begin to fall.
❤️ Caring for Pets 365 Days a Year
Whether it’s freezing rain in January or triple-digit heat indexes in July, our job is adapting to the season while making sure every pet receives excellent care.
We love what we do.
And during the hottest month of the year, thoughtful planning makes all the difference.
Thank you for trusting Solgave Animal Solutions with the members of your family.
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Jared and the entire Solgave family can’t wait to meet you! <3
