Chicago Summer Safety for Pets: Keep Your Pup Cool in the City Heat

The Overlooked Essential for Your Feline’s Health and Happiness

Sunburn isn't just a human problem—pets can get sunburned too, especially those with short or light-colored fur, pink noses, or hairless areas. In Chicago, sunny summer days mean more time outside, but it also means more exposure to harmful **UV rays** that can cause painful burns or even lead to skin cancer. To protect your pet: Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (peak UV hours). Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas like ears, noses, and bellies. Provide shade and water during outdoor time. Consider lightweight protective clothing for vulnerable breeds. At Pet Care Plus, we also offer summer grooming services that help maintain coat health without over-shaving, which can increase sun sensitivity. Ask our team how to safely groom your pup for the season! Enjoy the sunshine—but don’t forget the sunscreen.

Peace of Mind for You and Peace and Comfort for Your Fuzzy Friend

We have been located in Chicago for over 25 years so we know Chicago summers can be brutal, with rising humidity and temperatures often soaring above 85°F. Even on a relatively mild day, the inside of a parked car can reach dangerous temperatures in just minutes. At 80°F outside, a car’s interior can hit over 100°F within 10 minutes —a life-threatening environment for your pet. Cracked windows and shade aren’t enough to keep your dog safe. Heatstroke can occur quickly, especially in flat-faced breeds, older pets, and puppies. Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, confusion, vomiting, and collapse. At Pet Care Plus, we urge all Chicago pet parents: if your dog can’t go inside with you, leave them at home—or bring them to daycare with us! Our climate-controlled facility offers a safe, fun environment while you run errands or enjoy your summer plans worry-free. Let’s keep our pups safe and cool this season.

The 4th of July is a celebration for us—but for many dogs, it’s one of the most stressful nights of the year. Fireworks can trigger anxiety, restlessness, barking, shaking, and even attempts to escape. As a pet parent in busy downtown Chicago, where fireworks can be heard all weekend long, it’s important to plan ahead to help your pup stay calm and safe. Create a quiet, cozy space indoors where your dog feels secure. Keep windows closed and curtains drawn to muffle the noise and flashes of light. Turning on a fan, white noise machine, or soft music can help drown out the sound of fireworks. You can also use calming aids like pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or vet-recommended supplements for extra support. If your dog has a history of extreme anxiety, speak with your vet ahead of time. At Pet Care Plus , we offer overnight boarding and daycare options designed to keep your dog comfortable and cared for during stressful holidays. Our climate-controlled facility, familiar staff, and soothing environment can make all the difference for a dog that’s sensitive to loud noises. Book early—spaces fill fast around the 4th of July!

It’s shedding season! And with Chicago’s high heat and humidity , dogs can benefit from a fresh summer cut that keeps them cool, clean, and comfortable. At Pet Care Plus , our professional groomers offer tailored trims based on your dog’s coat type, breed, activity level, and your personal style preferences. Popular Summer Styles: Teddy Bear Trim – great for doodles and fluffier breeds who need a breathable but cute look Short and Sleek – ideal for urban pups who walk daily on hot sidewalks and need a low-maintenance cut Sanitary & Paw Pad Trims – help keep pups cleaner, cooler, and safer from matting and trapped debris A summer groom is more than just a haircut —it’s a key part of your dog’s seasonal care routine. Trimming away excess fur helps prevent overheating, skin irritation, and unwanted pests like fleas and ticks. It also makes post-walk clean-ups a breeze for city-dwelling pups who frequent sidewalks, dog parks, and splash pads. Our expert grooming team at Pet Care Plus takes the time to get to know your dog’s unique needs and your preferences. Whether you’re going for a specific breed standard, a trendy look, or simply a functional summer cut, we’ll make sure your dog walks out looking fabulous and feeling even better. Book your pup’s summer grooming appointment today—we’ll take care of the rest.

Summer in Chicago means one thing—street festivals! From Taste of Chicago to neighborhood block parties, there’s always something happening. But before you leash up your pup and head out, here are some things to keep in mind: Do: Bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl Stick to shady areas when possible Make sure your dog is socialized and okay with crowds and noise Don’t: Walk your dog during the hottest part of the day Forget poop bags or your dog’s ID tag Force your pup into tight crowds or near loud music Pro Tip: If the festival seems overwhelming, it’s okay to leave your dog at home or let them enjoy a day at Pet Care Plus —we’ll keep them cool, comfortable, and entertained while you enjoy the festivities!

As dog parents, especially in a fast-paced city like Chicago, we often focus on the essentials—exercise, feeding, playtime, and potty breaks. But there’s one daily activity that’s just as important and often overlooked: giving your dog time to sniff. At Pet Care Plus, we believe this isn’t just a minor detail—it’s a vital part of your dog’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Your Dog’s Nose Is Their Superpower Dogs experience the world through scent. They have up to 300 million scent receptors in their noses compared to our 5 million. That means their sense of smell is up to 100,000 times more powerful than ours. To a dog, every sidewalk, tree, and patch of grass is like a living storybook full of messages. Sniffing helps them gather information, feel grounded, and understand their environment. Sniffing Is Mental Enrichment While many of us think a walk is just for physical exercise, slow, sniff-filled walks are just as—if not more—important. A 20-minute “sniffari” can leave a dog feeling more mentally fulfilled than a longer, fast-paced walk. When dogs are allowed to explore with their noses, they’re using their brain in a deep and instinctual way. This kind of enrichment is especially beneficial for high-energy dogs, senior pups, and those with anxiety. Sniffing Builds Confidence and Calm Letting your dog stop and smell the world on their own terms can reduce stress and increase confidence. For reactive or nervous dogs, scent work is a gentle and non-threatening way to refocus their attention. It’s calming and empowering—like letting them read the daily news in a language only they understand. How Pet Care Plus Supports Natural Instincts At Pet Care Plus, we incorporate scent-based enrichment into our daycare and boarding routines. From guided sniff walks to puzzle feeders and sensory games, we make sure every dog gets a chance to slow down and enjoy meaningful exploration. These small moments lead to big benefits in your dog’s happiness and behavior. So the next time your dog lingers at a lamp post or takes a detour to investigate a patch of grass, don’t rush them. Give them the time and space to sniff—it’s not just a habit, it’s a need. And when we meet that need, we help our dogs thrive.

Between hectic workdays, summer travel, and crowded city streets, it’s easy for dogs to become under-exercised, bored, or anxious. That’s where Pet Care Plus comes in! Routine doggy daycare offers more than just a break for you—it provides essential physical and emotional support for your dog. Why Daycare is a Game-Changer for City Dogs Consistent Exercise: Our staff ensures your dog gets the movement they need even when it’s too hot outside. Positive Socialization: Regular play with other dogs builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Structured Routine: Dogs thrive on consistency, and regular daycare helps regulate energy and behavior. Reduced Stress for Owners: Know that your dog is in great hands, staying safe, active, and engaged while you're at work or running errands. At Pet Care Plus, we provide a safe, enriching environment for dogs year-round, with special attention to seasonal needs. During the summer months, our indoor play spaces, attentive staff, and hydration protocols help every dog feel comfortable and cared for. If you’re ready to give your pup a fun, safe break from the summer heat, contact us today to learn more about our daycare and overnight boarding options.