Pet Treat Ideas for a Hot Lubbock Summer

Let’s not sugarcoat it—it can get ridiculously hot in Lubbock. You feel it. I feel it. And guess what? Your pets feel it too.

It Started With Chickens

I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and came across a post from Recipe Secrets Revealed about someone freezing water in a bundt pan with veggies inside to keep their chickens cool. Brilliant. And it got me thinking—why can’t we do the same for our dogs?

So I did. I tossed some crushed treats and a few pieces of kibble in a big bowl of water, froze it overnight, and gave it to Maddie the Lab and Doc Holiday the Great Dane. Let me tell you, it was like Christmas morning for those two. They went to town on it and stayed cool doing it.

READ MORE: Kennel Cough Is Making the Rounds in Lubbock—Here’s What to Watch For

Water is VERY Important!

Hydration is key when it’s blazing outside, and icy treats like this are a fun, easy way to sneak in extra water.

But that’s just the beginning of the cool-down toolkit. I found some cooling mats on Amazon (pictured below), and they’re awesome—literally. No water, no electricity—just pressure-activated chill time. Prices range from $15 to $200, so there’s something for every budget.

You can also do what I do: soak and freeze a few towels, then lay them out in the shade. My dogs LOVE lounging on those icy blankets, and it doesn’t cost a dime.

READ MORE: Will Jumping Spiders, a Dog-Like Arachnid, Become a Popular Pet in Texas?

Get Hi-Tech!

Want to go high-tech? There’s a pet cooling vest I saw that uses removable frozen packs. A girl I used to date had one for her pup and swore by it. I mean, the dog looked cooler than I did—and probably felt better too.

Top it all off with an elevated mesh dog bed. Combine that with a frozen towel and a big ice treat and BOOM—you’ve created the ultimate Lubbock Backyard Dog Spa.

Bottom line? Don’t let your fur babies suffer in the heat. Get creative, keep them hydrated, and give them a break from the blazing Texas sun.

READ MORE: This Is Your Sign to Adopt Another Pet From the Lubbock Animal Shelter

Stay cool, Lubbock! And remember—if you're hot, they're hot. Bring them inside.