3 Ways Your Dog Can Beat The Heat This Summer!

 

We all know that the summer sun is strong and can make it hard to cool down but these 3 tips should help make summertime more enjoyable and cooler for your furry friend! 

1. Get A Kiddie Pool

We all know that summer is the best time to go swimming and it sure does feel great to relax in the cool water. Many dogs actually enjoy swimming too but if you don't have a swimming pool don't worry because the next best thing and one that won't break the bank is the perfect solution for you, your kids, and your dog. Kiddie pools are inexpensive and can be used over and over as long as you keep it fairly clean. Your dog will love wading around in the cool water on a scorching day - hey maybe you can join in on the fun too. Now that's a WIN-WIN!

2. Make Frozen Dog Treats 

Who doesn't love a nice frozen treat on a hot summer day? Ice cream anyone? Well you can easily make some frozen treats that you can enjoy with your dog. Making dog treats doesn't have to be hard, it can be as easy as freezing fruit. There are a multitude of recipes on the web, some of which are extremely easy and others which take more time, so you are sure to find one to suit your needs. Here are a few ideas that are human and dog friendly, aka- YOU CAN EAT THEM TOO!

A super easy way to cool you and your dog down that is also delicious is with frozen watermelon. Just cut the watermelon into bite sized pieces, freeze, and voila!

You can even take it a step further and pour blend watermelon and water, pour into a fun mold, and freeze. You can even use these as ice cubes for your drink. 

How about some yummy peanut butter and banana? Just cut pieces of bananas, dip them in peanut butter and freeze, and you have another yummy treat you can enjoy with your pooch. 

 

 

3. Freeze Your Dog's Toys

This one is probably the easiest summer tip of all. All you have to do is pop your dog's favorite toy in the freezer for a couple hours and you're done. You can even go ahead and freeze a small pillow for yourself and you can both relax and stay cool in the hot summer days. 

 

 

 

Now all you need to do is go out and enjoy your summer! 

Peaches n Creme Frozen Dog Treats That You Can Eat Too!

On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than a nice cool popsicle to beat the heat. The only problem is that store bought popsicles are pumped full of sugar and are not necessarily the best options for your dog, or you for that matter.

This recipe is super easy and a healthy option that your dog will love and that everyone in your family can enjoy!

Ingredients

12 ounces of Vanilla Yogurt (Subsitute for Plain if you don't want added sugar)

2 Peaches

½ Cup of Water

Pretzel Sticks

Directions

Cut peaches into small pieces and mix into vanilla yogurt. Add water. You may blend if you want a smooth texture or leave it as is to enjoy chunks of peaches with every bite. 

For Dogs:

Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and place a pretzel stick into each slot. Freeze for 2-3 hours.

Tip: If the pretzel doesn't stay put, place the ice cube tray in the freezer for a while and stick the pretzels in when the solution has thickened a bit. 

(Bentley loved these treats, especially since the weather has been in the 100s these past few days)

 

 

For You:

Pour the mixture into a popsicle tray. Freeze for 2-3 hours. Enjoy!

(My daughter insisted on holding the popsicle herself. She loves anything cold so I let her enjoy it on her swing.)

Tip: You can use any fruit you like. Here is a list of fruit that is okay for dogs to eat however if your dog suffers from allergies it's always best to consult your vet before feeding him anything you're unsure of. 

 

 

Fruit Dogs Can Eat 

 Apples

Strawberries

Raspberries

Blueberries

Bananas

Watermelon

Cantaloupe

Pears

Mangoes

Apricots

Peaches

Pineapple

Now you can make all sorts of frozen fruit and yogurt combinations. If you REALLY want to indulge, use---> ICE CREAM! Hey throw in something fudge or caramel while you're at it. It will be worth the extra calories, trust me! 

 

Enjoy!