The Dog Days of Summer are back! Check out these fun tips to keep you and your pets happy and healthy this summer.
1. Hot Dog
It super important to never leave your pet in a parked car. Even if you are running in to grab one thing quick. Leaving an animal or pet in the car is dangerous and could be fatal. The construction of the car, with the metal frame and glass windows, results in something called the greenhouse effect. This greenhouse effect will make the inside of your car much hotter than it is outside. To keep your pet safe, either shop at a pet friendly store or leave them home with the air conditioner running.
2. Water Works
Summer often means crowds are flocking to the beach. While it’s not always convenient or safe to bring your dog to the beach, there are some other great ways to cool down your pup! If your canine companion is a strong swimmer, let them take a dip in the pool! You can always help them out with a pet life vest, too. Just be sure they are not drinking chlorinated water. That’s not good for their tummies! Once done, remember to rinse off any salt or chlorine. An even better idea is a nice romp in a clean kiddie pool or playtime with a fun sprinkler attachment.
3. New Do
A good haircut can help your pet keep cool this summer. Give your dog’s fur a nice cut, leaving it about an inch long. Make sure not to trim all the way down to his skin, as this will leave your pet without protection from the sun. Remember, if your dog is double coated to always check with a groomer before trimming or shaving. If you are not careful about this, it could ruin their coat and how they cool themselves. Keeping your cat or dog brushed, well-groomed, and free of any excess fur will do wonders for their summer.
4. Skip Leg Day
While exercise is important for both you and your pet, in the summer it’s best kept to early morning hours and later in the evening. This keeps your pet nice and cool while stretching their legs. Never force your pet to go for a walk in the heat. Asphalt is especially dangerous because it can easily burn their paws. Check the ground before going by placing your wrist or bare foot on the ground for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Always make sure to provide plenty of water before, during, and after a run.
5. Too Hot to Trot
Animals are more sensitive to heat than people. Too much sun can be dangerous. If the day’s becoming uncomfortably hot, do your pet a favor and bring them inside. Most importantly, is to keep your dog well-watered. If it’s extra hot, consider putting ice cubes in your pet’s water. They will thank you for it.
6. A Sweet Treat
Just like us, our pets love to have a nice cold treat on these hot summer days. One easy and cheap idea is to make your pup some homemade “pup-sicles”! Many dogs arepicky with food, so play around with it and try a few different pet-safe ingredients. Below, we’ve included one of our favorite recipes!
1. Grab your favorite silicone mold. (This is the link for the ones we used HERE)
2. Melt 1/2 cup of coconut oil and fill your molds 1/3 of the way up
3. Add a teaspoon of dog safe peanut butter (make sure yours doesn’t include xylitol) to each mold
4. If your pup likes them, you can add 1-2 blueberries or small pieces of banana in each mold
5. If there is any room left place some pieces for your pup’s favorite treats on top
6. Place into freezer overnight and the pup will be loving this nice cool treat tomorrow