Cold Dog Treats for Hot Temperatures

Written by: Nomi Berger, content writer for our newsletter

 

Like us, pets need proper protection from the heat and adequate shade from the sun. This year, take shelter from the swelter and turn each day into a holiday. Spread a sheet on the grass, fill a small wading pool or set up an umbrella on the balcony. Then, invite your pets to feast on their own, specially prepared doggie desserts.

Recipe One: Jewel-Toned Jello

1 pkg. cherry jello

1 chopped apple, banana and pear 

Mix jello as per instructions and stir in fruit. Pour into ice cube tray or small, individual moulds. Refrigerate until firm. Turn over onto plate and garnish with sliced strawberries. 

Recipe Two: Peanut Pupsicles

Peanut butter treats. Photo credit: Jennifer Yu from userealbutter.com

3 very ripe bananas

1 cup peanut butter

½ - ¾ cup wheat germ

½ cup unsalted peanuts finely chopped

Mix bananas and peanut butter. Add wheat germ to make dough. Form into one inch balls and roll in peanuts. Freeze on cookie sheets. Arrange on plate and garnish with frozen banana slices.

Recipe Three: Yummy Yogurt

½ cup blueberries

½ cup plain, low-fat yogurt

2 tsps. honey

Puree ingredients in blender or food processor. Pour into ice cube tray or small, individual moulds. Freeze at least 6 hours. Turn over onto plate and garnish with blueberries.

Recipe Four:  Cool Cupcakes

4 cups rice milk

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1 tbsp. honey or peanut butter

Place paper cupcake liners in muffin tins. Stir ingredients and pour into cups. Set tiny dog biscuit into center of each cup and freeze. Peel back paper liner and arrange on plate. Garnish with more tiny dog biscuits.

Two words of caution:

(1)   Ensure that your dogs aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients you’re using.

(2)   Serve cold treats on a hot day in moderation. Too much cold in their systems can reduce their core temperature.

5 Tips to Help Cool Down Your Dog

Written by Lindsey Sjouwerman, Marketing Coordinator, Speedpro Imaging

We survive the heat, so why can’t they? The fact is that heat is extremely detrimental to a dog’s health—young or old. It's not the heat per se that will affect a young dog; it is more likely the overexertion due to puppy power. As for old dogs, it’s temperature: the heat gets harder and harder to handle as one ages, even for humans.

Mumford the Great Dane stays cool in a Cool Coat
(available through www.mustluvdogs.ca).

As pet owners, we need to be well prepared and informed about how our animals respond to the heat. Each dog is different and requires unique attention. Below I share some of the tricks that have kept my dogs cool in the summer and that ensure they stay hydrated.

1. This is by far the funniest to watch—entertainment for you and a refreshing game for your pooch. Freeze a bowl of water with some of their favourite toys inside. The toys create a desire to lick the ice until they're free.

2. Dog pools are a great way to cool down and have some splashing good fun—for young or old. The pools are shallow enough that dogs can lie down and rest their heads on the ledge.

3. Trim excess hair—especially if your furry friends are seriously hairy. Some dog breeds aren’t supposed to be shaved, so do your research. A haircut will be glorious for your four-legged friend!

Dog enjoying his mini-pool. CC image courtesy of Inspire Kelly on Flickr.

4. Cool eats. There are some fruits and vegetables dogs can safely eat and that can be served cold. My pooch absolutely loves apples. The more the better—he eats the whole thing, seeds and all. Feeding dogs cold fruits and veggies helps cool them down internally, while also giving them some energy if they haven’t eaten because of the intense heat.

5. Cooling blankets are another great idea for all dogs, especially for dogs that have skin issues—like hot spots. Cooling blankets are dampened wraps that you put on your dog. Although the fabric is damp, the dog doesn't get wet. They work by evaporation, bringing down the external temperature of the dog, often by 15-20 degrees. Check out the website to learn how a Cool Coat is effective for your dog.