Yes, we agree, all dogs are cool. But, while back-to-school season signals the coming fall, high temperatures linger and are hard on dogs. We thought we’d share some Rescue Ranch “hot dogs in hot weather” tips, to help you keep your pup comfortable during these last weeks of summer.
Cool Treats for Hot Dogs
When temperatures soar into the 90s, often the safest place for your dog is an air-conditioned room. If that’s not possible, make sure she has access to a shady nook during the day. And why not help pass the time with an entertaining treat that will keep her cool?
Frozen Yogurt Kong Toy
For busy pups, try this interactive treat: a Kong stuffed with unsweetened yogurt mixed with a few drops of honey. Pop it in the freezer for couple of hours. Giving your dog a treat before you leave will help her realize that time alone can be fun too. It’s also a great soother for teething pups.
Fresh Summer Pup-sicles
This tasty option has endless variations. Fill an ice cube tray with your choice of bone broth, dog-safe* fruit juice (* small amounts of certain fresh whole fruits like apples or oranges are safe), goat’s milk, or unsweetened coconut milk. Avoid grape juice, fruit concentrates, and any artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Add dog-safe treats:
- 2-3 fresh blueberries
- 2-3 sliced bananas
- Cooked chicken, turkey, meat
- 2-3 small apple pieces
- 2 fresh cranberries
- 1 tsp canned pumpkin
- 1 tsp unsweetened yogurt
- 1 tsp plain peanut butter
Freeze for three hours. Voila! Homemade pupsicles! For a larger treat, try freezing in small paper cups.
Other Ways to Beat the Heat
Exercise your dog in the morning or the evening when it’s cooler.
Sunny pavement can be 40-50 degrees hotter than air temperature, it can burn paws, even on a mildly warm day. Try the seven-second test: hold the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog! If you must walk when the sun is high, choose grassy paths, lawns, or dirt trails.
Water games
Too hot to walk? Summer afternoons are perfect for outdoor spa/bath days: cool and clean your dog (and yourself) at the same time. Many Ranch dogs enjoy wading pools or stock tanks. Some lie right down in the water! Others just dip their paws. Still others are crazy about hoses. They literally jump at every chance to intercept the water!
My dog enjoys playing toss in her pool: I throw a toy into the water from across the yard and she jumps in to retrieve it. You can also play fetch under a sprinkler!
Summer siestas
Put a raised bed in a shady location. The air circulating underneath will help cool your dog. A nearby freshly-watered garden or lawn can provide natural air-conditioning. A wet, wrung-out towel across the bed also helps. Spray your hot dog’s belly and paws using a spray bottle, or hook up a misting hose near the bed.
