Dear Miss Behavin’:
I don’t want my dogs to overdo it in the heat this week. What are some things they can do that are fun but safe on hot days?
Kudos for being mindful of your dog’s well-being in the heat! It’s easy for dogs to overdo it on hot days. There are a handful of things you can do that are fun, entertaining, and will get your dog moving or thinking.
A small kid’s pool is an easy way to provide some entertainment and keep your dog cool at home. If your dog isn’t excited about the water, you can toss treats or their favorite toy into the pool and encourage them to get their paws wet.
Ever heard of a pupsicle? In a medium size Tupperware, mix together a liquid base such as chicken broth or water and some of your dog’s favorite snacks. You could include some healthy vegetables or fruits your dog enjoys such as blueberries, carrots, and banana. Once it’s frozen, remove it from the Tupperware and voila – a yummy frozen treat that will give your dog a fun activity on a hot day.
Hiding treats and playing a game of “find it” is another fun way to exercise your dog’s senses without much physical exertion. If it’s too hot to be outside, this game can be played indoors. While your dog is out of sight, hide 10-12 treats throughout a room. If your dog is a beginner or not very scent oriented, keep it simple by hiding the treats low. For more advanced sniffers, you can hide treats on different levels in the room such as behind pillows or up on shelves.
No matter how you battle restlessness on a hot day, remember to always have fresh water available for your dogs so they can hydrate as needed.