Some Dog Safe Cold Summer Treats for Your Dog to Enjoy

Above photo courtesy of Cathy Tucker from KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

Dogs love sharing your cold treats in summer time weather. It is always tempting to give your dog the last bite of anything you are eating. They are certainly standing in excitement waiting for that one last bite of whatever you are eating, however, what you eat is not necessarily healthy for your dog to eat. Ice cream especially is a cold treat that actually can be hard for dogs to digest because of the milk and cream ingredients. Ice cream might even give your dog the runs as well as can put unnecessary pounds on the dog.

This does not mean you have to leave your dog out of a cold sweet treat in summer months. There are other treats you can feed.

You can turn any dog safe liquid treat into a frozen treat. Just pour the dog safe liquid into ice cube trays and freeze, then give your dog a cube or two whenever you want. Consider something like a no salt added beef or chicken broth treat for freezing.

You can also fill dog hollow rubber toys with the liquid, block the openings before pouring in the liquid with a hard treat such as a dog cookie to use like a cork or plug up the holes with peanut butter. Stand the toy upright in freezer until the liquid is ice.

Instead of ice cream treats try blending frozen fruit with plain unsweetened yogurt. Watermelon is safe for dogs as an ice cold treat. See if your dog likes cantaloupe chunks as these are another good safe choice for cold treats in summer months. Feed these sweet treats in moderation. Always remove the rind.

You can cut the fruit into bite size chunks removing seeds as you go. Place the fruit in freezer for at least four hours until frozen. Try spreading the chunks out on a cookie sheet or in a freezer bag to prevent them from freezing into one single clump. Once you have frozen fruit, put it all in a food processor blender. Add 1/4 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt for every 2 cups of fruit. Blend mixture until smooth adding fruit and yogurt until you have the thickness you desire. To feed, place in a bowl or stuff into hollow rubber toys and serve immediately.

Things to do on the Beach with Your Dog

 

Above photo courtesy of Las Vegas Tiny Chihuahuas

Going to the beach with your dog can be a fun and mentally stimulating experience for you both. However, be aware some dogs can't swim. Here are some activities you can do safely with your dog.

Of course you can go for a walk exploring the shore while allowing your dog sniff seaweed, chase seagulls and watch scuttling crabs.

Play a game of fetch using a ball or flying disc. Be sure to choose a quiet spot so you don't disturb other people and pets on the beach.

Play some fetch in the water (if your dog can swim and enjoys being in the water). It is a good idea to choose a bright colored floating toy so you dog can easily spot it on top of the waves. Also, be sure to play fetch in "shallow water." You don't want to send your dog too far out from the shoreline.

Splash around through the waves. Be careful to not let your dog get too tired with this game and stay close to the shore. Never leave the dog's side.

Take a swim. Let your dog go at its own pace and provide constant supervision. Fit them with a life jacket and watch out for dog getting too tired while swimming.

Some dogs who are confident and good swimmers may enjoy to surf or boogie board. This kind of balance practice is also great for other dog sports like agility or going in a canoe or kayak.

Playing in the sand is always a good option for a day on the beach. Most dogs love to dig and will enjoy digging deep into the sand. Try building some sandcastles and allowing your dog to tear them down.

In calm waters put a dog jacket on him and go for a canoe or kayak ride together.

Your dog will more than likely love going to the beach. Remember:

• to always supervise your dog and never leave them alone which is important for their safety
• don't let your dog disturb wildlife
• keep the dog away from vegetation to avoid damage
• never allow your dog to become a nuisance to other people or pets while on the beach

Take along some some nutritious dog treats and drinking water.