When the temperatures soar well into the 90s with humidity levels that will leave you exhausted, everyone will be looking for ways to beat the heat. Find a way to cool off with your dog by throwing a pool party, wading through a creek, or staying inside and playing games. Take some time and come up with a plan to stay cool while spending some time bonding with your pooch. Just because it is hot outside does not mean you cannot enjoy some time playing with your best bud.
1. Throw a Pool Party
Pool parties are not just for people! Many dogs love to spend time in the pool, too. If you have a pool in your backyard, host a pool party for your friends and their dogs. Your dog can socialize with other dogs, and you get to spend time with your friends. Put out some people’s food and drinks but also have doggy treats and bowls of water on hand for the canines. For safety, you may suggest any dogs that are not confident swimmers wear life vests. Just remember, on hot days, do not let your dogs stay out in the sun for long periods and keep a close eye on them as they play, especially heavily coated dogs or those with flat faces such as Japanese Chin or Bulldogs. You do not want them to become exhausted while in the pool.
A lot of planning should not be needed for an impromptu pool party. However, you will want to provide refreshments for your guests, two-legged and four-legged. Offer fresh drinking water for the dogs and refreshing drinks for the humans. Snacks are always a hit, even at a pool party. Decide which friends have dogs that would enjoy time in the pool and even friends that do not have dogs but would find this party great fun! Who does not love spending time around the pool on a scorching summer day?
2. Set Up an Indoor Obstacle Course
When the temperatures outside are too high, plan to spend time inside with the air conditioner on full blast. Your dog will thank you and enjoy the bonding time. To keep boredom at bay, set up an indoor obstacle course complete with fun interactive toys that will challenge your dog. Jumping through hula hoops, climbing over a step stool, or crawling under a chair are great, low-budget obstacles for your course.
Change the course up after each run-through so your dog does not get bored. The use of interactive toys will also keep your dog actively thinking and engaged. Be sure to use special treats so they are excited to see these interactive toys. Dogs that love agility will enjoy an indoor obstacle course.
3. Make DIY Popsicles for Your Dog
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Many dogs enjoy chewing on ice cubes when it is hot outside and there are plenty of ways to make things a little more interesting for them! Fill an ice cube tray with low-sodium beef or chicken broth and freeze, making a very tasty treat. You can fill a muffin tin with water and add kibble, peanut butter, or treats, then freeze. These treats are a great way to keep your dog entertained and cool during hot summer days. Let them lay in the shade and enjoy a cold treat or put them in a room that is dog-friendly and give them their icy treat. Make sure they cannot put their treat on carpeting or rugs and clean up as soon as they are done.
Popsicles can be a bit messy and are best enjoyed outside. However, if it is simply too hot to be outside, put them in a room that has easy-to-clean floors or put them on a beach towel that can be washed after their treat is gone. They will be content enjoying their frozen treat and it will also help them cool down.
4. Enjoy a Pup Cup When Out and About
Many ice cream shops also offer pup cups that will appeal to your dog. Check around and find one that offers a dog-friendly menu and go for a visit. Order a favorite flavor for yourself and then one for your best friend. Find a nice spot in the shade so they can enjoy their cold treat while you eat your ice cream.
Culver’s and Dairy Queen offer pup cups and encourage you to post photos and tag them on social media of your dog enjoying their pup cup. Do not let your dog overindulge or give them too many pup cups or they may become obese.
5. Play in a Creek
Playing in the water is an excellent way to cool off on a hot day. With the many creeks that meander through the state, there is probably a creek close to your home. Take your dog and explore the banks of a creek and wade into the refreshing water. Look for hidden dangers, and do not let your dog wander too far from you while swimming in the creek. Spending too much time in the heat can cause heat stroke, keep an eye on your dog while outdoors.
While the summer heat can be oppressive and draining, there are many ways you and your dog can cool off and relax while spending time bonding with each other. If you think the only way to survive a balmy day is to stay inside with the air conditioner on full blast, you are wrong. There are so many activities that can be done outdoors that will keep you cool and be a lot of fun for both you and your dog.
