Healthy Summer Treats That Are Safe for Your Dog
July 13, 2022 2022-07-13 14:11Healthy Summer Treats That Are Safe for Your Dog
Healthy Summer Treats That Are Safe for Your Dog
Steffi Trott Summer is almost upon us, and that means most of us are spending a lot more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. It also means our dogs are often outside with us, soaking up the sun, getting lots of exercise and perhaps needing an extra treat or two to cool down.
As dog owners, there’s no doubt we want our furry friends to stay cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. One way to do this is by stocking up on safe and healthy summer treats to give your dog after a long walk outdoors or a big game of fetch.
Why your dog needs to stay cool
Aside from not wanting your dog to be uncomfortable, especially at the height of summer, letting a dog overheat can also cause health problems, such as a high risk of heatstroke. Much like a human, when a dog’s body temperature becomes elevated (typically exceeding 106° F with no known illness or pre-existing conditions), we refer to this as heatstroke. While heat stroke can occur at any time of year, it’s more common to see during the warmer months. And, it’s important to catch and treat heat stroke early. If left untreated, a severely overheated dog is potentially life-threatening.
How to tell if your pet is too hot
Unlike humans, animals don’t respond to heat in the same way – they only have a few sweat glands located in their paw pads and around their nose. As such, dogs primarily cool down by panting. With this in mind, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms to look for in your dog when it comes to heat stroke. The most common indicators include:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Increased heart and respiratory rate
- Excessive drooling
- Mild weakness, stupor or confusion
- In severe cases, lethargy or collapse
How to prevent heatstroke in dogs
The good news is, heatstroke is preventable. Keep your dogs in environmentally stable conditions, such as a shaded area on particularly hot days or even indoors in a well-ventilated space. Additionally, never leave your pet unattended in a car, always provide access to fresh water, and avoid exercising your dog during the warmest part of the day.
Recipe for a cool treat from NOW FRESH
Another way to keep your dogs feeling comfortable and refreshed on hot summer days is with a cool treat. Whether you add it to your pup’s regular meal or use it as a supplemental treat during the day, try out this simple, healthy recipe from NOW FRESH below for a mouth-watering treat your dog is sure to love!
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped carrot
- 1 large spoonful of natural peanut butter
- 1 large spoonful of your choice of NOW FRESH Wet Food
- 1/2 cup of NOW FRESH Puppy Recipe (or whichever recipe your pet prefers), crushed or whole
Instructions
- Mix ingredients together.
- Scoop ingredients into silicone mold or cookie mold.
- Freeze container with treats inside for 20 min. (Make sure they are not rock solid, but rather, hold together firmly.
More fun frozen snack ideas for dogs
Frozen dog-friendly foods are a great way to keep dogs cool – and most dogs love a tasty frozen treat! Some additional easy ideas to keep on hand for your pup throughout the summer are:
- Frozen fruit, such as blueberries, apples or bananas. You can even blend these all together with a little bit of water and freeze them to make smoothie cubes. However, avoid fruits that can be toxic to dogs like grapes, raisins and avocados!
- Frozen Kongs filled with kibble, treats, wet food or even peanut butter are a satisfying treat – plus they’ll keep your dog busy for longer periods of time.
- Frozen broth treats. If your dog isn’t a fan of sweet treats, try freezing some chicken, beef or even vegetable broth in an ice cube tray for a tasty treat anytime of day.
Summer is a fun, enjoyable time both for dogs and their humans! Make the most of your summer by knowing how to tell if your dog is dehydrated and be sure to have some tasty frozen treats on hand to help them cool down on a hot day. on how to keep your dog hydrated
Submitted by the NOW FRESH Nutrition Team
About NOW FRESH
Since 2007, NOW FRESH has provided pet parents the ultimate peace of mind knowing they’re feeding their cherished companions perfectly balanced recipes tailored to their specific size and age, to help them live long, healthy, and happy lives. NOW FRESH is part of the Petcurean family of premium-quality pet food products. For more information, visit www.nowfresh.com.
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