With summer just around the corner, I’m already dreading how this year will hit us. Last year, temperatures in my hometown were insane and my dogs barely lifted their heads up all day. They stayed inside under the AC and showed little to no interest in pretty much anything before sunset.
I know the feeling… It was a hard summer for me, too. But, I had pool access, my popsicles, freezing cold cocktails, and a quick getaway to the shore with my partner.
I felt terrible for my dogs not being able to eat my ice cream or take a dip in our complex pool. That’s when I figured out some pretty nifty ways that could definitely provide them refreshment and cool them down a notch.
Bear in mind, my dogs are double coated (German Shepherd and Husky), so they pretty much hate summer.
Well, this year, I’m prepared like never before. I know which treats my dogs like and I know which combos help them cool down their body temperature.
And, I know your pups will love them, too!
These five summer treatos will both refresh your dog and give him much-needed nutrients!
#1 Watermelon Popsicles
Of course, my mind immediately went to watermelon and all kinds of watermelon treats. I never told anyone, but my dogs like to dig their face into watermelon halves. They do this pretty much all the time. I guess they saw it from me because I’m a huge watermelon fan, too.
But, I thought I should step things up and offer them something even more refreshing.
I know what you might think: What’s more refreshing than a watermelon?
I’ll tell you what: watermelon popsicles!
I got some silicone molds off Amazon that are shaped like little bones and they were pawfect for my little DIY project. Our watermelon popsicles were just some watermelon chunks blended with a few mint leaves, frozen solid.
And, they loved it!
Is it bad to admit that I ate a couple of them, too? They were so much better than store-bought popsicles. That is, if you ignore the bone shape. Don’t tell anyone, okay?
#2 Frozen Fruit
My dogs aren’t really huge fans of fruit other than watermelon. But, fruit is great for their health, and some of these delicious goodies offer such a refreshment. I knew I had to sneak a few forbidden fruits onto their summer refreshment list.
First on the list were blueberries, but frozen blueberries. I guess they were too hot to be bothered with what they were snacking on. That handful of blueberries disappeared within seconds, and I swear I almost heard my German Shepherd asking if there’s more.
Okay, so blueberries were a huge hit, but I couldn’t keep on feeding them just blueberries. I had to mix in other fruit.
Next in line were strawberries. They accepted them fine, too.
But, what really blew my mind was a combination of orange and mango slices. They went nuts over it!
To be honest, my dogs really know what’s good and what’s not.
I feel like I need to point out that I didn’t feed them frozen fruit snacks all the time. I combined them with other yummy treatos off this list, just to ensure they get a diverse diet and not go overboard with natural sugar.
#3 Homemade Fro-Yo
Frozen yogurt isn’t just a treat I occasionally allow myself to have. My dogs have Fro-Yo, too, but it’s never store bought. I prefer to make their versions at home to avoid additional sugar and what not.
Making Fro-Yo at home isn’t that complicated at all. You’ll need some unsweetened yogurt that you’ll blend with a bit of water, and then add fruits like berries or bananas. Then, you pour it in molds and let it freeze.
Not only is it refreshing, but it’s also super delicious. Dogs can eat yogurt, as it provides healthy gut bacteria. But, just make sure it’s plain or Greek yogurt, without any sweeteners.
#4 Watery Veggie Snacks
Hand in hand with fruit come veggies, but those that consist mostly of water. I prefer my veggies over fruit, and I know how refreshing a cucumber can be.
My dogs recognized the potential of some veggies, and they enjoy eating them on a daily basis.
Of course, cucumbers were their favorite veggies last summer, and I have a hunch things won’t change. However, I did offer them celery sticks, some carrots, and zucchini, and that went pretty well, too.
What’s so great about veggies is that I don’t have to worry about my dogs having too much of them like I do with fruits. They’re an excellent source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins, and on top of everything, they provide pleasant refreshment.
#5 Frozen Bone Broth
The only thing my dogs like more than fruits and veggies is meat. Of course, as big and strong dogs, they need their daily dose of proteins.
But, when the hot days kick in, my dogs seem to lose their appetite. It’s nothing I should be worried about. I simply notice them picking lighter snacks over meaty meals. That’s why I don’t offer them lamb or beef in the summer, and I choose salmon, chicken, or turkey instead.
Now, since both my dogs are on a raw diet, I like to prepare chicken broth from time to time.
Chicken broth works wonders for rehydration, makes up for lost electrolytes, and keeps them full. If you freeze it in cubes or some other shape like little bones or paws, you get a delicious and nutritious summer treat.