Boppard. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sun outside – and of course that also applies to our dogs! To ensure that summer fun for your dog is not only exciting, but also safe and healthy, there are a few things to consider. From the right games to the necessary cooling down and healthy treats: here are some tips for a great summer with your dog.
Game ideas for hot days
Summer activities should meet the dog's needs for exercise and mental stimulation without overexerting him. For example, you can romp around in the shade of large trees without dogs and humans burning in the sun. Short games of fetch with colorful balls or Frisbees also keep the four-legged friend happy.
- Playing hide and seek in the shady part of the garden or park: Hide treats or toys in the grass or under bushes and let the dog look for them. This promotes nose work and is less strenuous than wild running games.
- Intelligence games: On very hot days, offer intelligence games indoors such as food mazes, Kong toys or chew toys to keep the dog mentally occupied.
- Light tugging game with stuffed toys, ideal for shaded areas.
- Water features: Fetch games with floating toys in the water are ideal and bring great joy to many dogs.
- Shady walks: Shady forest paths or parks also offer pleasant temperatures for a walk with the dog during the day. Be careful of dog paws, as hot asphalt or sand can cause painful burns (→ Tip: Protect dog paws from burns).
Water fun for four-legged friends
Summer heat can make dogs and owners sweat. Water fun lowers your body temperature and is a lot of fun.
- Swimming together in the lake or stream.
- Paddling pool in the garden: Shallow water so the dog can splash around safely.
- Sprinkler or garden hose: gentle jet of water as an animating game.
- Place cool towels on the floor: An ideal place for the dog to cool down.
Healthy summer snacks
Anyone who rages a lot needs healthy snacks. Light treats provide energy without putting a strain on your stomach.
- Frozen Treats: Frozen fruit like watermelon (without seeds and shell), Berries. Apple slices or small amounts of banana are great refreshments.
- Dog ice cream: Mix unsweetened natural yogurt or quark with some pureed fruit and freeze in small molds or as a filling for a Kong.
- Ice cubes: Simple ice cubes in a water bowl can be a welcome way to cool down. To create a tasty ice cube, you can use some chicken broth (without salt) Add to the water and then freeze.
- Carrot pieces: Raw, chilled carrots are a healthy and crunchy snack that can also help with dental care.
Important: Only use food or fruit that is suitable for the dog not are toxic or incompatible!
Safety tips in the sun
In high heat it is important to avoid overheating and burns. A few rules make summer safe and relaxed.
- Schedule dog walks in the early morning or late evening hours.
- Always have enough drinking water with you.
- Don't let your dog's paws walk on hot asphalt; it's better to choose meadow or forest paths.
- Plan for shade breaks.
- Never leave your dog alone in the car when the temperature is high.
Further tips and information
→ Homemade dog ice cream
→ Refreshing snacks for the dog
→ Healthy summer fruits for dogs
Was this amount interesting or helpful?
Your rating shows us what you and your furry friend like – it's like a treat for us.