While these summer months bring fantastic opportunities for countless new adventures you won’t find during any other season, the danger of heat-related injuries is very real and victimizes countless pets. Not only is it vital you learn how to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but any responsible pet owner also needs to know how to keep their dogs safe.
Thankfully, we have a few fantastic ideas to share with you here! Unlike many other DIY dog treat recipes out there, the three below are extremely simple and won’t require much effort.
Important Notice: The ideas below will do little to help treat heat stroke, far worse than heat exhaustion and considered a life-threatening emergency. If your dog’s body temperature reaches 107°F, his life could depend on you reaching a veterinarian in time.
- DIY Ice Block
This is both an Extremely simple and fantastic idea! All you have to do is freeze a mix of berries and your dog’s favorite toys or treats in a bucket, remove the block after it is frozen, and let your pup go to town clawing, licking or biting at his new cool toy!
This will also keep your pet occupied for a good amount of time, which is a fantastic solution to your destructive pet problems.
2. Fruit & Peanut Butter Ice
Simply combine peanut butter & water in a pan or mold, then add fruit & flax seeds to the mixture. Leave it in the freezer for about 4-6 hours, then let your dog enjoy his new favorite treat!
Both fruit and peanut butter are healthy, peanut butter actually offering protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin. Fruits offer antioxidants, on top of several other vitamins and minerals! Just be sure you aren’t giving your pet xylitol ( a common artificial sweetener toxic to pets).
Ingredients:
- Water
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup chopped fruit
- 2 tablespoons flax seeds
3. Yogurt Banana Pops
All you have to do with this inventive mixture is blend the ingredients into a large mixing bowl then freeze the concoction in ice cube trays for about 30 minutes. There is no need to use toothpicks or popsicle sticks; you can offer these creative treats directly in your pup’s bowl (or mouth)!
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, veterinarians actually recommending them as an alternative to salty or fatty treats. Though some dogs are lactose intolerant, yogurt not only contains calcium and protein but is great for your dog’s digestion because it acts as a probiotic.
Ingredients:
- 32 oz of either plain or vanilla yogurt
- 1 banana
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
Important Summer Tip: Never leave your dog unaccompanied in a hot car! In fact, this is the biggest cause of heatstroke according to veterinarians and has claimed the lives of more pets than you want to think about.