Summer is off to the races….quite literally. I’m sure by now many of you have been on a vacation, camping, or even spent a couple days sunbathing at the beach. Many families use the summer time to also go exploring the great outdoors with man’s best friend at their side. So, while you’ve got the sunblock and hydration covered for the humans, what can you do to help our furry friends weather the summer heat?
One of the biggest areas I focus on first are liquids! Hydration in the heat is a MUST, especially for our furry friends! Always keep those water bowls clean and full. In addition to cool water, what else can help cool off our furry pals during those “dog days of summer?” A favorite from my kitchen (and blessed by my two labs Gator and Nola) is an easy and yummy treat to help give them some healthy gut bacteria, all the while keeping them cool.
For this recipe I use:
- 2-3 cups plain Greek Yogurt, full fat, no sugar/ xylitol
- Blueberries, mushed slightly, or can be blended.
I then combine them into a blender or mush by hand depending on how ripe the berries are, then add to a frozen silicon mold and stick into the freezer overnight. You can also load up a Kong for them if you need to keep them entertained for awhile. Next day, remove from mold, and stick in a freezer bag, label with date. You’ve got a clean and yummy cool treat to help your pup’s gut, and keep them cool in the summer heat!
How about them paws? That’s right, we’re talking feet. The heat is no friend to your walking buddies during the summer, and often the concrete or asphalt can register a whopping 20-40 (or more) degrees hotter than outside temperatures. If your pups are like mine and love their walks, what do you do? Here’s a few tips I adhere to religiously during the summer to keep my furry friends from frying their feet. Good rule is if it hurts your bare feet, it’s probably not fun for theirs either.
- Get up early in the morning to greet the day and beat the worst of the heat/ wait until dusk to walk.
- Get protective shoes for your pets to protect their paws during walks.
- Walk on grass or trails that are not as hot to touch, while avoiding the heat of the day.
- Use a salve to help moisturize so the heat and dry pads don’t crack or cause discomfort.
Finally, water play! Now my two have their moments with water, but stick them in a creek or splash pad and they go absolutely bonkers! After a day of frolicking in the water, always make sure to clear out their ears. In Texas, we have plenty of fun bacteria lurking in many of our creeks and rivers, and not much of that is something you want taking root in your pets’ ears. My favorite rinse below is best used during an infection, but since my two are highly prone to ear issues, I use this regularly in addition to weekly cleaning.
Ear Support Blend:
- alcohol-free witch hazel
- apple cider vinegar (optional)
- arborvitae essential oil
- lavender essential oil
- basil essential oil
- frankincense essential oil
- roman chamomile essential oil
I get a 4ml spray bottle, and mix equal parts of the witch hazel and apple cider vinegar, and then add in equal amounts of the 5 oils (typically 5-7 drops of each). Shake well and then apply to a cotton ball to clean out the ear and remove any ick.
Hope these tips help keep your pets comfortable on their summertime adventures!
Feel free to drop any fun ones you use in the comments!
Cheers!
Disclaimer: I am a certified aromatherapist, not a board-certified doctor or veterinarian. All recommendations are based off my training as an aromatherapist and should not be a replacement for a medical doctor or veterinarian.
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