4 Ideas for Hot Weather Dog Activities
Summer in Texas brings the “Dog Days of Summer”. Daily, The National Weather Service issues a heat advisory. Meaning, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can quickly occur to anyone participating in outdoor activities. Temperature over 100 with heat indexes around 110. It is dangerous for any critter wearing a coat to be outside, especially pups like bull dogs.
To be happy and healthy, all dogs need daily mental and physical exercise (30 minutes). Even though outdoor play needs to be limited, here are some great ideas for hot weather dog activities:
- CREATE YOUR OWN WATER PARK
Purchase a kiddie pool. This is a great hot weather dog activity that you can enjoy, too! Some pups jump right in while others are hesitant. Do not force your pup into the pool. Try these ideas to entice your pup into the cool water:
- throw a few of your pup’s toys into the pool and start a game of “fetch”.
- get in yourself and play with the dog toys.
- some pups enjoy fishing for ice cubes in the pool or pieces of hot dog.
- filling the pool can be a game. Our pal Keena likes to bite the water as it comes out of the hose.
Set up a few water sprinklers and enjoy running through them with your pup.
- FROZEN TREATS
Create fun ice cubes with a treat inside. Put water in ice trays, Bundt pans, paper cups, or muffin pans. Drop in a dog treat, tiny pieces of hot dog, blueberries, or a small ball of peanut butter. Freeze. Or, for an extra yummy frozen treat, replace the water with no sugar added yogurt. I would suggest you try this hot weather dog activity in the shade of your porch.
- TAKE A FIELD TRIP
Turn the A/C on in your car and head to a pet friendly store. It will be cool for both of you and with new smells and sights, it will be stimulating for your pup. Make one of your destinations a pet store and take your time strolling up and down the aisles. While you are there, purchase a new interactive toy.
- CREATE YOUR OWN INDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK
- Play with bubbles in your home. Your dog will chase, jump, and nip at the spheres you create.
- Play Hide n Seek. How long will it take your pup to find you hiding in the bathtub?
- Teach your dog a new trick.
- Use your stairs. Throw a ball to the top and have your pup fetch it.
- Have a long hallway? This is a great place to play fetch.
- Place tennis balls in muffin tins with a treat underneath a few of the tennis balls or purchase a dog puzzle.
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