Summer has finally arrived here in Aurora and Newmarket! We all enjoy sitting on the patio on a glorious summer day and enjoying a nice refreshing drink and some snacks. Most of the time, the things we love to drink and snack on are not appropriate for our fur babies. This summer, don’t leave Fido out of the fun! York Professional Pet Sitting is bringing you some fun pet-friendly patio treats for your Aurora and Newmarket pet!  Make these simple and fun treats for them to enjoy on a hot summer day.

Broth Ice Cube

Take a Tupperware container and fill it with water. The size does not matter.  If you really want to spoil your pup, add some LOW SODIUM chicken, beef or vegetable broth for extra flavour. Your local pet supply store should also carry bone broth that you can use.

Toss in some additional healthy treats like carrots, apples, celery, or some dehydrated liver treats. Do not put the lid on the container. It will be harder to dislodge the cube. Put the container in the freezer, and wait for it to completely freeze. It might be best to do this overnight so it can be ready for your dog in the morning. 

When you are sitting out on the patio, remove it from the freezer and take it out of the container. Put it on the outdoor patio for your dog to enjoy! It’s healthy, keeps them busy, hydrated and cool! 

Coconut drops

Coconut oil has health benefits for your dog. It can help improve your dogs’ skin and coat. Coconut oil can also help protect your dog from illnesses and even accelerate the healing process if they are not feeling well. So why not work it into a summer treat for your dog!

You will need:

• 1 cup of organic coconut oil
• A handful of blueberries (optional)
• A teaspoon of honey (optional)

Melt the coconut oil until it is soft enough to be shaped into a bite-sized ball. Add your blueberries and honey to the mix and place it in the freezer until it has hardened. Serve them when hardened as they may start to melt the longer they sit outside of the fridge or freezer.

Delicious Dipped Strawberries

Strawberries are the classic summer treat for humans and pets. They are sweet, juicy and provide a much-needed refresher on a hot summer day. If you want to make it more fun for your furry friend, take some strawberries, and 1 cup of greek or plain yogurt. Dip the strawberries into the yogurt and place them upside down with the point of the strawberry facing upwards. Place them carefully in the freezer until the yogurt has frozen over. Repeat this process to add a second layer of yogurt onto your strawberries. 

Once they are frozen, cut off the leafy tops, and serve them to your pet!

Frozen Kong

A kong is a classic source of entertainment that can keep your dog busy and stimulated for hours, especially if you freeze them! There are so many different things you can use to fill the kongs, the possibilities are almost endless. 

You can buy pre-made filling at your local pet supply store that comes in a can with a nozzle that fits perfectly right into the opening of the kong. If you would prefer to use your own filling, there are some recipes you might want to try. 

• 1 cup of cottage cheese
• 1 cup of natural peanut butter (Xylitol-free)
• 1 teaspoon of honey

 OR

• 1 banana
• 1 cup of plain or Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Whipping up some fun pet-friendly patio treats for your pet can help them enjoy the summer and beat the heat! When using ingredients that would normally be found in human food, be sure to do your research and check to make sure they will be safe for your pet to consume. 

We hope you enjoy making these fun summer treats for your pets! Let us know in the comments section if you tried them.

Morag Willcox

Morag is the owner and founder of York Regions most trusted premier in-home pet care and dog walking companies. In 2000 she saw a need for an alternative to kennels, catteries for family pets in the area and has always believed that pets are much happier and less stressed staying in their own familiar environment. Morag and her team are all certified in Pet 1st Aid and CPR, she also offers continuous training to her team members through online and hands on pet care and pet behaviour and care courses. Morag has earned her certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, Professional Dog Walking and Canine Attendant training. She has lived in the Newmarket/Aurora area since 1991 is a wife, a mother of 2 adult children and a grandmother of 2 delightful little balls of energy. She has also been owned by fish, birds, mice, rats, cats, dogs, gerbils and guinea pigs and is an advocate for all living creatures. In her spare time she likes to be involved in her community and events travelling, reading and cooking.