Summer is a wonderful time to spend quality moments with your furry companions. With longer days and warmer weather, keeping your pets active, entertained, and cool during this season is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore some fantastic ideas to ensure your pet has a blast while staying refreshed, engaged, and mentally stimulated. From ways to beat the heat to brain games that will challenge their intelligence, let’s make this summer unforgettable for your beloved pet!
Cooling Off
Water Play: The best way to cool off on a hot summer day is to take a dip in the pool! Introduce your pet to the joy of water play. Fill a small kiddie pool with cool water and encourage your dog to splash around. You can also set up a sprinkler or a water fountain for them to play in. Remember to add extra toys like plastic balls and duckies to add to the fun!
Frozen Treats: Prepare delicious frozen treats for your pet. Freeze some low-sodium chicken or beef broth in ice cube trays or use specialized pet-friendly molds. These icy delights will help keep your pet cool and entertained. You can also create different fruit combinations if your pup loves those as well!
DIY Cooling Mats: Create a DIY cooling mat by wetting a towel with cool water and placing it in the freezer for a short time. Once chilled, place it on the floor or in your pet’s favourite resting spot. They will appreciate the refreshing surface to lie on.
Staying Active
Morning or Evening Walks: Adjust your walking schedule to the cooler parts of the day, either early in the morning or later in the evening. This helps prevent overheating and keeps your pet active and engaged with their surroundings. If you absolutely have to go outside, please keep your walks short. Stay in shaded areas as well to avoid having your dog overheat. York Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking is always here to help you with dog walks as well! Need us to take the morning shift? Contact us today so we can arrange a schedule that suits you and your canine friend.
Interactive Toys: Invest in interactive toys that require physical activity. Toys like treat-dispensing balls or puzzle toys can stimulate your pet mentally while encouraging physical exercise.
Agility Courses: Set up a mini agility course in your backyard or a nearby park. Use items like cones, hurdles, tunnels, or even homemade obstacles to create a fun and challenging course for your pet to navigate. This activity is excellent for burning energy and building confidence.
Brain Games
Hide-and-Seek: Engage your pet’s sense of smell by playing hide-and-seek with treats or toys. Hide them around the house or in the yard, and let your pet use their nose to find them. This game provides mental stimulation and satisfies their natural instincts.
Puzzle Toys: Invest in puzzle toys designed to challenge your pet’s problem-solving abilities. These toys typically involve hiding treats or small toys inside compartments that your pet has to figure out how to open. It’s a great way to keep their brain active and entertained.
Training Sessions: Dedicate some time to teaching your pet new tricks or reinforcing existing commands. Mental stimulation from training exercises can tire your pet as effectively as physical exercise. Use positive reinforcement techniques to make it enjoyable for both of you.
Summer is a perfect time to create lasting memories with your furry friends. By incorporating these ideas into your routine, you can ensure your pet stays cool, active, and mentally stimulated during the warmer months. Remember to prioritize their safety by avoiding excessive heat, providing plenty of fresh water, and monitoring their activity levels. With a little creativity and effort, you and your pet can have a summer filled with fun and enrichment. So, go ahead and embark on this exciting journey of keeping your pet active and entertained throughout the summer!
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.
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