August in Louisiana can be downright brutal, even if you aren’t wearing a fur coat! It’s important to be aware of your pet’s exposure to heat during the summer months.
Try to exercise your pet in the early morning or late evening hours and avoid the heat of midday. Make sure to take regular breaks in the shade during extended periods in the sun. Have plenty of fresh clean water available – you can even put a few ice cubes in to help cool them down.
Here are some good pet safety tips for the summer:
But if you really want to treat your pup, try whipping up some of these frozen treats! You can puree ingredients together in a blender or food processor, or just mash it up with a fork. I kept ingredients simple to appeal to a broad range of dogs and their diets. In my experience with dogs the simpler, the better.
Freeze in clean ice trays or food-grade freezable molds like these for 2 hours or overnight. Store in an air-tight bag for freshness. Can keep frozen for up to 2 months.
These mixes all average about the same amount – about four 2 oz molds.
PB & Jelly
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened pure peanut butter
- 1/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup unsweetened pure coconut water
Antioxidant-rich blueberries, electrolyte-rich coconut water and every dog’s favorite – peanut butter! Add coconut water until mix is pourable.
Banana Pumpkin
- 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree – NOT the pie mix with spices
- 1 banana
- 2 – 3 Tablespoons unsweetened pure coconut water
Pumpkin puree is full of good fiber and a high source of Vitamin A!
Sardine Apple
not for the faint of stomach
- 1 3-4 oz can of sardines in fresh water, no salt added
- 4 oz unsweetened apple sauce
A fishy treat your pet will melt for! This shouldn’t need extra liquid to puree, but if it does you can add a little water, coconut water or a splash of beef broth.
PB Pumpkin & Beef
- 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree – NOT pie mix
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened pure peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
Beef broth, especially bone beef broth, is full of great nutrients and minerals!
Amelia Approved!
