It's currently summer '22. Yes, we actually have a real summer going on right now in the UK with 'proper sunshine'. It's hot, (very hot) and our poor pooches are certainly feeling the heat.
But what can one do to help alleviate this "solar attack" on our fur-covered companions?
Well, this is something we'd like to find out ourselves, so in typical Waggel fashion, we're going to give you some sage advice and healthy recipes for some super-cooling ice lollies.
We're sure your pupper will love spending the day licking some tasty frozen treats while keeping their temps down.
So, without further long-winded introductions, let's have a look at some dog ice lolly recipes from the storied vaults of the Waggel information archives! (Real thing.)
Please check your dog's dietary requirements before giving them any human foods. It is also recommended to check with your vet before feeding new foods to your dog.
This is a quick, easy, and delicious treat for your dog which will certainly help to cool them down during the summer months.
Ingredients:
1/2 Cup of homemade, all-natural, or dog-specific peanut butter
1 ripe banana
2 cups natural, plain yoghurt
Ice cube trays or ice lolly moulds
Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor, until smooth.
Place into ice lolly moulds or whichever container you would like to freeze the mixture in.
Freeze for 3+ hours or until solid.
Watch your dog be happy, cool down, and then return for more!
That was easy, right? We know our dogs love these frozen dog treats and we personally make them into little ice cream bite-sized goodies, as well as larger, dog ice lollies which we hold until they're is finished. (Doesn't take long!)
So, you've made a dog ice cream lolly like above, but it lasted like 2 seconds and you want to occupy your pupper while keeping them cooler for longer. We get it, we tried it, and so we've got another idea for you here.
We know dogs love meaty goodness and anything with more flavour than a plain dog biscuit. So why not combine the two into a long-lasting treat?
3 cups of water
1 cup of bone broth or beef broth
A handful of dog treats
1/4 cup of doggy peanut butter
It's a simple process, but layered almost like a little lasagne.
Firstly, get a bowl or plastic container which is freezer safe.
Next, fill the plastic bowl with the dog treats and 3/4 of the bone broth and plenty of water and freeze for an hour.
After it is slightly frozen, spread the peanut butter on top of the frozen layer, and add the rest of the water and bone broth.
This creates a treat layer, and a peanut butter layer with a delicious light broth flavour that your dog will love. It will also last a while so you can sit outside in the sun while your beloved doggo spends his day enjoying a tasty and cooling treat.
These are also delicious, nutritious, and a cooling treat for your dog. Apples and blueberries are a safe fruit for most dogs, however, be sure to check this first with your specific pet and/or vet before introducing new foods.
This recipe is essentially a frozen fruit smoothie for dogs. It simply contains apples, blueberries and water.
1 chopped apple
A handful of blueberries
1.5 cups of water
First, add the water to a blender and top with the fruit. Blend until smooth and slightly thick. Once blended, add to your favourite lolly mould and freeze for at least 3 hours.
It is advised to use a dog treat or dental stick as a lollipop stick so that it is safe and edible for your pup!
A meaty treat stick is an additional bonus at the end of their cooling ice snack. be sure to opt for natural ingredients
So there you have 3 delicious and cooling dog ice lolly recipes which are sure to please even the most picky pupper!
Another tip to keep your dog cool during this heatwave is to purchase a dog cooling mat. The chill-out cooling mat is a soft, absorbent mat that will keep your dog cool and comfortable.
A double-sided cooling mat is also a very handy thing to have when you are out walking with your dog during the summer months.
Yes, they really do work and will help to keep your dog cool outside.
Just place the mat on the floor and the dog will choose to lay here to cool off and our dog especially enjoys hanging out on the cooling mat while doing a little "sunbathing."
We'd recommend the All For Paws Chill Out Cooling Mat available at one of our partner's websites, Lords & Labradors.
Keep your dog cool this summer with some delicious lollies for dogs! Sure to be a welcome, occasional treat.
As the weather heats up, it's important to remember to keep your furry friend cool. A great way to do that is by giving them some ice lollies! Not only will your dog love them, but they're a healthy way to keep them cool and hydrated.
There are lots of recipes for homemade dog ice lollies online, but why not give the above recipes a try? Your dog will thank you for it!
Thanks for reading, at Waggel we offer Lifetime pet insurance for dogs and cats so if you're in the market to cover your pet for all kinds of issues including dental, cancer, and even hip issues then why not get a quote?
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