Beat the Heat, Keeping Your Furry Friend Cool This Summer + A Delicious Treat!

Summer is almost here, bringing with it sunshine, long days, and plenty of opportunities for fun!

While we love soaking up the warmer weather, it's crucial to remember that our beloved furry companions can struggle to stay cool.

Dogs don't sweat like humans do, making them more susceptible to overheating.

Why Summer Heat is a Big Deal for Dogs Unlike us, dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through panting. When it's hot, panting alone might not be enough, leading to heat stress or even life threatening heatstroke. 

Symptoms like excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, or wobbly movements mean it's time to act fast. Prevention is always key!

Simple Ways to Keep Your Pup Cool Before we dive into a delicious treat, here are some essential tips to keep your dog comfortable when the temperatures rise.

Hydration is King: Always provide fresh, cool water. Consider adding ice cubes or using a portable water bottle on walks.

Shade & Shelter: Ensure your dog has access to ample shade if they're outside. Never leave them in a parked car, even for a minute!

Timing is Everything: Walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day  early morning or late evening. Avoid the midday sun.

Cooling Gear: Cooling vests, mats, and even kiddie pools can offer great relief.

Grooming: Regular grooming, especially for long-haired breedersin, can help them stay cooler. Keeping your dog brushed right down to the skin, and mat-free, will help keep them cool.

A Delicious Way to Chill Out: Pineapple Banana Yogurt Popsicles! Looking for a fun, healthy, and incredibly easy way to help your dog beat the heat? These homemade popsicles are a huge hit and packed with pet friendly goodness!

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

1/2 cup fresh or canned (in juice, drained) pineapple chunks

1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt (ensure it contains no Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)

Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the banana, pineapple, and plain yogurt.

Blend Until Smooth: Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 

Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into ice cube trays, silicone molds (paw prints are fun!), or small paper cups. You can insert small dog-safe treats (like a piece of a bully stick or a small biscuit) as a "handle" if using paper cups.

Freeze: Place the molds in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until completely solid.

Serve & Store: Once frozen, pop them out and serve one to your happy pup! Store any remaining popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer.Why these ingredients are great.

Pineapple: A good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.Banana: Rich in potassium and vitamins.

Plain Yogurt: Contains probiotics for gut health (in moderation, ensure no xylitol and minimal lactose).

Keep Them Cool, Keep Them Happy! As summer approaches, remember that your pet's comfort and safety are paramount. Incorporate these tips and treats into your routine, and enjoy a wonderful, cool summer together!

For all your other summer grooming essentials to keep your pet looking and smelling their best, explore our full collection at groomerswag.com What are your favorite ways to help your pet stay cool in the summer? Share your tips in the comments below!