CREATIVE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PET ENTERTAINED DURING THE HEAT OF SUMMER

The scorching heat of summer can be challenging not only for us, but also for our beloved pets. As the temperature rises, it’s crucial to find ways to keep your furry friends entertained, and comfortable.

Here are a few creative ideas to ensure your pet stays happy and engaged during the hot summer months. Not only will these activities help beat the heat, they will also strengthen the bond between you and your beloved pet.

Indoor Treasure Hunt – Create an engaging indoor treasure hunt for your pet by hiding their favorite treats or toys around the house. This interactive game will keep them mentally stimulated and provide a fun challenge.
Homemade Frozen Treats – Prepare some refreshing homemade frozen treats for your pet using pet-safe ingredients. Freeze tasty mixtures of broth, fruits, vegetables and/or yogurt in ice cube trays or molds to create delightful snacks that will help them cool down.
Sprinkler Fun – Set up a sprinkler in your backyard and let your pet play in the water. Most pets enjoy chasing water droplets, providing them with a refreshing and entertaining experience.
Ice Block Surprise – Freeze some of your pet’s toys in a large ice cube block. This way, they will have to work to retrieve their toys while keeping cool at the same time.
Puzzles and Treat Toys – Invest in interactive puzzles and treat-dispensing toys designed for pets. These toys will keep them mentally engaged while rewarding their efforts with a tasty treat.
DIY Agility Course – Create a simple agility course in your backyard using everyday household items like hula hoops, cones and tunnels. Teach your pet to navigate through the course, providing them with exercise and mental stimulation.
Frozen Watermelon Chews – Freeze watermelon slices or chunks for a refreshing and hydrating treat. Not only will this help keep your pet cool, but it also provides them with a tasty snack.
Playdates with Water – Arrange playdates with other pet owners who have access to a pet-friendly pool, like Aqua Pups in Charlotte, or a shallow water source. Supervised water play can be a great way for pets to socialize and cool off!
Pet-Friendly Beach Outings – If you live near a pet-friendly beach, plan a day trip to provide your pet with a change of scenery. To have a fun and safe beach outing with your dog, check out one of our latest blogs, Taking Your Pup on a Beach Vacation.
DIY Cool Mat – Create a cool mat by freezing a damp towel or purchasing a gel-filled cooling pad. These mats provide for a cool surface for your pet to lie on during the hot summer days.
Interactive Laser Pointer – Use an interactive laser pointer to engage your pet in playful exercise. This simple, yet effective game, can keep your pet entertained while also providing physical activity. (Have you seen those funny laser pointer cat videos?)
Indoor Playdates – Organize indoor playdates with other pet owners to provide a safe and air-conditioned environment for pets to interact and burn off energy.
Training Sessions – Use the hot summer days as an opportunity to teach your pet new tricks and/or reinforce existing commands. Engage in short training sessions indoors where it’s cooler, using positive reinforcement and treats as rewards.

Keeping your pet entertained and cool during the hot summer months is essential for their overall well-being. Incorporating a few of these creative ideas into your pet’s routine is great to ensure they stay mentally stimulated, physically active and comfortable even in high temperatures. Remember to prioritize your pet’s safety by providing shade, fresh water and avoiding excessive heat and sun exposure. With these activities, you and your pet can have a fun-filled summer while strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories together.

Recommended Posts

Independence Veterinary Clinic

4.9 out of 5 stars

Charlotte Fashion Plate

5 out of 5 stars

posted 3 weeks ago

Called this morning to see if they could see my Hazel for allergies because her regular veterinarian could not after calling several times this week. IVC told me to come right in, and they would fit me in. The BEST experience we ever had. Not only is Dr. Michelle incredibly thorough and took so much time with Hazel, the office is immaculate. No pet smells or smells from heavy cleaning products. Loved our entire experience, and Hazel is on the mend. The staff was also very helpful and super friendly! We just found our new veterinarian clinic!

Jennifer

posted 8 months ago

My husband found this veterinary clinic about a year ago when we first got our pups, and he stated he liked their service. It's been about a year, and it was time for a follow-up, so this time, I came and brought my Chihuahua for his yearly follow-up. This location is super close to our home. The appointment was set for 8:30 am and walked in around 8:20 and was immediately brought to an exam room. The receptionist was super nice and welcoming. This is located in a business park so there are plenty of parking spaces to choose from. The inside was super clean and modernly decorated. They had plenty of treats located conviently around the office and exam rooms. The Dr. I believe it was Dr. Benjamin, and she was super nice and knowledgeable. She explained exactly what my dog needed and what she recommended. I loved that before I agreed to any treatment, medicines, etc., they offered to let me know exactly how much everything was going to cost before I accepted. They help you out, and if for some reason you can not get everything done right away, she let's you know what's more important now and what can wait. I definitely recommend this place and will continue to bring my doggies here.

Anna Huggins

posted 2 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about these fabulous doctors and their top notch staff. My pets are always well taken care of and I am always able to get an appointment quickly. They have handled complex medical issues for several of my dogs and taken excellent care of them. Thank you for the fantastic work you do for our pets!

Claud Y.

Been taking my kitten here for 2 years. They treat her the same as they would their own. Staff are caring and considerate. They are willing to answer all your questions.

Amber Kilgore

posted 9 months ago

For my thirteen year old dog, Ella, vet visits have always been extremely traumatic for her. It hasn't ever been a fault of the vets or staff I have encountered, she is simply an anxious dog with severe animal aggressions issues and she gets easily overwhelmed. However, this last visit with this clinic was the first time she has had a good experience. The staff went above and beyond to meet her needs in a way that she was comfortable with. They greeted her like a guest of honor and treated her like the princess she is. And the relief it gave both me and her cannot be put into words. Previously, I had to make judgement calls on whether it was more harmful to bring her in for regular visits than it was worth and this visit has taken the anxiety out of vet visits for both me and Ella. I genuinely cannot thank the staff enough for their bedside manner and the regular check-ins they made after our visit and their patience with my excessive questions. It really shows that they care about the animals they treat and the pet parents that fret over their babies, not just the money they get for doing so and I genuinely cannot give them enough praise for all they did. 10 out of 10, would definitely recommend.

Read All 431 Reviews