Our furry friends need just as much help staying cool during the warm Northern Nevada summers as we do. We have a few fantastic suggestions on how to get them enrichment:
Have a Pup Cup or Frozen Treat
We love giving the dogs pup cups at the Shelter! It’s an easy way for them to enjoy a cool treat in the mornings before we open our doors to the public. A moderate amount of whipped cream in a cup is all it takes to make their day. Local pet stores also sell pup-safe ice cream and frozen treats. If you want an easy recipe to make at home, try freezing dog-safe broth, a moderate amount of Greek yogurt, or dog-safe fruits and vegetables for delicious and nutritious frozen treats. You can do this in a bag or a lick mat.
Food like carrots, blueberries, watermelon, jicama, peas, pumpkin, lettuce, apples, cucumbers, and mangos are healthy and delicious options for your dogs. If you are unsure whether a food is safe for your pet, a quick Google search can help you determine whether or not a food is toxic.
Take Them Swimming at the Lake
The Truckee River is flowing steadily this summer, so make sure your pet knows how to swim strong, is given a life jacket, or is kept on a leash! Lake Tahoe is another amazing option for pets. Kiva Beach, Zephyr Cove, and Nevada Beach are just a few examples of dog-friendly places around the lake. Up in Eastern California, Lake Almanor in Plumas County is open for pups and humans to visit. If you’re looking for something close to Reno but not too crowded, visiting one of the many reservoirs in Dog Valley is a great option for dog-friendly bodies of water like Boca, Stampede, and Prosser.
A good thing to also remember is that many local stores have plastic kiddie-pools for cheap, which can give your furry friend a nice place to cool off. Even though shade is especially important, so is hydration!
Stay Hydrated
This is crucial as pets can become dehydrated quickly in the heat. For your canine companions, bring bottles of water, hydration packs, and foldable water bowls if you’re planning a summer hike. You can also make cooling collars at home or purchase cooling vests from local pet stores. If you forget your water packs, try not to let your canine companions drink from puddles of stale water as it can contain parasites or bacteria!
We can’t forget about our kitty cat friends either. Even something as easy as swapping the water bowl for a fountain can make a huge difference, as cats prefer moving water to stale. Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water because they get a lot of their hydration from their food, this can be dangerous in heated months. If they spend time outside, make sure to keep an eye on them and their sun exposure.
Visit our Summer Pet Safety website to help you have a fun, safe summer with your furry family members.