We are experiencing more and more heatwaves, hot spells and droughts. The pavement is scorching, dogs are panting hard; in short, walks in high heat are strongly discouraged. Cardiac arrest, burnt paw pads and heatstroke can be avoided, even in summer.
But our dogs need activity!
Here are 5 activities you can offer them at home that will give them physical exercise and mental stimulation, in complete safety!
Water pool or ball pit
There are small, very affordable dog pools available online or at your favorite store. They are ideal in summer to help your dog cool down. You can add balls; he should love it!
If your dog doesn't like water, there is of course no point in insisting. You can start with a small amount of water so that he gets used to it. Dip the tips of his paws in and watch his reaction! You can also use this pool indoors, as soon as temperatures drop, and fill it with balls and snacks. You can replace the pool with a box or another container, but always keep the dog's safety in mind. Make sure the dog doesn't swallow anything toxic or anything he could choke on.
I only recommend continuous jets of water (sprinklers, hoses) with a certain restraint: it is excellent physical activity in hot weather, but be careful that the dog doesn't swallow too much water (a dog doesn't know his limits), or he risks water intoxication.
Snuffle mat or puzzle
A great classic to keep your dog busy: a mat with obstacles in which you hide treats. Your dog will be delighted to search for snacks in all that maze of fabric! The puzzle is simpler; it looks like a little labyrinth where the dog can only eat one or two kibbles at a time.
The possible downside of these games is that the dog can quickly tire of them, because the hiding places are fairly accessible.
Brain games
Excellent for mental stimulation, they allow the dog to use his thinking skills to work out how to obtain this or that — often a treat. Be careful to adapt the difficulty of the game to your dog. If he can't manage it, he may get discouraged. Help him, or find an easier game.
Frozen Kongs and chews
Fill a Kong with his favorite food and put it in the freezer. Not only will your dog take longer (and therefore spend more energy) to get to his food, but he will also be cooled down and hydrated.
Chewing activities are vital for a dog. They calm him and help him release energy. Beef tendons or nerves are my favorites. They don't crumble and last a very long time. Did you know that 20 minutes of chewing is equivalent to a one-hour walk? Chewing is mental stimulation (not to be used as a replacement for walks either!) and can be just as beneficial as physical exercise.
"Find it"
"Find it" is a tracking game that can be played indoors and outdoors — provided it only takes place early in the morning or late in the evening, and your garden has shaded areas. It is a game that lets the dog use one of his natural behaviors: tracking. If he doesn't know the game, you can start by hiding a treat, then pointing to where it is and saying "find it". Once he has understood the word, you can scatter treats all over the garden, let him loose, and it's a sniffing party!
Have fun!
Sonia, your Dog Nanny
