Archive for category: Fun

 

One of the long-term effects of global warming is the ever-rising mercury level. According to The Humane Society of the United States, the extreme summer is detrimental to your pet’s health. Did you know that animals can suffer from heat stroke? Thus, as you beat the heat this summer, make sure your pet is able to cope too.

Your pet’s well-being is your responsibility. Your pooch is a part of your family and hence, it is important to keep him safe and in good health. Here are a few enjoyable things to do so that you and your pet dog can have a great summer.

1. Walk and Exercise with Your Mutt

Early morning hours are cooler compared to afternoons. Morning is the ideal time for going on a long walk with your dog. Carry a ball or a Frisbee with you. Dogs like chasing flying objects and it is a good form of exercise too. When left alone, pets tend to get bored and upset. They vent their frustration by chasing other pets and chewing on sofas or shoes. Indulging in physical activity can prevent this. Walks are also important for their physical and mental development.

 

2. Try Treat-Stuffed Toys

Digging, barking, marking their territory, and gnawing come naturally to dogs. They can get frustrated if their natural instincts are suppressed. Avoid punishing your pet pooch for improper behavior. Instead, try productive ways to keep him active. Kongs have been used for countless years by dog-owners. These are chewable playthings that bounce about when thrown. Stuff Kongs or any other toy with peanut butter, mashed banana or kibbles. Your furry friend will love the treats and look forward to having more.

3. Stay Cool and Hydrated

In summers, encourage your dog to drink more water than he usually does. Try adding a little flavor to the fluids he consumes. Add tuna water or beef/lamb/chicken broth to the fresh water bowl. Keep multiple bowls of water in shaded and cool spots. Older pets are more susceptible to dehydration. Watch out for the warning signs like difficulty in breathing and a dry tongue. When it’s awfully hot, wrap icy-cool, wet bandanas around your pet’s neck. This will keep him calm and refreshed the entire day.

4. Go Treasure Hunting

Treasure hunting is a fun way to keep your dog’s mind active. Every once in a while, take him to the woods or to a riverside and begin by hiding a treat or a favorite toy somewhere obvious. Let him watch as you hide it. In the beginning, set your dog up for success so that he understands the game. Later, increase the difficulty level to keep him motivated. Hide the delicacies in places where your dog can use his sense of smell to investigate. Reward your dog well when he succeeds.

5. Make Frozen Delights

Frozen delights are one of the fastest routes to your mutt’s heart. Whip together a variety of seasonal fruits and make appetizing popsicles this summer, or try the Cool Pup Popsicles. Enjoying fruit popsicles is the healthiest, coolest and quickest way to beat the summer heat. Your canine companion will love these frozen treats. You don’t need anything besides a few minutes, some basic ingredients and a freezer to prepare them. You can use watermelons, strawberries, peaches, bananas, pineapples, fruit juices, yogurts, meat and chicken broth, carrots, peas, and beans. Use your creativity and make sweet and savory popsicles.

6. Keep a Separate Splash-Zone in the Lawn

Most dogs love to play in sprinklers placed in lawns. A sprinkler will operate like a fun-zone for your kids and pet. Encourage your dog to play around it in the heat. This will help regulate his body temperature too.

7. Hit the Beach

A good number of popular beaches are dog-friendly. However, you must be aware of the beach rules before you head to one. Most rules refer to observing pet etiquette and cleanliness. It is also crucial to know whether or not your dog needs to be on a leash. Carry a leash to be safe. In the case that your dog can move around without restraint, make sure he is in your control. Whether you take a dip in the sea or play a game of Frisbee along the shore, beach visits are great fun. Your four-legged family member will love going to the beach and will be extremely grateful for the fun.

8. Go for a Drive-in Movie Date

A drive-in movie or an outdoor movie night at a local park can be an amazing experience for you and your pet. There is nothing like watching a movie under the stars with your best buddy. Your pet also gets to socialize with other pets.

 

9. Explore Your City

Involve your dog in a little bit of city sight-seeing. There is no shortage of pet-friendly establishments in the United States. Several cruises, boat trips, restaurants, museums, aquariums, botanical gardens, and shopping malls are open to having pets. Your canine pal can enjoy with you while you visit these dog-friendly destinations.

10. Go Out Camping

Camping is almost synonymous with summer. A number of provincial, state and city park campsites are open to pets, provided they are on a leash. In fact, a number of parks have gone the extra mile in making these sites pet-friendly. They provide pet cabins on rent and off-leash play areas too.

Camping does take you closer to nature, but it can also expose your pet to a variety of health concerns. Talk to the veterinarian and work out a plan for your pet. It is better to read all about pet wellness before you set out camping.

Summer is a time for lots of fun activities with family and pets. Yet, you must be aware of the soaring temperature and its effects on your pet. Don’t overdo outdoor activities if it is too hot. Watch out for any signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in your pet. In the summer, everyone looks forward to spending time outdoors. Use the tips shared in this post to have fun with your pet while staying safe.

About the Author:
Erica Montes is a digital content editor for LiveWellTesting based in sunny San Diego, California. She is immersed in the healthcare industry and is the go-to-person for health and wellness tips. In her free time, she enjoys making “healthy” dessert alternatives and trying to get as many Fitbit steps as possible. Here you may read all about pet wellness.

With the summertime comes nice weather and heat. While many people enjoy the warmth, too much of this heat is not good for a dog. The dog can overheat and suffer serious health consequences. There are some steps to keeping your cool this summer.

1. Cool Beds

Cooling beds like the Slumber Pet Cool Pup Mat and Cool Bed III will keep your pet comfortable in the heat. The bed was specially designed so that heat will go back into the air and off the bed. Cool beds have a cool core in the center that is filled with water. This will allow the bed to absorb the body temperature of the dog and allow the dog to lay on a bed that is room temperature. This will help a dog that is getting too hot in the summer. The beds will be able to resist the heat and will provide a cool feeling for the dog.

2. Pup Popsicles

The Cool Pup Popsicles will give a dog something to chew on and will help cool them down. The toy can be filled with water and placed in the freezer. It will take about two hours for the water inside to freezer after this the dog can chew on this and cool down. This toy comes in the shape of an ice pop as well. These treats will allow a dog to chew on something cold. This will help cool them down and keep them busy at the same time.

3. Guardian Gear Cool Pup Faucet Waterer

This waterer can make it easy for a dog to get a cool drink when they are thirsty outside. All they need to do is lick at this waterer and they can get some cool water. This device can attach to an outdoor faucet or hose so a dog can enjoy a drink whenever they need it. When the pet is thirsty all they need to do is go up and suck on the wateter. Water will come out helping the pet stay hydrated.

4. Portable Bowl

Dogs like to go hiking and go out with their owner when the weather is nice. The owner has to make sure the dog stays hydrated and has plenty to drink. Bamboo Silicone Travel Bowls are easy to carry. All a person has to do is pop it open, fill it with water, and let the dog drink. It can be closed again when the dog is done. The bowl comes in many different colors. The best part is that when you fold it up, it is small enough to keep in a travel bag or purse.

5. Bandana

A bandana is a great way to keep the pet cool while giving them some style. Choose a bandana that is made with polymer crystals. They are no toxic and can absorb heat. This will help cool the dog down. They will be able to keep the dog’s skin dry and absorb sweat. Bandanas come in sizes ranging from those that fit extra small dogs to extra large dogs.

6. Cooler Bed Cover

If a person already has a bed for their dog this cooling cover can make it more comfortable. These thermo-regulated covers will allow the pet to be comfortable when resting. The broadcloth will allow the coolness from the bed to transfer to the cover to soothe a hot pet. If a person does not want to purchase a bed with separate cooling material this cover can help keep the dog cool and prevent them from overheating especially in their sleep.

7. Cooling Collars

The Kool Collars will help cool a pet down on a hot summer day. There is an ice pack that is frozen and then put inside the collar. This will help comfort the pet and given them an instant feeling of coolness. The ice will stay in the collar and will provide comfort for 30-50 minutes. This is a great way to cool the pet down when it gets hot out. This special ice pack is designed to go right into the collar providing instant relief from the heat.

8. Kong Aqua

The Kong Aqua toy was designed for water play. The Kong still comes in the same shape that dogs love. This toy will float in the water. A person can throw the Kong in the lake, pool, or other body of water and it will float so the dog can get it. This is a great way to help cool the dog down and have some fun. The Kong toy will still be strong enough to stand up to even tougher chewers.

These are some ways that a person can help their dog stay cool in the summer. People love to play with their dogs outside. They need to take measures to keep the dog from overheating so everyone can enjoy the summer fun.

About the Author:

Mackenzie Grove is a blogger and writer from Canada. She is a pet lover, owner over the last 10 years and worked on a growing pet business for almost 3 years. Now she is writing for Dogclippersly. Check out her latest article about dog dental care.

A few years ago, I got a bunny. I bought all kind of toys and found great joy in watching my beloved Mr. Cookie play with it.

However, one day I stopped buying many of the small rabbit toys I’d given him.

The secret?

I started making DIY bunny toys. By making those toys myself, I discovered something: Giving your bunny toys will make it feel awesome but making those toys yourself will make you and your bunny feel awesome together. What’s even better is that these toys are so easy to make, that your kids will love making them with you.

Today, I’m going to show you exactly how by making 4 very easy DIY toys for your beloved bunny.

So, let’s get started.

1. The Hanging Stuffed Toilet Roll

First off, I present The Hanging Stuffed Toilet Roll.

This is a great toy for a bunny as it will activate its muscles as well as training its mind.

What you need:

• A string of rope
• One toilet tube
• Scissors
• Hay or grass

How to make it:

1. Tie a knot on the end of the string; This will hold the toilet tube
2. Make a small hole with the end of the scissor in the middle of the toilet tube
3. Pull the string to the hole until the knot is firmly holding the toilet tube
4. Stuff with hay or grass
5. Hang it at a height where your bunny will be on its legs

This toy works great as the bunny get on its legs, activating its muscles while trying to hold the toilet tube will gnawing on the grass. In addition, it will train its brain as it will figure out how to get the hay out while holding the toilet tube so it doesn’t swing away from it.

2. The Leafy Slinky

If you have a slinky to spare, this is a great toy for rabbits. It is incredibly easy to make and works great when you want your bunny to play outside of its home.

What you need:

• A slinky
• Leafy greens or herbs
• A chair or table
• An enclosed playing area

How to make it:

1. Make sure you are in an area where the rabbit cannot run away
2. Hang a slinky from a chair or table so that it can swing freely
3. Insert greens into the slinky making it stick by twisting and turning it; This will make it more challenging for the bunny
4. Let the rabbit play

This activates both the brawn and brains while you can admire the beauty of watching the bunny play.

3. The Roller

The next one will give your rabbit something to think about and it’s a toy used for pretty much any type of animal. You can buy these from the stores in all kind of varieties but I say, “why even bother when it’s so easy to do yourself”?

What you need:

• A cylinder cardboard container (for example, a cracker cylinder)
• Scissors
• Treats

How to make it:

1. Take the cardboard cylinder and make round holes in it
2. Place the treats in the cylinder and make sure the holes are large enough for the treats to fall out
3. Place the cylinder on the floor and show your bunny how to get treats out
4. Watch your bunny play

The Roller is great for activating the senses and motor functions of your bunny to stimulate the brain.

4. The Baked Pine Cone

Giving your bunny something to chew on can keep it occupied for hours on end. Rabbits need something to chew on to help wear down their teeth. In nature, they chew on wood so it is great to give them either wood or pine cones to chew on.

What you need:

• Pine Coves
• An oven

How to make it:

1. Collect pine cones during a trip to the forest or purchase them at a pet shop
2. Bake the pine cones in the oven to get rid of any unwanted bugs
3. Give it to your rabbit

The pine cone is quite simply one of the best bunny gnawing things around and it is much easier (and in many states also legal…) compared to sawing a branch of a tree.

Tip: If you do not have access to pine cones an alternative is to get Corn Husk Chews.

Now it’s your turn

I hope you’ve enjoyed this introduction to easy DIY bunny toys. Once you get started making your own toys, it gets hard to stop. It’s just so rewarding to watch your bunny play with stuff you’ve made with love. I hope you’re inspired to go make some toys, and if you have any questions you can ask them below – I’ll be around to answer them.

About the Author:

Susan from My Perky Pet is a proud pet owner and teacher who loves to share pet tips for the benefit of pet and owner.