3 Cool Summer Treats for Hot Dogs

Written by Courtney Bryson

It’s coming. The brutal humid heat of another southern summer is nearly upon us here in the outskirts of Atlanta. And with the summer heat comes the season of hot & panting dogs. Our dogs need a few cool summer treats to keep them comfortable.

While we might reach for a popsicle to cool off, our dogs would enjoy a cool treat too! In this blog, I’m sharing 3 Cool Summer Treats for Hot Dogs.

Here’s a few things to note before we get started:

  • Carefully read ALL ingredients & be sure to avoid any artificial sweeteners, specifically xylitol which can be deadly for dogs.
  • If you have any concerns about what your dog can or cannot have, reach out to your veterinarian for support.

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Banana split inspired

FROZEN YOGURT

KONGS & SLOW FEEDERS

 

WHAT YOU NEED

Skipping the chocolate syrup & crushed nuts, this banana split inspired dog dessert is sure to be a hit – you might even find yourself licking the spoon!

  • Plain Greek Yogurt – I prefer the Cabot Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt
  • Bananas – Overripe is fine – I usually pick up the bag of discounted bananas!
  • Strawberries – Since we eat the outside of the strawberry, I usually choose organic. 
  • Whipped Cream – Check the ingredients carefully, or make your own. 
  • Kong – or any other slow feeder you can freeze. 

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 1. Dice the fruit

Dice the strawberries & bananas into bite sized pieces that will fit into the big end of your Kong.

2. Stir

Stir the fruit into the Greek yogurt. You’ll notice there aren’t amounts in this recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find how much fruit to yogurt your dog loves in her treats.

3. Pipe

Pipe the fruit & yogurt mixture into Kongs – a Ziploc baggie works great for this!

4. Freeze & Serve

To make it EXTRA special – top with a little whipped cream before serving it up!

A Low Calorie Cool Summer Treat for Dogs

SUMMER SPLASHES

WATER ENHANCER FOR DOGS

 

WHAT YOU NEED

Whether your dog could stand to loose a few pounds or not, Summer Splashers are a fun & EASY treat to make for your dog to help them cool off. You can offer them alone, or toss them into their water dish to both cool their water, provide some enrichment activity, and encourage more water intake!

  • Water
  • Bone Broth – or other low sodium broth (optional)
  • Ice Trays
  • Dog safe fruits & vegetables

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 1. Dice the fruit & veggies

Dice the the fruit & vegetables you’ll use in your dog treats into pieces small enough to go into your ice cube trays. 

2. Stuff

Stuff the ice cube trays with a mix of fruit & veggies. Experiment to find what your dog loves in his treats – all fruit? mixed fruit? all veggie? a mix of everything?

3. Top

Top your mixture with water and/or broth to fill up your ice cube trays. 

4. Freeze & Serve

Offer as a treat, or splash into their water dish!

STRAWBERRY BANANA TREATS FOR DOGS

SMOOTHIE TREATS

A DOG APPROVED SPIN ON A FAVORITE SUMMER SNACK

 

WHAT YOU NEED

A refreshing strawberry banana smoothie is on my personal top 3 cool treats on a summer day – and this refreshing spin on a people favorite is dog approved. Plus, this dog treat recipe uses many of the same ingredients from our first cool summer treat for dogs, so you can use up all your ingredients while still giving your dog some variety!

  • Plain Greek Yogurt 
  • Bananas – Overripe is fine. 
  • Strawberries – Since we eat the outside of the strawberry, I usually choose organic – or even better, pick them myself at Washington Farms in Watkinsville, GA
  • Peanut butter (optional)
  • Silicone Mold

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Blend

Blend fruit & yogurt (add peanut butter if desired) – My blender was on the fritz when I wrote this, so I just mashed everything with a fork.

2. Pour

Pour mixture into silicone molds.

3. Freeze & Serve

Strawberry banana smoothie dog treats are super easy to make – and dogs love them! Try different size & shaped molds to find the size that fits your dog best. 

 

So which treat are you going to try first?

 This blog is a part of a blog circle with pet photographers from across the globe! This week we’re sharing some of our dogs favorite treat recipes. Next up Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography in Spokane, WA, taking a break to whip up some ice cream treats for Bella. 

 Be sure to keep clicking the link at the bottom to complete the circle until you wind up back here!

And if you’re thinking of a summer photo session, take a look at this gorgeous session I did last summer in the morning to beat the heat!

Adding dog photography to shelves is an unique way to decorate your home with personal art from dog photographer Courtney Bryson

What to read next?

In the Press

Courtney of CM Bryson is a pet portrait and lifestyle photographer who takes interesting narrative photographs of all sorts of pets –– cats, dogs, donkeys, you name it. She has an amazing ability to capture the fun-loving side of your pets, as well as their deep attachment to you, all while also being able to stage hilarious photoshoots that bring out the inner comedian in your little guys. Whether you’re looking for a serious, high-concept portrait or a hilarious photo of your pet sure to make you giggle for years to come, Courtney might just be the pet photographer for you.

Liz

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