Cool Summer Distraction Treats for Your Dogs

by Jennifer S. Fryer, DVM

When it gets very hot outside, it is best to keep your canine best buddy inside, protected from the heat. It can be tough to keep an energetic dog busy during the day. A frozen treat toy or lick mat can help.

 

A Kong or Toppl filled with peanut butter will keep your dog busy for the longest period. You can fill the toy with whatever you like. The easiest go-to is peanut butter, but it can be tough to clean the toy afterward. Dogs who have a sensitive stomach or a history of pancreatitis should not eat high-fat food like peanut butter.

 

You can find hundreds of recipes to fill Kongs and Toppls online. The recipes often don’t need to be cooked, although it can help to puree the food in the blender or food processor. The vast majority of dogs are not picky! You will find out what your dog likes best. Here are some great options

 

For the Sweet Tooth:

  • Mix applesauce and smashed bananas;

  • Plain Greek yogurt and pears;

  • Cottage cheese and berries (caution, blueberries can stain surfaces);

  • Banana, peanut butter, and apples (this is a perennial favorite)!

 

**Avoid Grapes, Raisins, Macadamia Nuts, Citrus, Chocolate, Peanut Butter with Xylitol, Coconut, and Salty Foods, as these can be dangerous or toxic to dogs.

 

Savory Choices:

  • Chicken, carrots, and peas with cottage cheese OR;

  • Peas and carrots with cottage cheese;

  • Canned pumpkin, cottage cheese, and bites of your dog’s kibble or favorite treats;

  • Scrambled egg with shredded cheese and banana;

  • Fresh salmon and canned pumpkin.

 

Fill the toy all the way to the top and place it in the freezer until it is completely frozen. Make sure each dog has their own toy to lick.

 

If your dog is a fan of a filled toy like this, you can use it at the vet’s office as a distraction or on a car ride if your dog is fearful of the car.

 

Lick Mats

Every evening, my dog Cleo wants to be in the midst of all the action in the kitchen as we prepare dinner. Unfortunately, she drives my husband crazy. Then I discovered that a lick mat could keep her distracted for the perfect amount of time. Lick mats are silicon or plastic mats with an irregular surface, perfect for catching bits of moist food like peanut butter, yogurt, or a pet’s wet food.

 

Veterinarians and trainers recommend lick mats in the following scenarios:

  • To slow down eating. This is great for pets eating wet food, especially cats.

  • Distract pets from:

o   Bathing

o   Grooming

o   Nail trims

o   Ear, skin, or wound care

o   Vet visits

o   Or anything short-term, like my husband in the kitchen!

 

I made Cleo’s Lick Mat with Greek yogurt, banana pieces, and frozen blueberries. I placed it in the freezer for 2 hours so that it would take her longer to finish it. If you don’t mind a pet finishing it faster, such as for daily wet food feeding, you do not have to freeze it.

As you can see, the lick mat does its job beautifully. By the time dinner is prepared, Cleo is ready to rest under our feet while we eat.

 

If you are going to use a lick mat for baths or anything that requires your pet to be standing, make sure that you buy one with suction cups on the back.

 

Keep in mind that Kong’s and Toppl’s are designed to be chewed, so supervision is not necessary. Lick mats are flimsy and would be dangerous to your dog if they swallow pieces of the lick mat. Always supervise your dog with a lick mat and remove the lick mat when they are done licking.

 

I hope these cool treats bring your dog joy and you some relaxation time this summer! Best wishes to you both!

 

Source:

 

ASPCA People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets