5 tricks to keep your dog cool this summer + My Frozen Banana & Yogurt Dog Treats

5 tricks to keep your dog cool this summer:

1. Morning and evening walks. If your dog needs long walks, take them out early in the morning and late at night when the air is cooler and less humid. The hot, midday pavement can burn and blister a dog’s paws too.

2. Lots of water. Keep water handy at all times. Bring a bottle and bowl for quick drinks when out walking. Dogs, especially small ones, get dehydrated so much faster than we do. Try putting a few ice cubes in the water. My dogs love licking ice cubes on a warm day.

3. Made in the shade. Walk your dog on the shady side of the street, and find a shady spot rest breaks. And off course, NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A CAR IN SUMMER — OR EVER. JUST DON’T.

4. Cool house. Keep your house on the cool side, especially when they are home alone. If you don’t have air conditioner, open a window and put on a fan.

5. Frozen treat. Make our frozen banana and yogurt treat. Made in an ice cube tray, you can just pop one out when it’s treat time. A tip I learned the hard way: Let your dog eat frozen treats like this outside to save yourself a bit of a mess.

Frozen Banana & Yogurt Treats

MAKES 12 TREATS

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 ripe banana

2 tablespoons honey

1 cup rolled oats

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1. Place yogurt and banana in a bowl, and using a fork, mash the banana into the yogurt. 2. Add honey and mix well. 3. Stir in oats and chia seeds. 4. Fill an ice cube mold with the mixture and freeze until solid, about 12 hours.

Text + Food + Photography by Paul Lowe