September 1, 2024, 3:33 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Even in a heatwave, keeping your dog sufficiently occupied is important. However, wild games or sports are out of the question. PETBOOK author and dog trainer Katharina Marioth reveals how to keep your dog occupied and cool despite the heat.
In summer, the heat is not only exhausting for humans. Dogs also struggle with the high temperatures during a heatwave. Dogs need to be kept busy in other ways when it’s too hot to go for a long walk or run around in the great outdoors. Therefore, I will introduce you to various ways to keep your dog occupied in the best possible and species-appropriate way in hot weather. Indoor activities are particularly suitable as it is often too hot outside, and dogs suffer from the heat but still want to be kept busy.
The sock game
Set up a drying rack and hang numerous individual socks on it. Now hide one or two treats in just one of the socks. Your dog should indicate which sock contains the treats. This game is also suitable for cats.
Caution: If your dog swallows everything whole, it is better to use towels that you wrap twice and place the treats in the folds.
Toilet roll wonder bag (suitable for dogs and cats)
You will need a paper bag and empty toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls for this game. Take three empty rolls and put one or two treats in each. Then, seal both ends and mix them in the paper bag with the other empty rolls. Then your dog can search.
Food puzzles
Use food puzzles or toys your dog has to solve to get treats. For example, fill food balls with dry food or treats (please subtract from the main meals). Your dog must move and roll the ball to get the treats out.
You can also put dry food or small treats in food maze toys or lick mats. Your dog must use his nose and paws to get the treats out.
Of course, you can also hide other things in the house or apartment. Long-lasting chew items, such as densely pressed cowhide strips, are a welcome activity for many dogs.
Frozen snacks
Frozen snacks not only keep dogs occupied but also help them cool down during a heatwave. I like to save the extra small yogurt containers for kids for this purpose: Fill them with an equal mix of water and lactose-free yogurt (to reduce flatulence in your dog). There is always a freeze-dried snack in the middle.
I always briefly freeze the snacks for about one to two hours. This means that the middle is only half frozen. To take them out, I briefly soak the outside in warm water and then squeeze out the small portions.
Tip: It’s best to put a towel underneath your dog – then there won’t be any yogurt stains on the basket or carpet.
Snack diving
Do you know the famous Halloween apple dip? Children should try to fish apples out of the water using only their mouths with their hands tied. This is also fun for our four-legged friends.
Set up a small paddling pool for this. Your dog can cool off and play in it. My dogs like to dive for small pieces of melon or apple, soaking up the liquid and cooling down. This is a particularly good activity during a heatwave.
If you don’t have space for a paddling pool, you can play the game in the shower tray or with a baking tray on a small city balcony.
Obstacle course
Set up a miniature obstacle course in the house for your dog. I use stacks of books, broomsticks, vacuum cleaner tubes, and empty water bottles. You can use them to build hurdles, a slalom, and much more. Let your creativity run wild. Through these activities, you can ensure that your dog stays physically and mentally occupied while staying cool and safe.
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Provide cooling in the apartment
During a heatwave, if it gets very hot in your home, hang up damp towels. They will provide cooling through evaporation. Also, ensure your dog’s place is as cool as possible.
The general rule on hot days is that less is more. However, the dog still needs to go out for a walk, even in the heat. Ensure you choose shady paths and avoid letting your dog walk on hot asphalt for extended periods. It’s best to go out a little earlier in the morning and a little later in the evening if you know it will be hot. If your dog needs to go out at midday, keep the walk brief and utilize the tips provided here to ensure adequate indoor activity.