Top pooch picks and tips for summer fun
Tip: The scorching temperatures are already weighing down on your pets, so why add to the stress with energy-sapping diets? High glycemic foods such as corn, wheat or potato starch can make your pet feel full and heavy, causing them to be even more lethargic than usual. Stick with foods that contain eggs, quinoa, real meat or fish to keep Fido up and energized for the long summer days.
Tool: Look for foods that contain better ingredients – Spring Naturals dinners have plenty of veggies, proteins and whole fruits and berries. Online at http://springnaturals.com.
Tip: Dogs love to have something to chew on, and it’s tempting to toss over a mostly-eaten chicken thigh instead of letting it go to waste. But cooked chicken and turkey bones are hollow and brittle, and break into long-sharp pieces that can get lodged in a dog’s throat – or stomach. Puncture risks and choking hazards are found in other things dogs tend to chew on – aluminum cans, plastic bottles, rubber bands and old children’s toys, too. Just say no, and give your pet something appropriate for dogs.
Tool: Tired of always picking up your pet’s shredded toys? Of course you are – you wanted a dog, not a kid! Thankfully, new toys on the market are finally outsmarting your gnawing friends with high-tech, flexible rubbers that can withstand even the most aggressive of chewing. Bionic Pet Products are made from rubber that’s engineered to last through even the most vigorous of play patterns, with less than five percent of dogs finding a way to tear into their flexible toys. Check out their website at http://BionicPlay.com, where you can find fun videos of their products being “tested” by blenders, juicers, and a big slobbering Labrador.
Tip: Along with rising obesity rates in America, pets’ obesity rates are rising too – causing serious internal damage, joint issues and chronic pain. When your pet begs for table scraps – you know that irresistible face, the genesis of the phrase “puppy-dog eyes”f – try to think big picture. Dogs don’t suffer body image issues or gaze into mirrors, but they do benefit from a healthy body weight – for longer lifespans and freer movement. And they won’t hang around missing food or treats that they know they aren’t going to get. Manage your pet’s food intake and increase her or his physical activity with long walks and hikes – who knows? You might find that your waistline may be shrinking along with your furry friends.
Tool: A doggy diet doesn’t mean no training treats or special occasions. There are healthy and low-calorie treats out there; for example, PetSafe engineered a healthy and low calorie treat alternative called Lickety Stiks. They’re portable liquid dog treats that come in a full range of flavors at one calorie per 10 licks. Visit http://PetSafe.net/LicketyStik for more information.
Tip: In these high summer heats, pets feel the burn even more than we do, becoming easily susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Avoid these life-threatening conditions – don’t leave your pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes. Don’t leave your dog chained in the yard where she or he can’t find shade, and always having cool water ready for sipping on hot days.
Tool: FrostyBowlz are great tools to provide a chilly sip of water during the hot summer days, even when you’re out and about. They’re made of a center core that can be frozen overnight, then popped into the premium stainless steel bowl the next day. Your pup’s water will stay cool and fresh the whole next day, reducing the risk for any heat-caused ailments and scares. Find more at http://FrostyBowlz.com.
Send us your pet pix and stories!
For many of us, our pets are family. Out Front Colorado wants to publish your pet pictures and funny stories. Email to holly@outfrontonline.com.
