Since it’s so cold….and wet…and by now you’re all probably sick of pictures of trees with snow on them…
Let’s time travel to the beach in August!
Photo Friday 2/4 //time travel
Tag: summer
Things for cats to do in the summer – written by Peaches the Cat
Peaches the cat has returned for another post! Enjoy!
Summer is the worst for us indoor cats. It’s too hot to lie in the sun, the dog is too hot to be teased, and even the birds on the window TV are hiding from the heat. But I, Peaches the cat, have come up with many activities to bust summer kitty boredom!
First up – sample the house plants! You can even make a salad if you want. Be careful – sometimes they can be poisonous to us cats. Humans also keep a big bowl of round things on the counter. They call these “fruit.” You can add fruit to your salad too, but they are more fun to smack off the counter and on to the floor. Sometimes they even explode everywhere!
If you get too hot after destroying the fruit bowl, try this! Find a cool place to lie down, like on a tile floor or in the kitchen sink. Granite counter tops work well too. Make sure it’s a spot that will be super annoying to your human, but where you won’t be accidentally stepped on.
Bug hunting is a favorite summer pastime of cats everywhere. Humans will try to smack bugs with a small paddle attached to a wire handle, a terrible substitute for the powerful paws of a cat. Generally, they are very bad at this and it is funny to watch them. Let your human run around after the bug for a while before you step in. Then gracefully pounce on the bug and offer it to your human. They will be very grateful for this service.
Another way to cool down is by delicately dipping your paws in your water bowl. You can then walk through the house, being sure to go through every room. Return to your water bowl if needed to wet your paws again. Humans like to put water on the floor and call it mopping, so they will be very appreciative of your help.
In the summer, humans like to go on vacations. Often, that means you will get the whole house to yourself. Use this opportunity to go everywhere you aren’t allowed, like on the kitchen table, and get fur everywhere. Pranking the cat sitter is lots of fun too. You can hide the cat food or the litter scooper, or hide in the closet until the cat sitter threatens to call your human. Vacations also give you plenty of time to find where your human keeps the tuna. My favorite thing to do is chew through the cat food bag so it spills all over the floor.
Finally, I have come up with a summer friendly alternative to long naps in the sun. Instead, lie in front of the A/C unit or fan. Be careful, as the breeze may muss your perfectly groomed fur.
I hope this has given you plenty of cat-friendly ideas for a great summer! Stay cool, and I’ll see you next time!
— Peaches the Cat
Tips to keep your dog safe in the summer heat
Summer is awesome. It means pools, backyard parties, and sun. But it can also be very very hot, especially for your dog, who wears a fur coat year-round. Heat exhaustion in dogs is no joke, and may result in severe illness or even death. Here are a few easy things you can do for your dog to reduce his risk of heat exhaustion.
1. Never ever ever leave your dog in the car
This should be a no-brainer. On a 90℉ (32 ℃) day, the temperature in your car may reach 109℉ (43℃) in 10 minutes. It climbs to a scorching 124℉ (51℃) in only half an hour. After an hour, it can reach 133℉ (56℃). (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association, avma.org)
A dog’s internal temperature should not go above 104℉ (40℃). In some US states, it is illegal to leave a pet in a parked car when doing so may be detrimental to the animal’s health (e.g. heatstoke). Dogs can die from being left in a sweltering car too long.
Tip: If you see a pet trapped in a parked car: follow these recommendations from the Humane Society of the United States.
2. Limit Outside Time to Bathroom Breaks
On extra hot days, try to limit time outside to bathroom breaks. Make sure to let your dog in when they’re done. If your dog needs to be walked, walk them in the early morning or evening, when it’s cooler.
3. Make sure your dog has access to clean, cool water at all times
Dehydration is also serious and often goes hand in hand with heat exhaustion. Make sure to offer clean, cool water at all times. Symptoms of dehydration in dogs may include dizziness, different colored gums, loss of skin elasticity, thick saliva, dry nose, sunken eyes, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
4. Offer cooling treats
Offer your pup a cold treat to help them cool off. Try freezing some peanut butter or plain pumpkin puree with some water to make a pupsicle. New post coming soon – Cold doggie treats for hot days!
5. Try these tips
There are lots of other ways you can help your dog beat the heat. My black lab, Winnie, likes to wear a bandana soaked in cold water. Some dogs like to play with ice cubes or get sprayed with cold water before a walk.
6. Know the symptoms of heatstroke
Generally, internal temperatures of 105℉ or higher are indicative of heatstroke in dogs. Excessive panting and salivation, rapid heart rate, dry nose, vomiting, and lethargy are symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion. A dog’s body will be warm to the touch, and the dog may be unable to walk normally. Seizures and muscle tremors may occur, and, in severe cases, a dog may enter a coma or die.
7. Know the treatment of heatstroke
If your dog has heatstroke, you must slowly lower the dog’s temperature.
- Move dog to shaded/cool area
- Pour cool, not cold, water over the dog. You can also use wet towels or a fan.
- Allow dog to drink a little of the cool water.
- Continue pouring water until the dog is stable enough (breathing is regular) to be taken to the nearest veterinary hospital.
Sources: https://www.noahsarkvet.com/11-symptoms-of-heat-exhaustion-in-dogs, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/, https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/caring-for-your-dog/heat-stroke-and-heat-exhaustion.html, https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/heatstroke
Have a fun summer, and be sure to follow these tips to keep your dog safe in the heat!
Strawberry Mango Sherbet – Healthy, Dairy Free and 5 ingredients!
Summer is fast approaching, and with it come the sweltering temps and the it’s-too-hot-to-turn-on-the-oven days. So, here is a sweet, tangy, cold, refreshing and fruity treat. Strawberry Mango Sherbet! It can be made in a blender or food-processor, no fancy ice-cream machine required. This dairy free mango version was adapted from this 5-Minute Healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt recipe by Just a Taste.
What I love about this recipe is that it is totally customizable. You can add more sweetness with an extra drop of honey, make it more tart with some lemon juice, or change up the flavor of the dairy free yogurt. Sub agave or maple syrup for a vegan version. It’s all really up to you!
This recipe is quick and easy and can be stored in the freezer for weeks. Be sure to let it thaw for several minutes before serving.
Strawberry Mango Sherbet
A fresh, cold and sweet frozen treat.
You can serve with a sprig of mint, as in the picture.
Ingredients
- 2 c. frozen mango chunks
- 2 c. frozen whole strawberries
- 2 1/2 T honey (make it vegan with agave or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 5oz carton dairy free yogurt alternative (I used Silk Strawberry Almondmilk yogurt)
Directions
- Place all ingredients in blender or food processor and process until smooth.
- Eat! or freeze for later.
If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how you liked it!
Today's Furry Moments 