Florida summers are hot, and if you live here, you already know the routine. Walks get pushed earlier in the morning or later in the evening, dogs spend more time indoors, and water bowls get checked a little more often.
Along with those changes, a few small adjustments to what your dog eats can help keep them more comfortable in the heat.
Helping Dogs Stay Cool in the Summer Heat
When temperatures climb, it’s normal to see small changes in your dog. Some eat a little less. Others slow down or seem less interested in activity during the middle of the day. That doesn’t always mean anything is wrong. Sometimes, it just means their routine may need to shift slightly.
Most of the basics are straightforward:
- Keep fresh water available at all times
- Limit time in direct sun
- Plan walks during cooler parts of the day
- Offer simple cooling options like ice cubes if your dog enjoys them safely
From there, small additions like cooling treats can help take the edge off the heat and give your dog something refreshing during the day.
Cooling Treats for Hot Pups
Cooling treats are one of the easiest ways to mix things up in the summer. They’re simple, affordable, and most dogs enjoy the change in temperature and texture.
They’re best used as occasional additions, not replacements for meals, but they can be a nice way to keep your dog comfortable. Here are a few easy options.
1. Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Certain fruits and vegetables have a high water content, which makes them a natural fit for warmer weather. A few good options include:
- Cucumber
- Watermelon without seeds or rind
- Celery
- Strawberries in moderation
Serve them chilled for an extra cooling effect, and keep portions reasonable.
2. Goat & Beef Chewies
If you’re already keeping treats in the freezer, this is an easy one to keep on hand. Rick’s Goat and Beef Chewies arrive frozen and have a soft, brownie-like texture that many dogs seem to enjoy, especially when served cold.
Our treats are made with whole wheat flour, pumpkin and preservative-free beef or goat stock. The texture is similar to a soft brownie, making them a good option for dogs that do better with softer treats.
Chewies come frozen in a ½-pound package and will keep in the refrigerator for 5–10 days once thawed. Some dogs enjoy them straight from the fridge, while others prefer them still slightly frozen.
They don’t require any prep, which makes them an easy addition to a summer routine.
3. Broth Popsicles
A broth popsicle is another easy option. Pour it into an ice tray or mold and freeze. The key here is keeping it clean and simple:
- No added salt
- No garlic or onion
- No spices
A plain broth is all you need.
4. Frozen Yogurt
You don’t need store-bought dog ice cream to make something your dog will enjoy. Plain yogurt frozen into small portions works well on its own. If you want to change it up, you can mix in a little peanut butter or fruit before freezing.
Summer Treats Should Supplement, Not Replace a Balanced Diet
It’s easy to lean more on treats during the summer. They’re convenient, they help with the heat, and most dogs are drawn to anything cold. On especially hot days, they can even seem more appealing than a full meal.
But treats aren’t meant to carry your dog’s nutrition. They still need regular meals as the bulk of their diet.
That doesn’t mean you have to force heavy meals in the middle of a hot day. Sometimes it’s just about adjusting how you serve them. Rick’s meals are made fresh with USDA-inspected meats and vegetables, then quick-frozen to preserve quality.
Once thawed, they can be:
- Served as usual
- Or offered slightly chilled on hotter days
Many dogs seem to prefer their meals this way when it’s warm out. It’s still a complete, balanced meal, just served in a way that fits the season.
Keeping It Simple This Summer
Florida summers can shift your dog’s routine, but they don’t have to complicate it.
What matters most is keeping meals consistent. Rick’s meals make that easier. They’re prepared fresh, then frozen, so you can serve them slightly chilled during the summer without changing what your dog is eating.
It’s still real food, made with USDA-inspected ingredients and prepared locally. They’re a simple way to keep your dog’s feeding routine consistent, even in the middle of a Florida summer.