As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, there’s no better time to enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged friend.
But while summer brings plenty of opportunities for fun, it also comes with risks for our canine companions – from overheating on walks to sneaky barbecue temptations. We caught up with the team at Cotswold RAW to talk summer adventures, hydration tips, seasonal raw food treats and how to make the most of the sunny season, while keeping your dog’s health and wellbeing front of mind.
What are some of the best ways to enjoy the summer months with your dog while keeping their health and wellbeing in mind?
There's so much you can do with your furry companion in the summer, but getting outside and going for a walk is definitely top of the list.
The British countryside boasts hundreds of stunning routes. Just make sure to pick a shady one on warmer days – or make the most of the longer days and enjoy a comfortable early morning or evening walk.
When you've got a pooch that loves the water and a day at the beach is on the cards, remember to check your destination is dog-friendly. Alternatively, grab a puppy paddling pool for the back garden.
For hyperactive pups, training games are a great way to burn off energy, indoors or out, all while sharpening their skills.
There's tonnes of fun events to attend with your dog in the summer, too, such as farmers markets, dog shows and country fairs. But keep an eye on the weather forecast and prioritise your dog's health and comfort when planning activities.
How can a dog's diet support their energy and hydration during warmer weather?
Opting for a highly digestible diet ensures your dog absorbs all the goodness from what they eat. Thanks to its natural, unprocessed format, raw food is highly digestible and is packed with protein.
Whilst carbohydrates provide a burst of instant energy, protein has a slower digestion rate, offering sustained energy release, ensuring your dog is fuelled for a day of fun.
Naturally, dogs would obtain the bulk of their water from their meals. Raw diets contain 60 to 70 per cent moisture, which aligns with the dietary moisture content dogs would naturally consume.
Dogs fed a high-moisture diet will typically drink less than those on a dry diet, because their meals are better able to satisfy their water requirements. However, to provide additional support on a warm day, you can always mix in a bit more water to a meal – or a drizzle of bone broth if you really want to give them a treat!
Are there any fun, raw food-based treats that you'd recommend for dogs during hot days?
Bone broth is a must-have for your freezer this summer. Our free-range chicken bone broth is a versatile addition to your dog’s complete and balanced diet. You could freeze it into cubes for their bowl, pour it into ice lolly moulds or offer as a refreshing drink. For more information on this product, visit cotswoldraw.com/herbal-supplements/bonebroth.
We also offer a range of frozen meaty bones for a cooling chew on a hot summer’s day. Whether your dog prefers a chewy chicken wing or a tougher marrow bone – we’ve got you covered. Head to cotswoldraw.com/bones-treats for more information.
Chewing a bone gives dogs the chance to exhibit natural behaviour and provides enrichment, too, releasing endorphins such as dopamine, which keeps them happy and relaxed. Though we do recommend you supervise your dog when feeding them raw bones and never give them cooked bones.
Barbecues are a big part of British summer time. What should pet owners be aware of when sharing barbecue food with their dogs?
Your dog can definitely join you in enjoying the delicious delights of a barbecue, so long as the food is safe for them.
For starters, avoid offering beef burgers and sausages, as these often have added salt and seasonings and they can be fatty. Also make sure your dog cannot reach onions, corn on the cob and anything on skewers.
If you want to offer your dog their very own sausages, we produce raw, ready-to-serve sausages which are tailored specifically for dogs and come in four flavours: chicken, turkey, beef or lamb.
As with our mince, our sausages contain 80 per cent raw meat and bone and 20 per cent fresh vegetables and botanicals. Remember, feed them raw, not cooked. For more information on this product, visit cotswoldraw.com/active-sausage.
If you wish to share
something off the grill, make sure it’s plain, boneless, lean meat – make
sure it’s cooled down before offering to your dog, too.
What are your top tips for pet owners to keep their pets safe and happy during summer and barbecue season?
- Keep your dog's water bowl full and fresh.
- When it's set to be a scorcher, avoid walking your furry friend in the midday heat.
- Whether hiking or exploring, be sure to bring a travel water bottle for your dog for sipping on the go.
- If hosting a party or barbecue, try to keep an eye on your dog around the food – no barbecue burglary allowed!
- Always ensure your dog has a shady, quiet place to rest.
- Keep up with a good grooming schedule – your pooch will certainly appreciate a less heavy coat in the warmer months.
- Enjoy the great outdoors and have fun!
