The Dog Days of Summer. Sorry. Had to open this one with a pun. It is the stretch of the year though when we think about all things cool in Michigan. The water parks all fill up. The splash pads are splashing, lakes are being played in and rivers floated down. We're northerners and heat is best taken in small amounts for most. Pets need to keep cool too!
Jodi Jarvis-Therrian has an idea for them this week as well as a recipe! Home made dog treats are what we're talking about and it's really a pretty simple endeavor. Of course, with Jodi there's a tie in to her beloved friend Odin J and some pretty practical advice and a simple recipe to make it happen because after all, staying cool isn't just for the humans ya know. Add in a layer of thick, heavy fur and it's really easy to see that pets can have heat problems quicker than we can and providing some relief is essential. Some signs that your dog might be over heated? Frantic panting, extreme salivation, bright-red membranes, and labored breathing are clear warning signs that your dog is overheated and may quickly progress to a metabolic meltdown as his temperature rises to over 106 F and he can no longer cool himself. What to do? According to Jodi, get their feet and their belly lightly wet and if their temperature reaches a 104 or more even if you get it down you're supposed to take them immediately to the vet.
That's the first aid stuff online. Back to the cooling off the dog in a more relaxed fashion. Jodi is at the Muskegon Humane Society to tell you all about Odin J's Apple Cinnamon edible ice cream bowls and doggie ice cream on episode 24 of Dog Blessed. It's brought to you by the CBD Store of Michigan, Clock's Timeless Pets and Must Love Dogs Pet Boutique in Grand Haven.
Fun huh? Olaf "woofed" it right down too! The recipe is below and with the helpful tips that Jodi provided, you now have a great way to provide a healthy treat that is affordable and delicious way for your dog to enjoy a summer treat. If your dog is still chasing the ice cream truck down the road after this, we might recommend one of Jodi's more advanced classes. :)
Odin J.’s Apple Cinnamon Cookies (or edible ice cream bowl)
These Cookies are named after my cooking inspiration Odin J., now at the rainbow bridge. He was my best teacher in life and inspirited me to research my ingredients. Always helping dogs live their best lives in his honor.
2 eggs
8 oz organic applesauce
1/8 of a cup of cinnamon
1/4 cup of unrefined coconut oil or grapeseed oil, blend well.
Approximately 2 cups flour Blend well again (for cut outs I use oat flour it is easier. Or you can use a mix of coconut and almond flours, personally I do not like wheat or white for dogs, not as healthy) Now I say approximately because, if it is a little too dry add a tiny bit more oil or applesauce. If too wet and a tiny bit more flour at time until dough like consistency.
Mold on your lightly greased muffin tin for a ice cream bowl or spread on parchment paper and cut for training treats or roll out for cut out cookies. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Ice cream filling suggested items, but be creative and mix it up.
Blend in food processor or mixer.
Raspberries (I prefer frozen fruit it makes it more ice cream shake like)
Blueberries
Unsweetened applesauce
Raw goats milk from Must Love Dogs
Unsweetened plain Kiefer or yogurt
Cinnamon and pumpkin puree
