Oppressive heat has been upon us for some time, and we likely still have a few weeks of these dog days of summer left. It’s easy to just stay inside with air conditioning and ice cream, but that can cause problems for our four-legged friends, who need to work out some energy.

While outdoor exercise provides the space needed to run, make noise and play until the heart’s content, heat can be dangerous for our pets. Here are some ideas to stay safe in the heat and expend some energy indoors.

• Set aside time in the early morning and late evening for trips outdoors.
• Even then, limit time, rest more frequently and stay away from concrete. As concrete heats, it can burn paws AND affect the way dogs’ bodies react to heat (remember, they sweat through their paws). 
• Wherever you’re playing outside, be sure there are shady areas close-by for breaks.
• ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have water available (to drink).
• Having a kiddie pool accessible is a lot of fun for water lovers and can beat the heat.
• Never leave a dog in a car in the summer—not in the shade, not with the windows down. Just NEVER.

There are lots of fun games you can play inside to keep your dog occupied (bonus-if you have children, they could be in charge of these games to stay busy too).

Finally, these frozen popsicles can help keep cool and busy after being outdoors on a hot day (or anytime).

Before you know it, we’ll be ready to use some of those same games for snow days!