Healthy Kong Stuffers to Beat the Heat and Boredom

As temperatures soar above 100°F here in Boulder City, we know how tough it is to keep our pups exercised and entertained. Many dog owners have had to scale back their regular walks to avoid overheating, burnt paw pads, or even heatstroke.

Good news! Physical exercise isn’t the only way to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Mental stimulation is just as important—and during these scorching summer months, it’s a safe, fun, and healthy alternative to a long walk under the sun.

Meet The Mighty Kong!

One of the easiest ways to mentally stimulate your dog is by using food puzzles, and the classic Kong toy is a favorite for a reason. It’s durable, versatile, and dogs LOVE it.

To help you get started, here is a list of healthy, vet-approved ingredients you can stuff into a Kong to turn treat time into a brain game.

Check out the list below (save it to your phone for easy reference!):

Healthy Treat Ideas Include:

• Fruits like bananas, apples, watermelon, and blueberries

• Veggies like carrots, peas, green beans, and sweet potato

• Proteins like eggs, yogurt, salmon, and even steak scraps (unseasoned)

• Safe spreads like peanut butter (xylitol-free!), cottage cheese, and canned pumpkin

Mix and match these ingredients, freeze your Kong overnight, and you've got a cool, satisfying, brain-boosting activity your dog can enjoy indoors. Don't have a Kong? Amazon has quite a few varieties and sizes to suit just about any pup.

Why Mental Stimulation Matters

Dogs don’t just need to burn physical energy—they need to use their brains, too! Dogs that are mentally stimulated are:

• Less likely to bark, chew, or dig from boredom

• Calmer and more relaxed indoors

• More confident and emotionally balanced

Using a stuffed Kong taps into your dog’s natural instincts to forage and problem-solve. It's a powerful way to meet their needs when a long walk just isn’t safe.

Want Help Keeping Your Dog Engaged This Summer?

At Boulder City Critter Sitter, we recognize that life keeps going even when the temperatures increase. That's why we provide personalized enrichment visits, including puzzle time, mental games, and scent work.

Whether you need:

• A quick midday visit to break up your dog’s day

• Someone to bring the fun while you’re at work

• Or a mental workout to replace that skipped walk...

We’ll be there fur you!

Stay Tuned!

Our next blog post will feature easy DIY mental games you can do at home—plus how you can hire us to bring enrichment straight to your door.

Got a pup who needs something to do today? Give us a call at 702-625-4448 or email michelle@bouldercitycrittersitter.com