A Simple Cooling Treat for Dogs This Summer

This UK heat isn't playing about. If your dog's been flopped out on the kitchen floor looking personally offended by the temperature, you're not imagining it. Dogs overheat faster than we do, and the usual walk-and-treat routine needs a rethink when the thermometer's up this high.

One of the simplest things we've found: freeze a rabbit ear. That's it. No blending, no faff, no special equipment. Just a treat your dog already loves, made a little more interesting (and a lot more cooling) by sticking it in the freezer for a few hours.

Here's how to do it properly, plus a few other bits worth having on hand for keeping your dog settled in the shade.

Why Freeze a Rabbit Ear?

Our Dried Rabbit Ears (no fur) are already a favourite for dogs with food sensitivities. Rabbit is a novel protein most dogs have never eaten before, so it's a safe bet if your dog reacts to chicken or beef. The no-fur version is the smoother, cleaner option if your dog's not fussed about the extra fibre the furry ears bring.

What freezing adds is texture and time. A frozen rabbit ear takes longer to work through than a room-temperature one, which is exactly what you want on a day when a five-minute treat isn't going to cut it. The cold also feels genuinely soothing on a dog's gums and teeth, similar to why puppies like chewing on cold things when they're teething.

It's a small trick, but it turns a normal treat into something that keeps your dog occupied and cool at the same time.

How to Freeze Rabbit Ears

You'll need:

• A pack of our Dried Rabbit Ears (no fur)
• A freezer bag or airtight container
• A splash of water (optional, but it helps)

Steps:

1. Give the ears a quick rinse under cold water. You don't need much, just enough to dampen the surface. This helps a thin layer of ice form once frozen, which adds to the cooling effect.
2. Lay them flat in a freezer bag or container. Try not to stack too many on top of each other. You want even freezing, not a solid block.
3. Freeze for at least 3 to 4 hours. Overnight is even better if you're planning ahead for a hot afternoon.
4. Take one out just before you hand it over. Rabbit ears are naturally thin, so they won't take long to soften slightly at the edges once your dog starts working on it. That's fine. You want it firm, not rock solid enough to risk a tooth.
5. Always supervise. As with any chew, keep an eye on your dog while they're working through it, and make sure fresh water is nearby.

A couple of things worth knowing:

• Freezing doesn't change the ingredients. It's still the same single-ingredient, no-nasties rabbit ear, just colder.
• Don't freeze and refreeze the same ear once your dog has started on it. Treat it the same way you would any food that's been out and handled.
• If your dog tends to wolf things down rather than working through them slowly, keep the frozen version for supervised chew time rather than a quick reward.

Keeping Dogs Busy in the Shade

A frozen rabbit ear is brilliant for a slow, cooling chew session, but on days like this, it's worth having a small rotation of things that keep your dog settled somewhere shady rather than pacing round the garden looking for something to do.

Longer chews are your friend here, since they naturally encourage a dog to lie down and stay in one spot. Our Dried Beef Scalp and Cow Hooves are both good options if your dog is a serious, committed chewer and you want something that'll hold their attention for a proper stretch. If you've got a dog who prefers something a bit gentler, Pigs Ear Auricles have a satisfying crunch without being as tough going.

The idea is simple: pick a shady spot, put a towel or their bed down, and hand over a chew that's going to take a while. It's a lot easier to keep a dog cool and calm when they've got a reason to stay still.

A Few General Hot Weather Reminders

While we're on the subject, a few basics worth repeating during weather like this:

• Walk early morning or late evening, when pavements have cooled down. If it's too hot for the back of your hand held on the tarmac for five seconds, it's too hot for paws.
• Keep water topped up and easy to reach, especially if your dog's chewing something that might make them thirsty.
• Watch for excessive panting, drooling, or a dog that seems unusually lethargic. These can be early signs of overheating and are worth taking seriously.
• Frozen treats are a helpful tool, but they're not a substitute for shade, water, and common sense.

Give It a Try

If your dog's been struggling with the heat, a frozen rabbit ear is about as low-effort as cooling treats get. Pop a few in the freezer today so you've always got one ready when the next hot afternoon rolls round.

Brian recommends keeping it simple: one ingredient, a bit of cold, and a shady spot to enjoy it in.

Shop Dried Rabbit Ears (no fur)