Activities For Dogs In Mississippi On Hot Days
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Introduction
Mississippi is a great state for dogs! There is lush acreage on which dogs can run and play. Does your dog have a penchant for swimming? There is no shortage of ponds for your pup to indulge this desire. Mississippi's Gulf Coast is home to Biloxi Beach, the longest man-made beach in the state. Here your dog can enjoy running on the sand, and they can take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico when they get a little too warm. Speaking of warmth, Mississippi is known for its beauty, but it is also known for its sticky, humid summer days. In addition, summer doesn't just last for twelve weeks. Mississippi heat often creeps in around mid-May, and it often does not leave until just before Thanksgiving. Keeping this in mind, you should plan activities for your dog that will not put him at the risk of a heat stroke during daytime play.
Target Training
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Any Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
basketball
Bell to ring
Activity description
Target training is a great activity for the indoors! Your dog craves physical activity. One way that you can tap into his need to hunt and be active is to carry out target training activities on sultry summer days. Target training can include activities such as teaching your dog to roll a basketball across the floor to you. It can also include learning how to ring a bell (think one of the bells that is often present in businesses with a sign that says, "Ring bell for service."). Some pet parents may also have a floor lamp with a switch on the base of the lamp; they may add this to the list of target training activities. Regardless of the activity you choose, target training is great stimulation for your pup.
Step
1
Roll the ball
Using a basketball, you will need to show your dog how to roll the ball across the floor. The best way to do this is to have a partner hold your pup as you place the ball in front of them. You may need to help your dog through the course a time or two.
Step
2
Practice makes perfect
Walk a short distance away, then show your dog a treat and command them to roll the ball. Your partner might need to help roll the ball a time or two. When the dog has successfully rolled the ball to you, offer a treat. Repeat and have fun!
Treasure Hunt
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
treats
favorite toys
Activity description
Treasure Hunt is a variation of Hide and Seek, except this activity is meant for the outdoors. Once again, this game is recommended for cooler times during the day (remember, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is considered the heat of the day in the Deep South; however, sometimes it is after 6 p.m. before the Mississippi weather begins to cool down). Another word of caution - when hiding treats, keep in mind that fire ants can be a problem in Mississippi. You will want to place treats in an easily accessible area so that the treat won't be covered in critters.
Step
1
Hide the treasure
You will need a partner for this activity. Combine it as part of a hike at the park. Have your partner occupy the dog while you hide the treasure. You may have to take the dog through the nature obstacle course once or twice to familiarize them with the expectations of the game.
Step
2
Seek treasure
Guide your dog through the obstacle course. Once you feel they have an idea of how the game is played, then take them off the leash in order to allow for seeking treasure. Encourage them to find the treat or toy. Praise him for finding the objects.
Bobbing for Food
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
20 min
Items needed
sliced hot dog
kiddie pool filled with water
Activity description
This game is perfect for a hot, steamy Mississippi day. Although it is not recommended that you play outdoors with your dog during the heat of the day (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.), this game can be played any time of the day, even in the sultry heat of an August afternoon! Any kind of water play is great for both you and your dog during the literal dog days of summer. Mississippi temperatures during July and August can top 100 degrees, not including the heat index (this is the added humidity that can make an already warm day just plain miserable). September and October are also quite warm, although the average temperature is in the high 80s and 90s during those months. Again, always proceed with caution when exercising outdoors with your dog in the hot and humid Southern states.
Step
1
Fill the pool
Get a kiddie pool. The size of the pool should be proportional to your dog's size. Fill the pool with water. If your dog is on the small size, you might want to fill it only one-quarter or one-half full. Because you will be filling the pool with edible objects, you might want to ensure that the water is fresh each time that you play this game.
Step
2
Throw in the meat
Although you can use a small treat to carry out this activity, hot dogs sliced into smaller portions will hold up better in the water. They will float, and they aren't likely to disintegrate. The amount you feed your dog is up to you, but remember to err on the side of small amounts. Throw the meat into the fresh water pool, and turn your pup loose. Encourage him to eat all the slices before hopping out of the pool.
More Fun Ideas...
Walking
Early morning or late evening walks are always great for dogs. Going for a stroll this time of the day will keep your dog from getting overheated.
Swimming
Swimming in a kiddie pool is always a great activity for a pup in the hot, humid Mississippi summer! This activity can be played any time of the day.
Conclusion
Although Mississippi heat can be overwhelming at times, do not allow the hot, humid July and August days keep you from enjoying outdoor playtime with your pup. However, you should remember to keep water handy for your dog as the heat can become stifling rather quickly. Always schedule play time before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. Enjoy playing in the Mississippi sun with your dog, but always be cautious during the sweltering dog days of summer.