SUPPORTERS keen on lending a paw to Dogs Trust can help keep tails wagging by donating tasty treats.
With the recent heatwave the Kenilworth-based centre has had limited hours in the day to walk the pups – taking them out before it gets too hot.
Instead it has been keeping dogs entertained through mental exercise, which the trust says can be just as tiring as going for a walk.
These include treat-based games – such as food hidden inside cardboard boxes filled with newspaper – and staff have also been hiding food for the pups to find and leaving ‘treat trails’.
They have also been filling paddling pools for the dogs to play in.
And with tempeatures set to soar again supporters who want to lend a paw can donate treats to help the trust keep the centre’s some 180 dogs entertained.
A spokeswoman said: “Training and enrichment is a vital part of the rehoming process for each dog at Dogs Trust and we get through so many tasty treats each week.
“We have a range of ways our wonderful supporters can help us, especially those who live locally and we’re often asked how they can help us. We would be so grateful for donations of training treats which are always very well received by our doggies and allow our supporters to see the very real difference they make to dogs in our care.”
Donations of food, bedding, toys and even old armchairs are also welcome and can be dropped off at the centre in Honiley.
Dog owners are encouraged to use mental exercise throughout the day if it is too warm to walk their pups, while ensuring they do not run around and overheat while inside.
Centre manager Emma Healey said: “Having fun with your dog is one of the biggest and most important parts of dog ownership – so why should a little bit of sun spoil all the fun? Enrichment is a key part of ensuring our dogs are stimulated and happy, but in warm weather it can be tricky to do this safely. Our top tips will help dogs and owners have fun together safely, whilst keeping cool.
“It’s important to remember that dogs won’t necessarily know if they are overheating and might continue to play and dash about in hot temperatures, because they might have such a strong desire to play. So just because a dog is chasing a ball and bringing it back, this doesn’t mean their body is physically coping with this activity, and they might be likely to overheat. It’s up to owners to regulate playtime and call time if it gets a bit too energetic. Help your dog to cool down by giving them a tasty watermelon slice in moderation, making sure they have plenty of shade, and by putting fresh wet towels on the floor for them to lie down on.”
Call 01926 484398 for more information about donations or rehoming a dog.
