Dog Days of Summer

Let’s talk about summer. The sun’s out, the pool’s calling, and in this house, we’re all about the snacks. And by “we”, I mean Meatball. Obviously. 😊

When you’ve got a dog who’s allergic to literally everything except duck and a few select foods (because why make things easy, right?), you become a bit of a treat connoisseur. So today, we’re spilling the kibble on Meatball’s Top 5 Favorite Summer Snacks. They’re all allergy-friendly, dog-approved, and some are tasty for humans too.

1. Dog Delights Chewy Duck Sticks 🦆
These are one of the very few duck treats we’ve been able to find that also don’t have pea protein in them (which Meatball is also allergic too ☹). These are soft, chewy, and perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes. And the best part is that the only protein is duck, no added chicken fillers. Meatball’s highest allergy is chicken which is added in a lot of food and treats, so we always have to double check ingredients.

2. Bocce’s Bakery Soft & Chewy Dog Treats 🦆
If Meatball could write a love letter to a treat, this would be it. They’re soft (great for senior dogs or those missing a few teeth), made with limited ingredients, and again duck is the star. We love that Bocce’s has allergy-friendly options, so we can treat without stress. Bonus: they smell decent. That matters when you’re carrying them in a treat pouch all day. 😊

3. Watermelon 🍉
Watermelon is the ultimate summer snack, for humans and dogs. It’s hydrating, sweet, and full of good-for-you stuff. We serve it fresh, freeze it, or blend it and smear it on a lick bowl for a frozen treat. We get our Watermelons from Costco or a local produce stand, depending on what’s available. 

We also grew our first watermelons last year which turned out great, so hoping we get good ones again this year (not able to be picked until at least September though). Don’t forget we also have Meatball inspired dog poop bags that are watermelon scented, perfectly fitting for our Bubs.

4. Mango (Fresh or Dried) 🥭
Meatball doesn’t discriminate. Fresh mango? Yes. Dried mango? Also, yes. We usually grab both from Costco and let me tell you, watching him delicately nibble a mango slice is comedy gold. Sweet, packed with vitamins, and safe in moderation, mango is a summer must.

5. Strawberries & Blueberries 🍓🫐
Meatball can never pick just one, so we do both. These make great toppers on his kibble for both breakfast and dinner. Both are packed with antioxidants which help support overall health and are also low in calories.

How We Use These Treats
In addition to giving Meatball treats just because he’s the best boy or during meals as toppers, we also use them as training motivation.  I even wear a treat pouch like it’s an accessory to my daily outfit when we’re outside so we can keep working on Meatball’s backyard reactivity in real-time.

Consistency (and duck treats) are key, friends.

Treat Recap
Summer snacks should be simple, healthy, and bring joy to your dog’s day.
Whether it’s a fancy duck stick or a frozen fruit blend, the real win is making your dog feel loved, happy, and seen.

Now if you’ll excuse us, Meatball just heard me say “treat” out loud and is giving me the stare.

Stay cool, stay snacky, and give your dog a blueberry from us. 🐾

With love & pawsitivity,

Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom

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What do you get when you mix two dogs, four adults, one adorable toddler, a pool, and a whole lot of snacks? Apparently, one of the best staycations we’ve ever had.

Recently, we opened our home to a family I had never met in person before. Yep—strangers. I know, sounds wild. Normally, I’d be like, “Absolutely not, what if they’re serial killers?” But Troy (my husband) had met them before, and I had connected with them online over the last few years. So, I said yes and thought what’s the worst (or best) that could happen?!

A Bond That Started with Dogs

They brought their 2.5-year-old daughter, Jane, who is the actual definition of precious, and their amazing dog, Wally. From the moment they arrived, it felt like we had known each other for years.

The conversations flowed, the laughs were easy, and the dogs? Instant besties. Wally and our boy Meatball clicked immediately. Whatever one was doing, the other was right there: dipping in the pool, snacking, napping, and probably planning some kind of mild backyard chaos. Watching them was pure joy and made my heart incredibly happy.

Toddlers + Dogs = Instant Heart Melt

There’s just something about watching a toddler bond with a dog that makes your heart explode. Jane was so sweet with Meatball (and our kitties too). Every morning, she said “Good morning, Meatball! Good morning, Wally!” It was the cutest thing ever. She shared her snacks and was so gentle with Meatball. It’s moments like this that remind you how kind the world can be, especially when seen through a child’s eyes.

Living in the Moment

The weather was perfect the entire time they were here. We soaked up the sun, hung out in the pool, and spent hours talking about life. We showed them a bit of Omaha including melting at a College World Series game, shared food from a few of our favorite spots: Mexican food from El Muchacho Alegre, sushi from Ahi Sushi, and Indian food from Kinaara. If you haven’t checked out these spots, you’re missing out!

But the real magic happened back at home: laughing, connecting, and being fully present with people and pups who felt like lifelong friends.

The Magic of Saying Yes

You can meet hundreds and even thousands of people in your life and never really feel a connection. And then suddenly, you meet someone new, and it just clicks. That’s what happened here. What started as a staycation turned into a soul-filling reminder that sometimes the best adventures aren’t completely planned. They’re found in quiet moments, shared snacks, wagging tails, and open hearts.

So, What’s the Point?

Say yes.
Open your door.
Let the dogs play.
Let the toddler share her snacks.
Invite new people in.
Trust your gut—and your husband (sometimes 😅).

You never know when strangers will become family. We miss them already and something tells me Jane probably just misses Meatball. 😂

Until the next adventure (Milwaukee, we’re coming for ya), we’ll be soaking in the memories and feeling really, really grateful.

Have any must-visit dog-friendly spots in Milwaukee? Drop your recs because we’re ready for round two. 🐶✈️

With love & pawsitivity,

Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom

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Fireworks, BBQs, and red-white-and-booms! 🎆 While the 4th of July is a blast (literally) for a lot of humans, it’s often a full-blown anxiety fest for our pups.

At Cogs Dogs, we know a thing or two about keeping dogs calm, happy, and safe because we’ve lived it. From senior sweethearts to zoomie-loving fosters, we’ve weathered many noisy Independence Days with our crew. So, we’re sharing our best tips (plus a few fun distractions) to help you and your dog make it through the 4th with minimal stress and maximum snuggles.

1. Fireworks & Freakouts: How to Keep Dogs Calm

Let’s be real, most dogs don’t hear fireworks and think “ooh, pretty.” They think, “What in the f#ck is this?”

Here’s what has worked for us:
•    Create a Safe Space: We like to set up a cozy corner with their favorite blankets, a crate if they’re crate-trained, and a white noise machine or calming music. We’ve even tossed a t-shirt that smells like us in there for good measure. (Bonus: a Cogs Dogs tee = stylish AND soothing.)
•    Distract & Conquer: Long-lasting chews, enrichment toys, and puzzle feeders have been lifesavers for us. They keep the brain busy and the anxiety low. This year, we’re obsessed with our newest Meatball-approved toys and high-value treats. 
•    Exercise Earlier in the Day: A tired dog is a calm dog. We try to take walks in the morning and do playtime before the neighborhood firework chaos starts.
•    Close It All Up: We shut windows, pull blinds, and turn on the TV or music. Dulling the sound and hiding the flashes helps a lot, especially for our more skittish and terrified pups.
•    Stay Home & Cuddle: We personally don’t like going anywhere on 4th of July or the nights where we know the fireworks will be loudest. We choose to stay home to ensure our dogs stay safe and comfortable. Just another excuse to stay home and cuddle your dog instead. 😊

2. Backyard BBQ Warnings (Because Dogs Are Opportunists) 🌭

Grill season = temptation everywhere. Be mindful of:

•    Bones & Corn Cobs: Just don’t. Too dangerous.
•    Onions, Grapes, Alcohol: All toxic for dogs.
•    Greasy Scraps: Cute begging face ≠ safe snack. Stick to dog-safe treats.

3. ID Tags, Microchips, & Leashes: Just in Case

More dogs go missing on the 4th of July than any other day. Make sure your pup is wearing a secure collar with up-to-date ID tags, and their microchip info is current. We keep our dogs inside well before sunset and no backyard potty breaks during peak firework time.

Always leash your dog and some dogs are safer being leashed even in a fenced-in backyard, which we’ve done with some of our dogs too. This keeps them from running around frantically and possibly injuring themselves.

Don’t Forget to Celebrate in Style

Just because your pup isn’t into fireworks doesn’t mean they can’t still be festive AF.

Check out our 4th of July Collection:

•    Matching dog bandanas 
•    Patriotic tanks and tees for the humans 
•    Brand new treats and toys to keep those tails wagging

Shop the collection now and grab what you need before the booms begin. 🎆

From Our Pack to Yours

Every dog is different. Some will happily nap through fireworks while others need all the support we can give.

Whether you’re spending the 4th on the couch with calming chews and cozy blankets or out matching with your pup in full patriotic gear, we hope your holiday is safe, full of love, and maybe just a little quieter this year.

With love & pawsitivity,

Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom

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Summer is almost here (and for some it’s in full force already)! While we humans can throw on shorts and grab an iced coffee, our pups don't have that luxury. And if you have a senior dog and/or a short-nosed dog, like our boy Meatball, keeping them cool isn’t just a comfort thing, it’s a must for their health and safety.

Here at Cogs Dogs, we’re all about helping dogs live their best (and most comfortable) lives. That’s why we put together this list of our favorite ways to beat the heat, plus a few of our favorite Amazon finds that are featured in our Amazon Storefront.

1. Cooling Mat: Meatball's Favorite Chill Spot

First up: the cooling mat. I’m not even exaggerating when I say this is Meatball’s favorite summer thing. He actively seeks it out when he wants to hang out in the shade while we’re outside. He’ll plop right down on it and snooze like he’s at a spa.

It doesn’t require electricity, it’s easy to clean, and it stays cool for hours. It changes color from deep blue to light as it absorbs heat and then returns to blue once cooled, so you can literally see your dog cooling off. If your senior pup has a hard time regulating their body temp (like Meatball does), this is a total game-changer.

2. Foldable Dog Pool: Splashin' Not Swimmin'

Okay, so Meatball hasn’t quite figured out how to swim yet (we’re working on it), but we love the foldable dog pool for summer play. We’ve used this for several of our senior dogs over the years, and it was a huge hit, especially with Diesel, who loved laying in the water no matter what the weather was doing.

It folds up for easy storage, doesn’t require inflating, and gives your pup a safe, shallow spot to splash or soak. Perfect for cooling off in the backyard!

3. Stainless Steel Water Bowls: Hydration Station

Hydration is EVERYTHING in the summer. We keep multiple stainless steel bowls filled with fresh, cool water around the house and yard. They help keep water colder longer and are super easy to clean.

Having a few extras on hand means you can swap them out quickly without stressing about washing dishes mid-heatwave. Convenience AND care? Yes, please.

4. Enrichment Bowls & Lick Mats: Frozen Treat Fun

This is one of our favorite summer hacks! We use enrichment bowls and lick mats to make frozen fruit snacks for Meatball. His favorites? A blend of bananas, watermelon, blueberries, and/or strawberries.

We spread it around the mat or bowl, pop it in the freezer, and let him go to town once it's frozen. It’s cool, hydrating, and helps keep him mentally stimulated on hot days when it’s too warm for a long walk.

5. Shade, Fans, and Nap Time Vibes

Let’s be honest: summer can be ruff, especially for senior dogs. We always make sure Meatball has access to plenty of shade, and we set up a fan so he can enjoy lounging on his outdoor couch like the pampered king he is.

And yes, he has an outdoor couch. And yes, he naps like it’s his full-time job. And no, we wouldn’t have it any other way. 😊

Bonus Tips:
•    Limit outdoor time during peak heat hours 
•    Watch for signs of heat exhaustion (excessive panting, lethargy, drooling)
•    Never leave your dog in a parked car (not even for a minute!)

If you want to check out the products we use and love, visit our Amazon Storefront. We only recommend what we’ve tested ourselves and what Meatball gives two paws up.

Stay cool friends and give your pups some extra belly rubs from us.

With love & pawsitivity,

Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom

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