With summer well underway hopefully you have some extra time on your hands to get creative and tend to the playful needs of your dog. The exhausting hours under the sun provide a sudden search for toys and, to your benefit, a longer puppy nap time. Here are four DIY dog craft and recipe ideas for a rainy day.

Flea-repellant dog treats

While your puppies are ready to play, the fleas aren’t messing around on the field. Keep the suckers away with blogger Hayley’s easy flea-repellant dog treats, which are non-toxic and quick. You will need the following ingredients:

• 1 & ⅛ cups of melted coconut oil
• ½ cup brewer’s yeast, slightly rounded
• 2 silicone cup pans

To make these natural treats, mix the melted coconut oil and brewer’s yeast in a bowl and blend for 10 seconds. Pour the mix in the individual cups and freeze the pans until solid. Your dog will enjoy the savory taste just as much as the flea-repellant benefits.

To check out more, visit Health Starts in the Kitchen.

Recycled Clothing Dog Ropes

Instead of donating old t-shirts, sweatpants, and jeans, utilize them to make an easy tug-of-war toy.  Cut three bunches of 2”-3” strands of your desired clothing fabric and braid the strands together, knotting each end of the braid. Your dog will be excited to devote his energy towards this new toy.

Copy Cat Frosty Paws

Nothing describes summer heat like your dog laying sideways on your home floor, soaking in the cool air conditioning with his tongue hyperextended. Give your dog the immediate chill redemption with these frozen dog treats inspired by blogger Mary. They will go bananas over these copy-cat Frosty Paws doggie ice cream. You will need the following ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 32 oz. unsweetened plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (cannot contain ingredient Xylitol)
• Dog biscuit (optional)

Puree all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor, and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. Place a dog biscuit vertically in the mixture to make a tasty ice-pop handle. (This part is optional, but you will receive owner brownie points for the additional dog treat.) When the treats are frozen solid, pop them out of the trays and prepare to see your pup’s face light up with heart-eyes.

To check out more, visit Home is Where the Boat Is.

Sock Knot Toy

Tried all the DIY dog toys already? This one is easy on your wallet and on your agenda. All you need is a crew sock and a tennis ball. Slide the tennis ball through the sock, letting it settle in the heel area of the sock. Then tie a knot on both ends, and you’ve created a new squeaky toy or fetch ball for your dog who loves both.

Have you tried any DIY dog crafts? Share your dog craft ideas and pointers with us in the comments below!