Ways to Enjoy the Weather with Your Pet This Summer

It’s summer time again and you know what that means!  It’s time to get outdoors with your dog and have some good old fashioned fun!  Nothing is more exciting than spending quality time with your pet. 

With August, National Dog Month on the way, we have turned our focus to that huggable, loveable, wagging four-legged friend we all enjoy every day of the year.  The warmer weather means that we can do so much more with our pooches outdoors. 

Here are 5 ways to enjoy the Dog Days of Summer:

  • Doggie Paddle and Play – It would benefit you to know where to take your dog swimming.  Most cities have public pools for the community to enjoy and many have days set aside for spending time with your favorite pet.  Find out when they plan on letting owners bring their pets with them to swim.  Talk about a great way to cool off and have fun at the same time!
  • Vineyards – This might not feel like a normal idea but many vineyards will love having dogs rolling around their grassy areas.  If you have a vineyard close, see if you can’t find one that you and your pooch can go enjoy.   Enjoy a glass of wine and your pup will enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery.
  • Take a Hike – Dogs are adventurous, right?  Well, go with them and explore the countryside.  Take toys, treats, water, and make a day out of your excursion.  See what can you can discover and enjoy the Great Outdoors.  Try going somewhere that you have been but your dog hasn’t.  In case they decide to wander and explore on their own, you will know how to get back to your car. 
  • Doggie Date – Make plans with other dog lovers and have a doggie date complete with a picnic outside.  Find a dog park or large grassy area where you can still watch the dogs and they can have fun with each other.  You can have fun being outdoors, too!
  • Get Out of Town – Take a road trip and go somewhere new.  A different town, maybe different side of town or a new park you haven’t been to yet.  Make this trip about you and your dog.   You will feel like explorers on a new quest.

With so many things you can do outdoors with your dog, you’ll never have to worry about being entertained.  Just remember that like us, dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion, get dehydrated, and even get sunburned.  Make sure to plan most activities early in the day or after the heat of the day, and don't forget to supervise your pet at all times. It can take mere minutes for a dog to suffer from and in some cases die of heat stroke. Also, keep in mind that if you are going out, you’ll want to have plenty of liquids, treats and pup-approved sunblock on hand.  This way, you can enjoy the Dog Days of summer in style.