07 May 3 Summer Activities for Your Dog

You and your canine companion can enjoy the great outdoors year round, but summer brings exciting opportunities that the other seasons don’t. There are plenty of summer activities for your dog to enjoy, no matter how old or young they are. Choosing to do things outdoors with your dog is an opportunity for both of you to connect with nature during the long summer days.

Today we’re going to discuss:

• Dog Parks
• Water Fun for Dogs
• Family-Friendly Dog Activities

The following activities and safety tips are a way to make sure you and your dog spend quality time together, stay healthy, and have fun while doing it!

(1.) Dog Parks

Most major cities have dog parks, or at least dog-friendly parks. These can be a wonderful way for your dog to get outside, run off some energy, and socialize with other dogs. But is there anything that you should keep in mind before heading to the park with your furry friend?

What’s the difference between a dog park and a dog-friendly park?

Before you plan your entire afternoon around visiting the park, know the difference between a dog park and a dog-friendly park, as well as which one is available to you. 

A dog park is a park built with certain amenities that allows your dog to play off-leash within an enclosed area. Many dog parks are fenced-in areas in the shade with special gates that allow you to take your dog’s leash off safely before getting in the main fenced area with other dogs.

Some common amenities at dog parks?

• Water fountains or water bowls
• Obstacle courses or platforms to jump on and run underneath
• Benches and tables for pet owners to enjoy while monitoring their dog
• Poop bag stations equipped with designated trash cans

A dog-friendly park is usually a public park that allows pet owners to bring their dogs, but local leash laws have to be followed. This usually means that your dog is allowed in these parks, but you legally can’t let them off-leash, even if they’re well-trained.

Dog Park Etiquette

Going to the dog park may seem like the perfect summer activity, but it won’t be the right option for every dog. Supervision at dog parks ultimately comes down to individual pet owners. Anticipate a fun time at the dog park and avoid added stress with the following tips:

• Make sure your dog is comfortable and friendly when playing with other dogs
• Watch your dog closely, ensuring other dogs aren’t intimidating them
• Keep your dog from jumping on other pet owners and pets

Taking your dog to any kind of park is a great source of fun in the summer!

(2.) Water Activities for Dogs

Summer can bring to mind days on the lake, beach vacations, and good old fashioned pool time. All of these activities can be enjoyed in dog-friendly ways!

Lake Day with the Dog

Lake life can be just as fun for dogs as it is for humans. Whether you prefer to stay on the boat or get out in the water, it’s important to remember a few safety guidelines for your dog:

• Make sure your dog can swim and is interested in swimming. Not every four-legged friend is interested in water.
• Keep a dog-sized life jacket on hand! It’s just as important for your dog to wear one on a boat as it is for you to wear one.
• If you’re going to throw toys in the water for your dog to fetch, use ones that won’t sink and will float on top of the water.

Taking a Dog to the Pool

For various sanitary and health reasons, most public pools won’t allow your pet to get in the water. But there are a couple of alternatives to consider to ward off the summer heat.

• Sometimes community pools will host end of the season pool days for dogs at the end of the summer, right before closing for the off-season. Ask your local animal shelter if they’ve heard of one in your community!
• You can create pool fun for your dog in your very own backyard! Set up a sturdy kiddie pool, fill it with water from the hose, toss in some fun toys for your dog, and let them have the time of their life. To mix it up, you can even invite other dogs they get along with over to join in on the fun.

Water activities are one of the best ways to have fun and stay cool in the summer. As long as your pet enjoys spending time in the water and knows how to swim, the possibilities are endless! To mix things up you can even try kayaking with your dog, paddleboarding with your dog, or even surfing with your dog.

(3.) Family & Dog-Friendly Summer Activities

Not only are there fun ways to spend the summer one-on-one with your dog, there are fun ways you can include kids in the activities too!

Drive-In Movies

If your dog is comfortable riding in the car, find the closest drive-in movie theater and choose a night to treat the whole family. Bring your favorite snacks (including your dog’s preferred treats), a toy to occupy Fido if he wants, some camping chairs and blankets, crank up the radio, and enjoy!

Family Hike

If you live near a national park, a weekend hike can be a great way to spend time with the family that includes your furry family members. Choosing a shorter hike with a fun destination can be an easier way to introduce your family to hiking. Find your local dog-friendly hiking trail to choose the best route for you and your family!

Local Farmers Market

Most towns have some kind of farmers market. This can be a great way to get out as a family and include your pet. Local farmers markets can be a wonderful way to support local businesses and artists, and you may even find some pup-friendly treats for your furry friend to enjoy! Just confirm ahead of time that your local farmer’s market allows dogs.

No matter what you enjoy doing, the size of your family, or where you live, there are fun, affordable, and easy ways to have fun with your dog during the summer months. 

Summer Dog Health & Safety

The first step to enjoying the summer with your dog is to ensure their health is in good shape, and provide the preventative care they need to stay that way. 

Visit your local PetWellClinic to update your pet’s rabies vaccination and find the right flea, tick, and heartworm preventative. Our veterinary professionals’ recommendations are made with your pet’s lifestyle in mind.

The right preventative care sets the foundation for a long, happy life with your dog, filled with many fun summers together.

PetWellClinic is dedicated to being here for pet owners. Our hours of operation extend into the evenings and weekends, and our clinic environment is built with your pet’s comfort in mind. Talk to our vets about pet wellness packages today!

PetWellClinic provides convenient, affordable veterinary care for pet owners. PetWellClinic has locations and services built with convenience in mind. Stop by with your pet any time! No appointment necessary.