11 Summer Activities For You And Your Dog

With the warm days, vacation time, and more daylight, Summer is the perfect time to plan trips and activities with your dog. Keeping your dog active and feeling included is important for their overall health.

If you are looking for some dog friendly activities to do this Summer, here are 11 ideas:

Go For A Swim

Whether it be in a lake or a pool, swimming can be a fun activity for you and your dog on a hot Summer day. There are even water toys for dogs, so that you can play a fun game of fetch in the water!

Remember to always keep a close eye on your dog while in large bodies of water. If your dog has never swam before, make sure you’re giving them the time they need to learn. Stay in the shallow water until they get the hang of it.

For more details on swimming; see our article How To Teach Your Dog To Swim

Make A Frozen Treat:

On hot Summer days, make your dog’s day by making them some frozen treats. An easy recipe to make is taking 32oz plain greek yogurt, 3 Tbs. peanut butter, a banana, and some honey. Put this all in a blender, pour mixture into molds, and freeze! Your furry friend will thank you.

Go To The Dog Park

Dog parks are super popular now for dog parents, and they are popping up all over. Take your dog to the dog park and let them run all their wild energy out! Bring a toy to play fetch, or just let your dog roam around and make some new friends.

Whether you go there to play or make friends, your dog will have the time of their life!

Make Some Paw Art

If you’re feeling crafty and don’t mind the clean-up, then making some paw art is the way to go! Get some pet friendly paint and canvases (or whatever it is you want to decorate), paint your dog’s paw, and stamp it on the canvas.

Get creative and turn your dog’s paw print into a flower, try making cool designs, or just let your dog have fun and create their own picture! Overall, remember to have fun with your pup!

Go Camping

Camping is a great way to get the whole family together, including your dog! Whether you are at a campground or in the middle of the woods, your dog will be sure to enjoy the trip.

While camping you can take your dog on walks and to go swimming. They can make new friends and explore the outdoors!

Play In The Sprinkler/Water Hose

On hot days, when the sun won’t give up, get your bathing suit on and play in the sprinkler with your dog! This can be so much fun for dogs that like the water, and it can be fun for you too.

It’s a great way for your dog to release his/her energy while staying cool!

Go On A Hike/Walk

Dogs love exploring! If you do too, then going on a hike/walk is the perfect activity for you and your dog. Whether you know a place to go hiking or just take a walk around your town, your dog will have a fun time with plenty of sniffs!

Have a Picnic

On those perfect Summer days when you want to enjoy time outside but don’t know what to do, grab your furry friend and have a picnic! Lay out a blanket, bring some good snacks (don’t forget treats for your friend), and enjoy the day!

Go On A Bike Ride Together

Going on a bike-ride with your dog can be a challenge if your dog is too small, or too fast. However, if you have a medium sized dog who loves to run, this can be so much fun for the both of you! Ride your bike with your dog running beside you, great exercise and a great way to release energy!

Have A Photoshoot

Get the backdrop and camera ready, it’s time for a photoshoot! Pick a theme and add some props. There are so many ideas you can play with when having a photoshoot with your dog. In the end you will have created beautiful memories with your furry friend that you can always look back on.

Go On A Road Trip

Grab your dog, load up the vehicle, and go on a road trip. It doesn’t even have to be a long trip, a couple hours will do. Make a fun trip by stopping to explore and experiencing new sights (and sniffs of course)!

Check out our 9 tip for road trips with your dog

Better road trips with your dogs

Conclusion

There are so many dog friendly activities to do in the Summer. From swimming to hiking to making art. Have fun with your dog and make memories!

Always make sure your dog is keeping cool and staying hydrated while being active in the heat. Bring portable water if you go somewhere for an extended amount of time and make sure there is shade available if in the sun.

Overall enjoy the outdoors and nice temperatures of Summer, and bring your dog along for all the fun. They will forever thank you and be grateful for their experiences with you!

___________

About the Author

Caitlyn is a painter, bookworm, and freelance writer from Southwest Michigan. She comes to Adeo Pets with the desire to teach others about pet safety and health. She has a deep love for animals and wants pet parents to have all the answers they are looking for! Check out her work at www.cgosecopywrite.com.