Spending special time with your dog is one of the best parts of being a pet owner. It’s a great way to strengthen your connection and provide the mental and physical activity that’s so important for their health. Whether you're looking to bond with your new puppy, are pet-sitting for the summer, or just want to find some fun new adventures for your pooch, there are plenty of ways to keep their tail wagging.
Here are some of our favorite activities to help you both get outside and blow off some steam.
9 Fun Summer Activities for You & Your Dog
It’s no secret that most dogs love to play, and most of them enjoy a good dose of sunshine. The warm summer months open up a whole new world of fun, giving your dog the chance to experience special activities that you can't do together any other time of year.
Go on a local adventure:
A long walk is a fantastic way to explore, but it's important to be careful with the summer heat. Pavement can get scorching hot and can easily burn your dog's paws. To keep your adventures safe and fun, plan your big walking tours for cooler times, like early in the morning or later in the evening.
Once you've picked a cool time to go, try mixing things up by taking a tour of your hometown. Your dog will love the chance to take in a whole new world of sights and smells.
Plan a scenic route you don’t normally take and rediscover your area together. You can even map out a few pit stops at your favorite dog-friendly spots for a water break, a belly rub, and a treat or two.
Plan a trip to the beach:
A hike in the woods is a classic, but for a special summer treat, try a trip to the shore. A dog-friendly beach gives your pup a chance to dig in the sand and splash around in the waves.
To make the day even more fun, bring a natural rubber frisbee for a game of fetch right by the water. You can also pack a small picnic and plenty of fresh water for both of you to enjoy, just be sure to check that the beach allows dogs before you head out.
Share a sweet summer fruit:
One of the best things about summer is all the fresh fruit, and the good news is you can share some of it with your dog. Many fruits are perfectly safe for them and make for a healthy, refreshing snack.
Favorites like blueberries, strawberries, and seedless watermelon are great options. They're rich with vitamins that add a nice boost to your dog's diet. Not to mention, watching their reaction when they try a sweet, new flavor for the first time is always a treat for you, too.
Hit the water to cool off:
Since your dog feels the summer heat just as much as you do, hitting the water for some fun is one of the best ways to help them cool off. Even in your backyard, a small kiddie pool or a sprinkler can provide hours of entertainment. Many dogs love chasing streams of water or splashing around to fetch toys from a pool.
If you don't have the space at home, a trip to a dog-friendly lake or beach works just as well. Bring along a natural floating toy for a game of fetch to give them some great exercise while they cool off.
Just remember, not all dogs are natural swimmers. It’s always a good idea to stick to shallow areas where your dog can stand comfortably, especially if you’re not sure about their swimming skills.
Host a dog-friendly party:
Invite your friends and their pets over for a classic backyard barbecue or picnic. While you fire up the grill for the people, make sure to have some tasty, healthy dog treats on hand for all the furry guests.
For some extra fun, you can set up a simple obstacle course in the yard. The dogs will have a blast playing together, giving you the perfect chance to relax and catch up with your friends.
Give them a summer trim:
As the weather gets warmer, your dog's thick coat can become pretty uncomfortable. A nice trim, whether you do it yourself or take them to a professional groomer, is a great way to help them stay cool.
A shorter coat also picks up fewer twigs on your hikes and helps prevent painful mats from forming after a day in the water.
Plant a dog-friendly garden:
If you enjoy spending time in the garden during the summer, you can easily make it a fun activity to share with your dog. While you're getting your hands dirty, they can enjoy some quality time with you in the backyard. You can even plant some vegetables that are safe for both of you to enjoy.
Just like with fruit, many common garden vegetables are perfectly healthy for pups, including kale, carrots, broccoli, green beans, spinach, zucchini, and cauliflower. Who knows, they might even try to help you make a few holes.
Play a game of hide-and-seek:
If you've never played hide-and-seek with your dog, you're both missing out on a lot of fun. The rules are simple: find a good hiding spot somewhere in the house and then call out their name. If you have a “velcro dog” that follows you everywhere, you might need a friend or family member to hold them gently while you get set up.
When they finally find you, make a big deal out of it with lots of praise, Kitchen Cuts - Lamb, or their favorite PetMix recipe. The best part is that this game is also great training as it helps reinforce their recall skills, making them more likely to come when you call them at the park or an off-leash beach.
Have a lazy afternoon in:
On those extra hot summer days, sometimes the best plan is to just relax inside where it's cool. The heat can leave both you and your dog feeling tired, and there's nothing wrong with a little downtime.
Even the most high-energy pups need a break to rest and recharge, which makes them the perfect companions for a quiet afternoon. You can curl up together on the couch for a nap or find a good movie to watch.
You might be surprised to find your dog paying attention to the screen, especially if there are other animals in the show. Try picking a film with a lot of dogs in it and see if you can grab their attention.
