Dog on Beach

We’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is that sadly, summer is slowly winding down. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make the most of the remaining dog days of summer! That’s why we’re sharing five great activities to check off your bucket list before fall rolls around.

1. Go Hiking

Do you have an adventure canine who loves the outdoors? Hiking is a fun way for both of you to get a healthy dose of fresh air and burn off some energy. The beautiful backgrounds perfect for selfies can’t hurt, either! While planning your hiking excursion, make sure you educate yourself about the potential dangers with this advice from Dr. Sarah Wooten. You probably know to be on the lookout for bears and mountain lions, but protecting your pup against deer ticks and hazardous plant material can be just as important. And don’t forget to bring a first aid kit for your dog!

2. Swim at a Pool That’s Usually for Humans

Just before they drain the pools at the close of summer, many public and community pools host a swim party for dogs! Look online or check your local newspaper to see if your area has one of these events — they can be tons of fun and an awesome socialization experience for your dog. Just remember to pack a canine-specific life vest and review our pool-safety tips before you go.

3. Go Out to Eat

What’s the point of having a well-behaved dog if you don’t show off his impressive obedience skills every once in a while? Before the cooler weather forces us back indoors for dining, take advantage of restaurant patio season and bring your dog along. Call ahead to confirm that the restaurant is dog-friendly (some even host “yappy hours”) and follow Mikkel Becker’s advice for safe and courteous dining: Bring your own bowl, practice the “lay on a mat” command and keep your dog from barking at children or other canines.

4. Hit Up a Dog-Friendly Beach

Ah, the beach. There’s nothing quite like it, is there? If you’re lucky enough to live near one, do some research and find out which ones allow dogs. If you’re going on a hot day, wake up early to go before it gets too warm or wait until the sun starts to set in the evening. Our veterinarians have even more beach safety tips to check out before you go, including advice on choosing a pet-safe sunscreen and why you shouldn’t let your dog drink salt water.

5. Turn Your Yard Into a Doggie Wonderland

Who says you have to leave home to enjoy a beautiful summer day? Not us! Set up a sprinkler or kiddie pool that your dog can splash around in or make your own agility course. You can even turn it into the social event of the season by inviting a few neighborhood dogs that your pup enjoys playing with! Toss in a dog-safe “pupsicle” or frozen Kong, and you’ve got a recipe for a memorable summer day.

How are you and your dog making the most of summer? Tell us in the comments below!

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