Summer is the perfect season to spend quality time outdoors with your furry friend.
The warm weather and longer days provide endless opportunities for fun and adventure.
Whether you have a playful pup or a laid-back senior dog, there’s something for every canine companion to enjoy.
Here are our top 10 summer activities to make this season memorable for both you and your dog.
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1. Beach Day Fun 🌊
Why It’s Great: Taking your dog to the beach is a fantastic way to let them enjoy the water and run freely on the sand. Many dogs love to swim, dig, and chase waves, making the beach a perfect playground.
Tips:
- Check if the beach is dog-friendly before heading out.
- Bring fresh water and a bowl to keep your dog hydrated.
- Pack a beach umbrella or find a shaded area to protect your dog from the sun.
- Rinse off any saltwater or sand from your dog’s coat after your beach day.
Pro Tip: Bring along some floating toys for a fun game of fetch in the water!
Finding Dog-Friendly Beaches: If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches in the UK, check out these helpful resources:
- The Beach Guide offers detailed information on dog-friendly beaches across the UK.
- Dog Friendly Britain lists various dog-friendly locations, including beaches, with user reviews and tips.
- The Good Dog Guide offers listings for dog-friendly beaches, accommodations, and services across the UK.
2. Kayaking or Canoeing 🚣
Why It’s Great: If your dog loves the water, kayaking or canoeing can be a fantastic summer activity. Many dogs enjoy the experience of being on a boat, and it’s a great way for you both to enjoy a day on the water.
Tips:
- Use a dog-friendly kayak or canoe.
- Equip your dog with a life jacket for safety.
- Start with short trips to get your dog accustomed to the boat.
- Bring water and snacks for breaks.
Pro Tips: Paddle close to shore until you and your dog are comfortable with longer excursions.
Equipment Recommendation: Our Labrador, Louie, wears this life jacket, and we highly recommend it. While it isn't the cheapest option, the quality you receive is outstanding. It's comfortable for your dog, not restrictive or too bulky, and built to last a long time. Louie was initially hesitant about swimming, but this life jacket has given him so much confidence. It’s truly worth every penny!
3. Hiking Adventures 🥾
Why It’s Great: Hiking offers great exercise and a chance for your dog to explore new environments. Trails provide varied terrain and plenty of interesting smells, which can be mentally stimulating for your pup.
Tips:
- Choose trails that are suitable for your dog’s fitness level.
- Keep your dog on a leash to protect them from wildlife and other hikers.
- Bring plenty of water and a portable bowl.
- Check for ticks after your hike and consider using a tick preventative.
Pro Tip: Early morning or late evening hikes are ideal to avoid the midday heat.
Finding Dog-Friendly Trails: If you’re looking for dog-friendly trails, this resource can help:
- AllTrails allows you to filter your search for dog-friendly trails and read reviews from other users.
4. Camping Adventure ⛺️
Why It’s Great: Camping with your dog allows you to explore new environments together and enjoy the beauty of nature. It's a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories while experiencing the great outdoors.
Tips:
- Choose a dog-friendly campsite that allows pets and offers amenities like water access and water disposal stations.
- Pack essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, bowls, leash and collar with ID Tags.
- Bring along your dog's favourite toys and bedding to make them feel more comfortable.
- Plan activities like hiking, swimming or simply relaxing by the campfire.
Pro Tip: Practice setting up your tent and camping gear at home to familiarise your dog with the camping experience before heading out.
Finding Dog-Friendly Campsites: If you’re looking for dog-friendly campsites, these resources can help:
- Campsites.co.uk offers a comprehensive list of campsites across the UK, many of which are dog-friendly. Simply use their filters to find sites that welcome dogs.
- Pitchup.com provides a wide range of camping and glamping options, with filters to help you find dog-friendly sites. They also offer reviews and detailed descriptions of each site.
5. Dog-Friendly Outdoor Events 🎪
Why It’s Great: Many communities host dog-friendly events during the summer, such as outdoor markets, festivals, and concerts. These events can be a fun way to socialise your dog and expose them to new sights and sounds.
Tips:
- Look for events specifically labeled as dog-friendly.
- Bring essentials like water, a bowl, and waste bags.
- Keep your dog on a leash and monitor their behaviour around other dogs and people.
- Find shady spots and take breaks to prevent overheating.
Pro Tip: Dress your dog in a cute bandana or harness from our shop to make them stand out and ensure they're comfortable.
6. Frisbee or Fetch at the Park 🎾
Why It’s Great: Playing frisbee or fetch at a local park is a simple yet enjoyable activity that provides plenty of exercise for your dog. It’s a great way to burn off energy and have fun together.
Tips:
- Use a durable frisbee or ball designed for dogs.
- Choose a park with open spaces where your dog can run freely.
- Bring water to keep your dog hydrated.
- Monitor your dog for signs of overheating, especially on hot days.
Pro Tip: Play in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
7. Visit Dog-Friendly Cafés or Restaurants ☕
Why It’s Great: Many cafés and restaurants have outdoor seating areas that welcome dogs. It’s a nice way to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee while spending time with your furry friend.
Tips:
- Look for places that are known to be dog-friendly.
- Bring a portable water bowl for your dog.
- Choose a spot in the shade to keep your dog comfortable.
- Be mindful of other patrons and keep your dog on a leash.
Pro Tip: Check if the café or restaurant offers special treats or a menu for dogs!
Finding Dog-Friendly Cafes, Pubs or Restaurants: These resources may be able to help:
- BringFido is a comprehensive resource for finding pet-friendly places, including cafes, restaurants, and pubs. They provide detailed information and user reviews.
- Dog Friendly Britain lists dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and pubs across the UK. It includes user reviews and tips to help you choose the best spots.
- The Good Dog Guide offers listings of dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the UK. You can search by location and read reviews from other dog owners.
8. Make Cooling Summer Dog Treats
Why It’s Great: Making homemade cooling treats allows you to control the ingredients and ensure they're healthy and safe for your dog. These treats are not only refreshing but also free from fillers and additives found in store-bought alternatives. Plus, it’s often more cost-effective than buying doggy ice cream.
Tips:
- Choose recipes with cooling ingredients like yogurt, coconut water, or fruits like watermelon.
- Use silicone molds or ice cube trays to create fun shapes that your dog will love.
- Let treats freeze completely before serving to your dog.
- Store homemade treats in an airtight container in the freezer for freshness.
Pro Tip: Download our Free Summer Dog Treat Recipes for easy and delicious treats your dog will adore!
9. Outdoor Training Sessions 🐾
Why It’s Great: Summer is a great time to brush up on your dog’s training or teach them new tricks. Outdoor training sessions can be more stimulating and fun for your dog, with the added benefit of practicing in a distracting environment.
Tips:
- Use positive reinforcement techniques with treats and praise.
- Keep training sessions short and fun to maintain your dog’s interest.
- Practice basic commands like sit, stay, and recall in different locations.
- Introduce new tricks like roll over, play dead, or shake paws.
Pro Tip: Incorporate training into your daily walks or playtime to keep it interesting and consistent.
10. Garden Games 🏡
Why It’s Great: You don’t need to go far to have fun with your dog. Your own garden can be a great space for games and activities that will keep your dog entertained and active.
Ideas:
- Set up an agility course with hurdles, tunnels, and weave poles.
- Play fetch or tug-of-war with your dog’s favourite toys.
- Create a DIY splash pad with a sprinkler or kiddie pool.
Pro Tip: Rotate toys and games to keep things interesting and engaging for your dog.
With these diverse and engaging summer activities, you and your dog are sure to have a season filled with fun, adventure, and bonding.
Remember to always keep your dog’s safety and comfort in mind, and enjoy the beautiful weather together.
Happy Summer! ☀️
