Beating the Heat: 5 Things to Do With Your Dog This Summer

Every year, countless dogs are left to suffer through long, hot summers. This is especially sad because summer presents many opportunities for fun and bonding!

Looking for a fun activity that dog lovers can do outside of a visit to your local dog park?

As the days get longer and warmer, please, guarantee that your dog will stay cool in the hot weather and have a blast each day by taking the time to plan some fun summer activities and treats.

If you want to ensure that your dog is happy, hydrated and cool this season, here are 5 things to do with your dog this summer:

1. Training

If you take time to train your dog on how to safely and properly spend time outside and around water the two of you will be ready for a relaxing, stress-free summer.

Practice for the beach by reserving time for your dog at a local dog pool or filling up a kiddie pool in your backyard.

You can build your bond as you teach her to enter the water without jumping or running.

As you spend time training your dog the two of you will grow closer and you can rest assured knowing she will be safe when you visit the beach or pools with other dogs.

2. Dog Beach

Take your dog to the beach and let your furry friend enjoy some fun in the sun.

Beaches are the perfect space to give your dog freedom to run, swim and enjoy a beautiful summer day.

Your dog will love running across the sand.

Throw a ball or a Frisbee and play fetch or let your dog get some much-needed exercise while spending time together and taking advantage of the warm sun.

There are some great, dog-friendly beaches around South East Queensland that don’t mind you bringing your dog.

Queensland

Queensland has some of the best dog beaches in Australia. Nudgee Beach not only has a great off leash dog park but is a hop, skip and a bark away from Brisbane. Look here for some great beaches to visit with your faithful friend.

New South Wales

Greenhills Beach, Cronulla has timed off leash periods, before 10am or after 4pm

Dumaresq Reserve, Rose Bay is one of the few off leash dog beaches in Sydney

The Central Coast has a great number of dog friendly beaches that are also great for the family!

Victoria

Victoria has a huge coastline with more dog friendly beaches than you can throw a stick at!

From Phillip island to the Great Ocean Road here are some great locations to visit.

South Australia

Most beaches in South Australia are dog friendly, however they must be on a leash between 10am and 8pm.

Western Australia

From Two Rocks down to Mandurah. You’re sure to find a dog friendly beach where you can spend some quality summer time with your pooch.

While the two of you are having fun on the beach, do not forget to keep your dog hydrated and give your dog a chance to cool down.

Letting your dog play in and alongside the water is a great way to keep him refreshed. After any long stretch of running and playing on the beach, take breaks in a shady area and make sure your four legged friend gets plenty of water.

While a beach day can be a lot of fun, you need to be cautious of sunburn. Keep a careful eye on your dog’s nose and ears and practice care when you play outside.

Check out this list of Dog Friendly Beaches in Western Australia. 

3. Sprinklers

Don’t have access to the beach? Your dog can still enjoy the water with some time with your backyard sprinklers. Your dog will love cooling down from the summer’s heat as he runs through the ever changing streams and jets of cool water.

If you have a dog that loves playing in water, you can bet she will have the time of her life playing a game of fetch through your lawn sprinklers.

Make sure to give your dog some breaks in the shade and a lot of fresh water when you are playing outside.

Even with the sprinklers, it can still get very hot outside! Do not forget to watch out for sunburn and dehydration.

4. Frozen Ice Block Treats

A perfect way to keep your dog cool in the summer is by making cool treats for him to enjoy.

Try blending some peanut butter and banana and freezing it in an ice cube tray for a cool and delicious treat when the weather gets warm.

Another way to make a great puppy popsicle is to freeze natural pet bone broth or weak natural, organic beef stock solution. This will keep your furry friend happy and healthy after a day of playing outside in the sun.

Remember, while these frozen treats are sure to make your dog happy, they are no substitute for water. Keep your dog’s water dish full of cool, clean water throughout the day, especially in the summer when it is hot outside.

5. Enjoy the Air Conditioning Together

When it’s too hot to play outside, take advantage of your air conditioning and play indoors.

Don’t forget that your dog can have just as much fun spending time with you indoors as she can outside.

If you do not have air conditioning, try to find a dog-friendly place that does, like a pet shop, restaurant patio or other pet friendly environment so you and your dog can take a break from the heat.

Remember, even when you are inside a place with air conditioning, your dog needs a lot of fresh, clean water to stay healthy and hydrated, especially if he has a thick coat. While you should never shave longer-haired breeds with thick coats, you should remain cognisant that they will need a lot of water throughout the day.

Do not forget to replenish water frequently, this is dog owner rule 101 and should go without saying, also make sure to stay hydrated yourself!

If you want to keep your dog cool, comfortable, and happy this season, tick these 5 things to do with your dog this summer off the list and in doing so, help your dog to avoid becoming a statistic in the Canine Obesity Epidemic

Make sure to send us any tips, tricks or local secrets and we’ll share them with our Rawmate Pack.