In this blog post, we’re sharing ideas for having summer fun with dogs. It’s been a classic British summertime so far, but we might yet get some hot days! These tips and activities will ensure your dog stays safe, happy and healthy all summer long.
Safety First
The most important part of having summer fun with your dog is doing it safely! Make sure your dog doesn’t overheat by walking them early in the morning or late at night on particularly hot days. There’s no harm in not walking your dog at all if it’s too hot. Ensure they have access to shaded areas and plenty of fresh water. Short coated breeds may need doggy sun cream to protect their skin. Whilst you’ll want to make sure long coated dogs are appropriately brushed and groomed so they don’t get unnecessarily hot.
Water play
Have some summer fun with your dog by setting up a kids paddling pool in the shade. Let your dog splash around and have fun! You can throw in some waterproof toys to extend the fun too. Blow up paddling pools are likely to get pierced by your dogs nails, so opt for a solid plastic pool. A pop up baby bath works just as well for smaller dogs too. Supervise your dog closely to ensure they don’t take in too much water as this can lead to water intoxication.
Frozen food fun
Stuff your dogs favourite food toys then freeze them for a cooling tasty treat. Some of our favourite food toys are the Classic Kong, Toppl and Lickimat. You can simply put your dogs usual food in these toys and freeze them for mealtimes, or you can try something different. Remember to check all your ingredients are dog safe and avoid anything that could be harmful, like chocolate, onions or grapes. Here’s some of our favourite foods for stuffing and freezing:
- Peanut butter: It’s a classic! Check your PB doesn’t contain xylitol, as this is harmful for dogs.
- Sweet potato, butternut squash and pumpkin. Bake, mash and allow to cool before feeding. These make for a great base for your dogs food toys and are full of fibre and other vitamins, essential for your dogs overall health.
- Broccoli, green beans, peas and other green veggies. Most, but not all, vegetables are safe to feed your dog in small quantities. Check out this post for more info.
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt. Most dogs love yoghurt and it freezes well when spread on a Lickimat especially.
- Mashed bananas, strawberries and blueberries. Feed your dog fruit in moderation as it is high in natural sugars.
This type of enrichment is fantastic for summer fun with dogs, plus it promotes calm by helping them relax too. You can read more about what enrichment is and how helpful it can be for your dog, especially if they are reactive, in our blog post here.
Summer fun with dogs when it’s too hot to be outside
When it’s too hot to play outside, keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated with an indoor scavenger hunt. Shut your dog in their crate, behind a baby gate or one room of your home. Take a handful of treats (or even their whole breakfast, lunch or dinner!) Walk around your home scattering treats as you go. If your dog hasn’t played this before, make it easy for them and just place food on the floor. If your dog is an expert treat finder, make it more challenging. Hide treats under sofa cushions or under the bed- anywhere you’re happy for your dog to shove their nose in!
What next?
- Looking for help with your dog? Contact us to arrange in person or online training.
- Read more blog posts here.
- Perfect Recall: Teaching your dog to come back when called every time. Our guide is free to download when you join our email list- sign up here.