There’s nothing quite as satisfying as finding a way to cool yourself off on a hot summer’s day.  And nothing is ever as much fun without a canine sidekick to accompany you.  Luckily, there are boatloads of things for you guys to do together as the weather heats up.  Here are some great ways to keep cool and be active in the summertime.

Swimming

Swimming is an excellent option in the blistering heat.  You should absolutely make sure that your dog can swim before taking them, but most dogs are natural swimmers.  A nearby pond, lake, ocean or pool are all options.  Kiddie pools are an awesome, affordable way to keep your dog cool and let them have some aquatic fun.  Swimming is a relaxing, refreshing, and therapeutic way to take your pup’s mind off the humidity.  They’ll also get some exercise and quality playtime while they’re at it.  Swimming makes us feel reinvigorated in an instant.  Imagine how relieving it must feel when you carry a coat of fur on your skin.

Shady Hike or Walk

Dogs and humans still need to get their exercise when it’s hot out.  In the name of not burning your dog’s feet on the ground and preventing heatstroke, take your walks on shady paths or green grass.  You can also avoid the hottest parts of the day.  11 am-4 pm tends to be when the temperature hits its peak.  Early morning or late evening walks are an excellent way to make sure your pup is exercising in safe conditions.  

To help prevent heatstroke, cooling gear products are available for dogs.  The Ruffwear Jet Stream Cooling Vest for Dogs uses a method of evaporation to keep your dog nice and chilled.  They come in bandanas, vests, collars, and cooling mats.  

Frozen Treats

Ice cream and summertime are forever roped together and rightfully so.  And who doesn’t love ice cream?  Pet Winery has a variety of awesome treats for the occasion.  The ice cream is lactose-free, which is good considering the majority of dogs are somewhat lactose intolerant.  They come in a variety of mouth-watering flavors.  For dogs, they have ‘Barking Bacon’-composed of lactose-free whole milk and bacon.  They also have a “Screaming Bondito” flavor for cats made of lactose-free goat milk and bonito fish flakes.

Brain Games

The heat can definitely take a toll on your furry friend.  Hours of exercise in extreme heat puts your pup at risk for heatstroke and dehydration.  A great way to keep your dog engaged and entertained is to focus on your dog’s mental aspect.  Hide some treats throughout the yard and let them use their elite tracking senses and channel their inner wolf.  Work on some new training routines and commands out in the backyard.  A classic mental challenge for dogs is putting a treat under one of three cups and see if your dog can sniff out the treat.

Summertime vibes are second to none.  Your pet by your side is truly what makes outside summertime so special.