Summer is the best time to spend outdoors! The sun is always out and the weather is warm and we all know that when the weather is like this, staying inside seems impossible. Both dogs and humans should take advantage of the great weather by doing activities together outdoors. Summer is best spent exercising, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the weather before it gets cold or rainy again.
For children, the summer season is the time for fun and what better way to enjoy the weather than spending it with your four-legged best friend. Here are the top 5 activities dogs and kids will love.
1. Swimming
No summer season is complete without swimming. This activity hits several birds with one stone so to speak. First, it’s a great way for humans and dogs to cool off. The summer heat can be very oppressive especially during the afternoons. Putting on the air-conditioning for 24 hours a day can really do a number on your electricity bill. Swimming is a good alternative because it helps to cool you down while allowing you to spend time at the beach. Secondly, swimming is good exercise. Many parents complain that their kids spend a lot of time playing video games or staring at their cell phones which in turn makes them unhealthy overall. Swimming is a good form of exercise that is gentle on growing bones. Swimming outside is also a great way for both species to get vitamin K as it helps to build strong bones and prevent heart disease.
When swimming outside, don’t forget to put on sunscreen. Neglecting this important step can cause painful sunburns and frequent sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Don’t forget that your dog can get sunstroke too. Make sure that you and your dog are somewhere cool and unexposed to sunlight around 11 am to 3 pm to prevent sunburns and heat strokes.
2. Enjoy a Frozen Treat
Dogs and kids love treats especially the kinds that you eat. Staying cool for both species is important so why not enjoy a cool summer treat like a pop or some watermelon juice? This is an especially good idea if you’re looking for cheap and affordable ways to cool off. You can make the treats before going to bed and then store them in the freezer so that they are cold when you eat them. For best tasting and healthy juice and treats, make sure to use fresh fruits and ingredients.
Dogs can eat watermelon and drink watermelon juice, just make sure that you take off the rind and the seeds. The rind can cause an intestinal upset while the seeds cause a blockage. But before you start juicing all kinds of fruits and vegetables to freeze, make sure that they are safe for dog consumption. Avocados for example can cause vomiting in dogs while grapes are toxic. Do a little research to learn which fruits and veggies are safe for dogs before giving them as frozen treats.
3. Go for a Ride
Staying cooped up at home can be boring for kids and their dogs. Parents and guardians always have chores like picking up the dry cleaning or paying bills. Instead of leaving your kids and dogs at home, take them with you for a short ride. They can enjoy the scenery while passing through and maybe go for a short walk while you run your errands. Still, when you’re out with your dog in public, don’t forget to bring along their collar and harness. We recommend finding an appropriate collar or harness that will suit your dog and won’t be uncomfortable. To learn about this, you can read more here.
For longer car rides, make sure to take frequent breaks. If you’re driving to another state for example, frequent stops can prevent annoying questions from your kids like “are we there yet?” Find interesting tourist spots along the way like state parks or museums – places where you can stop by to stretch your legs, go to the bathroom or eat before continuing your journey. The break will also prevent your kids and dogs from becoming bored.
4. Camping
Camping is not just an activity for family and friends but for dogs too. It’s also better to take your dog along with you when you camp instead of leaving them home alone while you’re away. Dogs and kids love campsites because they have a lot of room to run around and explore.
If it’s your first time camping with dogs, make sure that they are properly trained. There could be other campers nearby and won’t appreciate yapping and barking sounds all day long. Just don’t forget a bin bag for cleaning up after them and a towel to wipe off wet paws.
5. Dine Al Fresco
Treat yourself, family, friends, kids and pet to a nice dinner by looking for restaurants that offer alfresco dining. Many restaurants like to put out dining tables on the sidewalk or patio so you and your dog can enjoy somebody else’s cooking for a change. If your dog has questionable table manners, you can ask for a takeout instead.
Budget constraints and other reasons can prevent you from eating in restaurants so a good alternative is to eat alfresco at home. Cook a different dish or whip up something special for your kids and your pooch that you can enjoy outside. You can eat on the deck or maybe set up a blanket outside and eat picnic-style.
The summer season does not last forever so it is important to find activities that kids and dogs enjoy. It is a great time to kick back and enjoy while the weather is warm and days are long. Fun summer activities can help kids keep their minds off the heat and prevents them from becoming bored. Including your furry friend on those activities can make the summer season more fun and memorable. Remember, summer is all about fun and relaxing. Enjoy it before school starts and colder months begin to creep in.
Author Bio:
Anna Smith resides in beautiful Santa Monica, CA, where she works as a Pet Nutrition Expert in a leading retail pet store. She is responsible for nutritional strategies for different breeds and development of new products on the market in compliance with Association of American Feed Control Officials. Anna’s passions are education about proven methods and best practices in the industry and her dog Max, who is always well-fed. She also helps curate contents for DogsAholic.com
