10
things to do with your dog this Summer
Summer (weather) is on the way – this Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday I hear!! So, here’s 10 things
to do with your dog (not in 3 days mind you but over the Summer months!) There’s also some general and practical tips
for helping shy dogs in public.
(ThatMutt.com has great articles but please bear in mind
this has an American focus so adapt for Ireland as appropriate!)
1. Swimming
tips for dogs – safety and training
2. Visiting
pet friendly stores
3. Frozen
summer treats for dogs
4. Socialising
with your dog
5. Attending
sports events and festivals
6. Summer
hiking with dogs
7. Camping
with your dog
8. Summer
holidays with your dog
9. Best
water toys for dogs
1- Summer
games and puzzles for dogs
Swimming is
stimulating exercise, fun and keeps him* cool!
If he’s not into swimming, paddling is also good! Check out the tips on
how to get your dog used to water, how to keep him safe and recommendations for
the best dog swimming gear in the link below. Obviously hoping the swimming ban
for south Dublin beaches will be lifted asap.
Your dog will enjoy a trip to pet friendly stores as
there’s loads of new scents, new foods, other dogs and maybe other animals to
interact with – plus as a bonus, the store may be air-conditioned on hot days!!
You can make your own frozen treats for your 4-legged pal
but remember if they’re high calorie to reduce his calorie intake from other
foods. 3 frozen treats are suggested including
recipes and they are: Frozen Bone Broth; Frozen Watermelon & Banana Treats
and Frozen Goat Milk. (See link below.)
Socialising/holidaying
with your dog – referred to as “Visiting breweries and
patios with your dog” in the link below.
I recommend checking out Woof Advisor and Pack the Pooch to find pet friendly
places in Ireland. You can also google ‘pet
friendly places in Ireland’ or whichever county you fancy. Woof Advisor has some great info on overseas
dog friendly hotels etc also. The
article does give tips on how to get your dog to behave in cafes, restaurants,
etc.
If you’re thinking of bringing your dog to a Festival
or sports event, check first if they’re allowed and if so, only bring a
dog that is well socialised and is happy in crowds/busy places. Ask yourself would he be happier at home,
does he get over-stimulated or anxious when there’s lots of people around. And if he’s food-oriented, remember at
festivals there will be plenty of food to tempt him – not the type you would normally
feed him!
Hiking is a
great thing to do with your dog and you won’t have most of the concerns you
would have at a Festival as much fewer people around! Have a look at the tips in the article that u
should bear in mind if planning a hike. (photo: Kurgo.com)
There’s a lot more details on each of the points above
plus suggestions for the following in the link below:
· - best
water toys;
· -summer
games and puzzles suggestions for your dog.
The article suggests them for the -days that are too hot to go outdoors –
in our case, for when it’s too rainy to have the dogs out for long!!
· -Camping
with your dog;
· -Family
holidays with your dog
· -Tips
for helping shy dogs.
So, well-armed with all this info, do enjoy the Summer
with your dog!
*means him/her throughout.