Do you love Summer?
Summer is a special time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog.

Here are 5 FUN Summer Activities To Do With Your Dog


1) Make your daily walk a bit more exciting by going on a NATURE WALK. 
Many parks have a garden that allow dogs. We have several in our area and our favorite is the wildflower garden.

2) Weekend CITY Day TRIP
Since we live in the suburbs, going to the city is always a special trip. We recently explored the City of Chicago and went on a 2 mile walk to see Wrigley Field 100 Centennial Seats. Sugar took photos at all 100 seats/50 displays. We plan to go to the city again, walk the Riverwalk and go on a Canine Cruise.

Check your city for Summer events and activities you can do with your dog.

3) Go on a RoadTrip
Nowadays, many families travel with their dogs, taking them along on vacation. We recently went on a long and a short road trip. Both were FUN and Sugar had an enjoyable car ride. Make sure your dog is safe, buckle up and remember to never leave your dog in a hot car.

4) A Trip to the Garden Center
Do you enjoy gardening? Many garden centers allow dogs. We often take Sugar to a local family owned garden center. They cater to both garden and pet lovers. A large section of their store is for pets. They even have a treat bar for dogs.

5) Backyard Play
Utilize your back yard to play and have fun with your dog. Fetch play is Sugar’s favorite. On hot days, the best way to cool off is to set-up a wading pool or water sprinkler. Last year, Sugar had so much Golden FUN when our friend built a project in our back yard, Giant Sprinkler.

These FUN Activities will definitely bring lots of SMILES to you and your dog.
Have a Safe FUN Summer.

The Summer season is nearly upon us! Most of us can’t wait.
Don’t forget your canine companion(s) as some of them with the onset of summer is not always as appreciative. Hot days and long journeys can make the summer months something of a chore for some dogs, but doesn’t have to be the case.

Many Thanks to our friends from Dog’s Corner for sponsoring this Summer Fun With Your Dog post and helped us put together these 5 Tips to Ensure that Your Dog Remains Fit, Healthy and Happy During the Summer Months.

1) Hydrate – You should always ensure that your dog has access to water at all times. Make sure you change the water regularly so it remains fresh. It is important to keep your dog hydrated especially when going for a walk and/or traveling. I’ve shared with you on previous post that I have a “problem” of not drinking enough water. I’m been a picky drinker. Recently, mom made some Fruity Berry Ice Cubes to help and entice me to drink more water. My Thirsty Milo travel bowl has been very handy on our walks/travels.

2) Heat Stroke and Sun Burn
a) Did you know dogs are susceptible to heat stoke? It is a tragedy to see in the news that every Summer season dogs die of heat stoke. Dogs should always be provided with a shady area in to which they can retreat. If your dog enjoys hanging out in your backyard, make sure to provide him/her an outdoor bed. You may use some old dog beds and place in a shady part of the garden/yard.

b) Also, over exercising in the heat can potentially be fatal. Don’t presume that your dog will know when it has had enough. Dogs can be excitable and prone to over exerting themselves, if the weather is really hot, take measures to keep them calm until the heat has passed.

c) It shouldn’t need to be repeated, but – Dogs Should NEVER Be Left In Hot Cars. A small crack left open in the window simply isn’t enough. There can be no more horrific way for a dog to die, yet each year almost unbelievably, it still happens.

d) It’s not just heatstroke that you need to watch out for, dogs can suffer from sunburn too. And just as with humans, it’s the lightest which are most likely to suffer. Tips of nose, ears, mouth and the back are the areas most likely to burn. There are a variety of sunscreen lotion for dogs. When I lived in HI, I used a local all natural essential oil lotion. If you are unsure, make sure to check with your vet.

3) Burnt Feet – If it’s not the heat from above that is causing your dog discomfort, then it’s the heat from below! The soft padding of a dog’s foot is extremely sensitive. In the summer various outside surfaces, paving in particular, can become extremely hot, causing real discomfort for your dog. Be aware of how the surfaces in your immediate surrounding react in the heat. If it’s uncomfortable to your touch, then it’s going to hurt your dog. Walking on grass instead of on cement can provide comfort for your dog’s feet. I’m still on the mend with my allergies and decided to keep wearing my purple PAWz. It is safe to wear in the summer and protects me walking on hot cement/pavement.

4) Creepy Crawlies – Ticks and fleas are prolific in the summer months. Make sure your dog is fully protected. Summer is also the time when wasps and other stingers come out to play. A sting to a dog’s mouth or throat can be potentially fatal. Keep an eye out for what your dog is up to. Compost heaps and areas where there are lots of fallen fruits can be particularly dangerous for harboring wasp, so try and keep dogs away. Always take measures to prevent your dog from accessing any wasp nests which you know about.

5) Backyard Dining– Summer backyard dining is a favorite in our house. Lots of fun but for many dogs it can pose some serious health threats. It is hard for a dog to resist a piece of freshly cooked meat. Some dog are quick to sneak up and grab a cooked meat straight off the grill, causing a dog serious burns. Be extremely careful and be aware of your dog’s presence when cooking and dining outdoors. I usually have a set place where I can sit and watch my family eat. My Golden Begging Face does absolutely nothing …

How does your dog cope with Summer? Do you have any additional tips to share?

Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR