Three Tips to Make the Most Out of Summer With Your Pup With a Bonus Dog Activities List!
The weather is warm, the sun is shining, and you and your furry friend are probably itching to get outside to enjoy some dog activities this summer. But, as much as you want to hit the trails and head to the beach, you can’t help but worry if your dog is ready for all the summer activities you have planned.
Perhaps they haven’t been out much due to the drastic winter snowfall, or maybe they are timid when it comes to trying new things. Whatever the case may be, we are sharing some helpful tips and training advice to prepare your pup for an enjoyable summer filled with exciting dog activities that you can do together.
After reading our three main tips, you can feel confident that your companion will be as cool as a cucumber this year.
Preparing Your Dog for Summer Fun
Before em-barking on any summer adventures, it’s important to prepare for the activities ahead. This includes ensuring your floof is up to date on vaccinations, brushed up on their skills and training, and ready for the summer heat. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a fun-filled season:
Schedule A Veterinary Checkup
Before the dog activities begin, schedule a checkup with your vet to make sure your pup is in good health and up to date with their vaccinations. This is especially important if you plan on taking your dog to a dog park or other public areas where they may meet other dogs.
Additionally, warmer weather means more annoying pests. Fleas and ticks thrive during this time. They can cause havoc and even some diseases for unvaccinated pets. To protect your pup, check that they have the Borrelia Burgdorferi (canine Lyme disease) vaccine with your veterinarian. If you have any more questions about vaccines and which ones your dog needs to stay healthy, we have a complete Dog Vaccine Guide on what you need to know.
Polishing Your Dog’s Skills
You might be scrolling through social media and seeing dogs with their owners on hikes, paddle boards, boats, and having fun in the sun, which makes you think: My dog could never. Well, we are here to tell you that they CAN.
Spend some time practicing basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leash training. If you’re planning on hitting up a crowded public place like a festival or a dog park, don’t worry. With a little socialization and desensitization training, your dog will handle all the noises and distractions like a pro! Gradually exposing your dog to different environments and situations can help them feel more comfortable and confident in these settings.
Still nervous? Don’t be afraid to enroll your dog in training classes, especially if they need extra help with socializing in different environments, with other dogs, as well as with people. It can be a fun and rewarding experience that can build a stronger bond between you two.
Keep You & Your Dog Cool This Summer
Summer should be a fun and safe time for both you and your dog. Keep in mind that heat and humidity can really affect dogs. It’s crucial to be aware of the signs of overheating and heat exhaustion which can include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting.
To help your dog beat the heat, bring plenty of water to drink and take frequent breaks in shaded areas. You can even consider grabbing a cooling vest and dog booties for hot pavement from the nearest Petco or online store. And just like you, your dog can also get sunburned. While fur provides some protection from the sun, applying a pet sunblock every three hours on the belly and other less furry areas helps prevent damage.
Finally, PLEASE always remember to never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even for just a few minutes. If you want to check out some more summer safety dog tips for Reno/Tahoe, check out Adventure Seekers Q&A.
Dog-Friendly Summer Activities
Now that your dog has prepped for summer, we can explore dog-friendly activities you can enjoy together. Here are some ideas for the Reno/Tahoe:
- Hiking: Take Fido on a hiking adventure! Choose a dog-friendly trail and bring lots of water, food, and poop bags. Some of our favorites are the Tahoe Rim Trail, Van Sickle Bi-State Park, or Monkey Rock Hike for gorgeous panoramic views.
- Go to the Beach: A beach day is perfect for water-loving dogs and is well worth the sandy bath afterward. Be sure to do your research before taking your pup to the lake in Tahoe. There are dog-friendly beaches such as Kiva Beach and North Zephyr Cove Beach. However, locations like Kings Beach do not allow dogs on the sand or water. You can do some digging on the Tahoe Beaches website for more dog-friendly places.
- Have a Staycation: If you’re looking for a more relaxed and pampered experience, consider booking a staycation at the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa. This luxurious hotel welcomes dogs with open paws and offers a variety of dog-friendly amenities like pet bowls, doggie treats, and a chewy welcome gift. You can also create a personal engraved dog tag for your pooch to wear home or add it to their creative dog tag wall.
- Attend a Dog-Friendly Event: Keep an eye out for dog-friendly events like outdoor concerts or Food Truck Fridays! It’s a great opportunity to get your dog out and about, but just make sure they stick to dog food.
With these tips, you and your dog are sure to have a summer full of fun and adventure. By preparing for dog activities, polishing their skills, and keeping them cool, you’ll be able to enjoy all the exciting opportunities that Reno-Tahoe has to offer.