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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 06/27/2025
The summer weather is finally here! The sun’s hanging higher in the sky, the air smells like fresh-cut grass, and that incredible urge to get outside and soak up the season is kicking in.
For us, that might mean backyard BBQs, lazy beach days, or fun road trips. But who’s more excited about all this than your four-legged furbaby? That happy panting and eager look by the door says it all: they’re ready for adventure!
When you’re planning adventures that include your pup, it can be challenging to figure out the best ways to have a good time while keeping them safe and comfortable. That’s why pre-planning is essential to ensure your pup stays comfortable, even in the heat.
So, how can you beat the heat together? What new games can you play? And are those pretty hiking trails okay for them?
In this blog, we’ll round up a bunch of fantastic dog-friendly summer activities, from water fun to cool indoor games and shady trail walks.
Whether you’ve got an energetic explorer or a chill, sunbathing expert, we’ve got the ideas to help you make this the best, most memorable summer yet for you and your pup.
One of the most relaxing summer activities you can enjoy with your dog is a day at the beach or lake!
There’s nothing quite like a day by the water when the summer sun is shining, and your furbaby probably agrees! Heading to the beach or a calm lake is a perfect way to cool off and have a blast.
Lots of dogs love swimming, whether they’re splashing in the shallow end or fetching toys further out while you paddleboard beside them.
Just remember, while many spots are becoming super dog-friendly, you’ll want to seek out those designated spots. Not every sandy stretch is open to our four-legged family members.
And before you let your pup loose, always take a quick moment to read the rules posted nearby. They’re always there to help keep everyone safe and happy, ensuring your day by the water is picture-perfect!
If you’re looking to escape the everyday and immerse yourselves in nature, nothing beats a weekend camping trip with your pet. Imagine cozy nights by the campfire and early morning strolls through the woods.
But before you pack up the tent, here’s a super important tip: not all campgrounds allow dogs, so you’ll want to check ahead of time to make sure your chosen camping spot is dog-friendly.
Once you’ve got the green light, it’s all about packing correctly to ensure your dog is comfortable.
Beyond their leash and bowl, remember to bring along their regular food and any supplements they take to maintain a consistent routine. Whether that’s camelina oil, ground bone supplements, or even fresh fruit, there are lots of dog extras that you can easily pack for your weekend adventure.
There’s just something special about soaking up the summer vibes while enjoying a meal or a refreshing drink on a local patio. And luckily, more and more places are rolling out the welcome mat for our four-legged friends!
In most cities around Canada and the US, you’ll find lots of dog-friendly patio options. Once you’ve picked your spot, it’s always a good idea to try to find a place with shade, because keeping your furry friend cool and comfy is key when the sun is out in full force.
And while it’s exciting to bring your dog along, remember that a patio can be a busy place with lots of sights, sounds, and smells.
It’s essential to consider that not all dogs on the patios are dog-friendly, meaning some pups may be nervous or simply not interested in making new friends. Ensure you can control your dog and always ask permission before letting it approach others, especially in enclosed patio settings.
We all want a relaxed experience for everyone involved!
For those looking to connect with Canada’s incredible views, checking out a nearby National Park can be an absolute dream for you and your dog! Imagine vast landscapes, stunning trails, and all of the endless new smells for your pup to discover.
However, it’s super important to remember that these are protected wild spaces, so a bit of pre-checking of dog rules is a must.
Parks Canada has specific regulations to protect wildlife and keep everyone safe. Usually, this means your dog needs to be on a leash (no longer than 3 metres) and under control at all times. Additionally, some sensitive areas may be off-limits for dogs.
The good news is, many of Canada’s top national parks are dog-friendly in designated areas, offering incredible experiences.
Consider places like parts of Banff, Jasper, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Kootenay, or even some areas in the Maritimes, such as Kejimkujik or Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland.
Always visit the specific park’s website before you go to confirm which trails and areas are dog-friendly. With a bit of research, you’re all set for an unforgettable adventure in our nation’s breathtaking natural playgrounds!
As the temperatures climb, we all reach for something cool and refreshing. That includes your pup!
Whipping up some homemade cooling treats is super easy and a fantastic way to spoil your dog. You can use simple, dog-safe ingredients like plain yogurt, mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or even a bit of low-sodium chicken broth.
Just blend them up, pour into ice cube trays or fun silicone moulds, and freeze ‘em solid!
Want to give their treats an extra healthy boost? Try mixing in a pump or two of their favourite liquid supplements! A little Smart Earth Camelina Oil, for example, blends seamlessly into an omega-rich, skin- and coat-loving frozen delight.
Check out our full blog on cooling dog treats for more ideas and specific recipes.
One of our favourite ways to make sure we’re having an active summer? Going on hikes!
There’s nothing quite like discovering a brand new trail, and sharing that exploration with your dog makes it even better! When planning to explore a new hike this summer, consider the terrain that suits your dogs’ unique adventure style.
Does your pup thrive on flat, easy paths, or are they a mountain goat who loves a good climb? Consider their breed, age and fitness level.
To find the perfect trail, consider using apps like AllTrails. These are fantastic for checking trail length, elevation, recent conditions, and especially if other dog owners have left reviews!
Always ensure you bring the required gear for both of you. That means plenty of water (for both of you!), a collapsible bowl, and their regular walking gear like a comfy harness and leash.
For rocky or hot trails, paw protection, such as dog booties, can be a lifesaver!
Want even more tips to make sure your trail adventures are a breeze? We’ve got a whole guide dedicated to it! Check out our blog: Your Comprehensive Guide for Hiking With Your Dog.
With a bit of prep, you and your furry co-pilot are ready to hit those trails and make some amazing memories!
Who doesn’t want to get together with their friends and enjoy the weather? One of the best parts of summer is linking up with your favourite people, and that can extend to your furry crew too!
Setting up a doggy playdate is a fantastic way for your pup to burn off some energy, sharpen their social skills, and just have a blast with their pals.
Whether it’s a romp in a fenced backyard, an afternoon at a local dog park (remembering those rules and being mindful of other pups), or even just a stroll with another dog-owning friend, these interactions are super enriching for your furry friend.
Plus, it’s an excellent excuse for you to catch up with your human friends while the dogs entertain each other. Just make sure all the pups involved are well-socialized and ready for some fun!
While we love those sunny summer days, let’s be real: sometimes it just gets way too hot for a comfortable outdoor adventure.
Those scorching temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable for us; they can become dangerous for our furbabies really quickly.
Dogs can overheat much faster than we do, especially since they can’t sweat like we do to cool down. Pavement can get hot enough to burn their paws in minutes—if you can’t hold your hand on it for seven seconds, it’s too hot for their paws!
Always watch for signs like excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or stumbling. These symptoms are big red flags that you’re dog could be in danger.
When the temperatures are super high and outdoor fun is off-limits, that doesn’t mean your pup’s day has to be boring! There are still numerous ways to keep them happy, stimulated, and cool indoors.
Here are some ways you can think outside of the box:
Training in a cool parking garage (if allowed!)
Controlled outdoor water fun in a small doggy water pool set up on the grass
Creative with mental stimulation games like puzzle toys, hide-and-seek with their favourite treats, or even learning some new tricks
If you’re a raw feeder, consider giving them frozen bone
The key is to prioritize their safety and comfort, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Just shift the party to indoors ot to cooler, shaded spots.
Summer is truly a special time to make unforgettable memories with your furry best friend. With all those fantastic dog-friendly activities, from splashing at the beach to cozy camping trips, patio dining, park explorations, homemade treats, and even trying out new trails, there’s no shortage of ways to bond and have a blast.
The most important thing is always to keep your pup’s comfort and safety in mind, especially when the temps climb. By staying prepared and choosing the right activities for your unique dog, you’re all set for a season packed with wagging tails, happy adventures, and plenty of quality time together.
So go on, get out there and enjoy every sunny moment with your beloved companion!
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
"Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso."
