13 Ideas of How to Spend This Summer With Dogs (one for every week) 🐕☀️

This post is about how to spend this summer with dogs.

Chevy, my senior Shepherd Mix, inspired this post, which is about planning ahead for summer activities with our dogs.

He also helped me research the summer essentials you’ll need, a mix of stuff we have been using over the years, and the pet supplies dog lovers can stop talking about on Amazon.

But first things first: safety. Summer with dogs in the hot weather can be rough. Ideas to keep dogs cool in summer:

• Keep walks during cooler mornings or evenings.
• Always pack plenty of water and find shady spots to chill.
• Sunscreen? Not just for humans! Certain brands make dog-friendly sunscreen to protect their sensitive noses and ears.

List of things to do to keep your dog safe this summer from the AVMA website.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

This post is about spending this summer with dogs.

1. Dive into Dog Friendly Places
2. Unleash the Inner Explorer
3. Get Festive at Dog Events
4. Create DIY Dog-tastic Fun
5. Backyard Bonanza
6. Dog Massage
7. Dog Ice Cream? Why Not!
8. Dog Road Trip Adventures
9. Picnic in the Park
10. Dog Friendly Places in Your City
11. Watch One of the Best Dog Movies
12. Recreate Famous Movies Scenes
13. The Perfect Dog Vacation

1. Dive into Dog Friendly Places

One of the places to take dogs this summer is dog-friendly beaches 🏖️ for a splash in the waves.

Get this swimming suit for you, this Tinted Sunscreen☀️, and this life jacket for your dog—safety first, even for the best swimmers.

Or head to a winery with outdoor seating and special “paw-secco” on the menu🍷 (okay, maybe that’s just Chevy’s dream, but hey, a dog can dream!).

Check the Bring Fido website for pet-friendly activities in your city.

2. Unleash the Inner Explorer

Hit the trails this summer with dogs! Find scenic dog-friendly hikes with breathtaking views, and bring plenty of water. If your pup overheats easily, a cooling vest is a game-changer.

Or, rent a kayak and paddle down a lazy river, watching the world go by from a furry-first perspective.

3. Get Festive at Dog Events

Summer is all about celebrating, and guess what?

There are tons of dog events, especially food fests, where you can snack while your pup socializes. A hands-free leash makes juggling a plate and leash way easier. This one’s perfect.

Think also dog-friendly festivals with agility courses and costume contests, or dive into the world of competitive dock diving. I already know Chevy will be more excited to attend a food festival than an agility course 😂

4. Create DIY Dog-tastic Fun

Get crafty and whip up some homemade dog toys, dog-friendly baked treats, or frozen treats. Chevy goes bananas for this easy carrot cake!

You can also grab a durable chew toy if you’re not feeling crafty 😉 Like this one.

5. Backyard Bonanza

Turn your backyard into a canine wonderland! Set up a sprinkler for a refreshing splash pad, or dig a sand pit for buried treasure adventures.

Don’t have a pool? No problem! Fill a kiddie pool and add some toys for some at-home adventure.

6. Dog Massage

Summer can be tough on our furry friends, so show them some extra love. After a day of adventures, treat them to a spa day with a cooling bath and a gentle massage. Chevy loves belly rubs, so get ready for some serious tail wags and happy sighs.

7. Dog Ice Cream? Why Not!

Beat the heat with some delicious dog ice cream! There are tons of dog ice cream recipes on Pinterest, or check out your local pet store for tasty pup-sicles.

Chevy’s a peanut butter fanatic, but I must be careful; too much can upset his tummy.

8. Dog Road Trip Adventures

Hit the open road with your furry copilot! Pack the car with treats, toys, this water bowl, plenty of water, and this seatbelt harness for safety.

Chevy loves sticking his head out the window, catching the wind in his fur – just be sure to make regular stops for potty breaks and stretchies.

9. Picnic in the Park

Pack a basket of yummy treats (for both you and your pup!) and find one of those pretty dog parks for a lazy afternoon picnic. Play frisbee, read a book, or just soak up the sunshine.

10. Dog Friendly Places in Your City

Don’t live near nature? No problem! Cities are full of hidden dog-friendly surprises. Check out rooftop patios for al fresco dining with your pup, visit dog friendly restaurants, or pet-friendly museums or art galleries, or find a hidden dog park tucked away in a quiet corner. We live in Miami, and one of our favorite dog friendly places to eat is Greenstreet Cafe in Coconut Grove.

11. Watch One of the Best Dog Movies

Snuggle up with your furry friend for a movie night under the stars! Project a film onto a sheet in your backyard, grab some popcorn (dog-safe version, of course!), and don’t forget a cozy blanket for the full experience. Get mine here.

12. Recreate Famous Movies Scenes

Hold on, film buffs! We’re not done yet. Summer with your dog isn’t just about sun and sprinklers – it can also be about unleashing your inner Spielberg and turning your backyard into a Hollywood set!

Get ready to recreate famous movie scenes with your furry co-star and create cinematic memories that’ll leave your Instagram followers howling with laughter.

Here are some awesome ideas to get you started:

1. “Titanic” Tail-Wagger: Channel Jack and Rose on the ship’s bow (okay, maybe your inflatable pool will have to do!).
2. “Jurassic Bark”: Transform your backyard into Isla Nublar! Hide squeaky toys as “dinosaur eggs,” dress your pup in a bandana with dino footprints, and let them loose on a prehistoric treasure hunt.
3. “The Dogfather”: Unleash your pup’s inner Don Corleone with a human tie. Have them hold a (safe!) plastic bone as they sit on a throne of pillows, surrounded by your other doggy “mafia members.” Practice your best Marlon Brando impression and stage a hilarious negotiation scene: “It’s not personal, it’s just barkness.”
4. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: I’m still laughing with Chevy playing Darth Vader in this video:

Here are more ideas for your fun Hollywood photoshoot

13. The Perfect Dog Vacation

@lifewithchevy Pet friendly vacation in Florida. Things we did and places we went 🌴#ripjimmybuffet💔 #CapCut #capcut #petfriendly #petvacation #dogvacation #petfriendlyhotel #florida #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #dogs #lifewithchevy ♬ original sound – Life With Chevy

Think beyond backyard adventures and explore a new city with your pup! Miami, Florida, is a city that is just a bark’s leap away from many major cities and boasts an abundance of dog-friendly fun.

Imagine strolling along sunny beaches like Haulover Beach or Hobie Island Beach, both famous for their canine-welcoming policies. Let your pup splash in the gentle waves, chase frisbees on the sand, and make new furry friends. Sounds like the perfect doggy vacation, right?

Another good option is Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale, where there are many things to do with your dog and pet friendly hotels and restaurants like The Dalmar. We visited last summer, and we had a fabulous time!

So, there you have it! My guide to a summer with dogs that’s sure to leave your pup begging for more. Now, grab your leash, grab your dog, and get ready for a summer of pawsome adventures!

P.S. Don’t forget to share your own dog summer stories and tips in the comments below! I’d love to hear about all the fun you and your furry friends are having.

Happy summer, dog lovers!

This post was all about how to spend this summer with dogs.