It’s summer! For big dogs like me and Mozart, summer comes with a lot of pros and cons. First of all, we’re big and furry, which means we can get overheated faster than little dogs or pups with shorter fur. It’s something to watch out for, that’s for sure.
A big pro, though? Water! Believe it or not, your dog may love to play in the water just as much as you do. Especially when it’s really hot outside and some cool water will offer sweet relief from the sun and humidity.
Now, playing in the water is different for all dogs. Some may not like it as much as others, so don’t force anything on your pup. You might consider trying out these activities one at a time to see what’s best for some fun in the summer sun with your best friend.
Hook Up the Sprinkler
This is about the least dangerous water activity you can plan for your pups, so it’s a great place to start introducing him to some soggy fun. You can hook up a regular lawn sprinkler or get one of the fun splash pad sprinklers that kids love to change things up a little bit.
Mozart and I love romping through the spray for a break from the heat, but sometimes Mozart attacks the sprinkler itself. Don’t tell him I tattled on him. I just wanted to let you know in case your dog does the same thing.
Fill the Kiddie Pool
Think your fluffy friend can handle more than the sprinkler? The kiddie pool is the perfect graduation to the next step. Oh, my gosh, I just love to lie down and roll around in the shallow water to cool off in the afternoon.
It’s the perfect solution for dogs that like water…but maybe don’t love it yet. It’s safe and non-threatening, so they can get used to the wet before that trip to the lake they don’t know you have planned.
However shallow and safe the pool may be, don’t leave your puppers alone for a minute. Just like a child, we can get ourselves into trouble quickly any time your back is turned.
Go Boating
When you get to the lake, your dog may be wary of the big, bad swimming pool nature made. That’s okay. You can still have some fun and get them used to the bigger body of water by going out on a boat together.
There’s no shame in wearing a life jacket. Be sure to tell your best buddy that. If he gets excited and jumps in, he’ll be okay until he gets used to swimming. Mozart really likes this one that makes him look like a shark in the water, so he can still feel big and bad, even when he’s a little scared.
Walk the Beach
This one may take a little time for your pup to get used to, especially if he’s never seen an ocean before. The movement of the water and the roar of the waves can be a little overwhelming, even if you think they’re harmless.
A trip down the beach where we can get our toes wet and then retreat to the fun of the sand may be all we need to get accustomed to the new sights, smells, and sounds. Don’t force us! We need some time to adjust to the feel of the sand slipping away beneath our paws before we want to do that again.
When we do get excited and jump right in, be sure to keep us close to the shore. We don’t understand that a big wave could carry us away from you. We’re just excited that we’re not afraid anymore.
Above all, be patient with us, even if you think a silly backyard sprinkler is nothing to be afraid of. We want relief from the summer heat as much as you do, but we may not understand how much fun we could be having until we try everything—cautiously, of course. In no time, we’ll be splashing away the sunny days together.
Expect big things!
Love,
