5 Summer Activities to Do with Your Dog

The weather is warm and outdoor adventures are calling. But what about your pup? If you’ve been looking for summer activities to do with your dog, you’ve come to the right place. Dogs make every adventure better, but they also come with a few extra considerations, especially if this is your first time heading out together.

According to Animal Wellness Magazine, spending time outdoors with your dog is the ideal opportunity to maintain physical activity while providing exceptional mental stimulation through novel sights, sounds and smells. Do we need to mention that those same physical and mental benefits apply to humans as well?

Whether your dog is a bold explorer or more of a leisurely-walk-and-nap kind of canine, you’ll find some great ideas and smart recommendations below.

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1. Go Camping

Camping is one of the best summer activities to do with your dog, and most pups absolutely love it — from the new woodsy environment and the cozy sleeping quarters to peaceful campfire time under the stars. But a little preparation is necessary to keep everyone safe.

Pest control comes first. Insect-borne illnesses, such as heartworm, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and tapeworms, make a robust flea-, mosquito- and tick-prevention plan non-negotiable when your dog is spending time in the woods. Talk to your vet about the best option well before your trip.

Know what to do around wildlife. Wildlife is likely to be present in any camping environment, so it’s important to stay aware and keep a safe distance. Keep your dog leashed or tethered at the campsite — not just for their safety, but because most campgrounds require it. If you encounter wildlife, whether it’s a peaceful deer or a large bear, never let your dog approach. Stay calm, distract your dog, and create distance by moving away slowly.

Pack for your dogs. Bring clean bedding for the tent as well as a campsite resting place (an old blanket is fine). Bring your dog’s usual food (you may need a bit more than usual if your pups will be especially active on your camping trip), lots of fresh water, and plenty of tasty treats. And don’t forget that wildlife food storage rules and recommendations apply to all dog food and treats as well.

Campfire safety matters. Dogs are curious and often careless, making a campfire a real hazard. Keep your pup a safe distance from the flames and never leave them unattended near the fire.

Plan your sleeping setup. Make sure your tent is big enough for you and your dog (a large dog likely counts as a full person in the tent’s capacity indicator). A sleeping pad or a familiar blanket from home can help your pup settle in for the night in this unfamiliar environment full of new nighttime sounds and smells.

Bring bags — a lot of them. Pet waste disposal is your responsibility everywhere, including the backcountry. Bring lots of poop bags (we love this earth-friendly brand) and consider a proper pack-out bag to prevent lingering odors in between visits to proper trash receptacles.

First-Timer Tip: Not every campground is pet-friendly, and those that are may have specific restrictions on size, breed or where your dog can go on the property. Always confirm the pet policy before booking.

2. Head to the Beach

A beach day sounds like a dream, but a dog-friendly beach day takes a bit more planning than just grabbing a towel and going.

Confirm dogs are allowed. Many beaches have complete dog bans, seasonal restrictions or designated areas specifically for dogs. Check what’s permitted before you head out.

Watch the saltwater. Dogs will drink ocean water if given the chance, and it can make them seriously sick. Prevent them from drinking any amount of saltwater, keeping them away from the water entirely if necessary. Give your dog plenty of fresh water and know the signs of saltwater poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and muscle tremors. If you notice any of these, contact a vet right away.

Protect those paws. Hot sand burns paw pads faster than most people expect, and shells and sea glass can easily cut tender toes. Pack paw covers or a good paw balm like this beach-specific formula, and check your dog’s paws regularly throughout the day.

Have a heat & sun plan. Dogs don’t regulate heat the way humans do, so planning for extreme heat and sun is important. This Ruffwear swamp cooler dog vest earns high marks for its ability to keep dogs cool just by drenching it in water. If you head to the beach regularly, consider this raised bed with a removable shade canopy that assembles quickly with no special tools. Lastly, don’t forget to keep your dog protected from the sun with dog-safe sunscreen, like this SPF 30 option offering a vegan, zinc-free formula.

First-Timer Tip: Not all dogs are natural swimmers. If yours is still figuring it out, a properly fitted dog life jacket is a smart call. This shark-finned Dogcheer dog life jacket keeps your pup safe while transforming them into a playful water explorer. High-density buoyant foam, a sturdy top handle and adjustable fit make it as safe as it is fun.

3. Spend the Day at the Nearest Lake or River

Freshwater spots are often calmer and more controlled than the ocean, which makes them a great option for dogs who are new to swimming or simply prefer a different type of adventure. All our beach sun and water safety recommendations apply here, but freshwater presents its own opportunities and dangers.

Watch for blue-green algae. This is a serious hazard that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Toxic algae blooms can develop in warm, slow-moving freshwater and are deadly to dogs. If the water looks green, murky or has a foam layer on the surface, skip it and find another spot.

Paddleboarding, tubing and boating are on the table. Plenty of dogs take to boating and paddling activities with patience and practice. Start in shallow, calm water and let your dog get used to the motion at their own pace. A life jacket is a smart choice when you venture away from shore — even strong swimmers can get tired or caught off guard by wakes.

Always rinse your dog off after water time. Freshwater lakes and rivers can carry bacteria that are easily ingested through licking their wet paws and coat. A quick rinse before you head home is a good habit.

First-Timer Tip: Look for designated dog-friendly swimming areas at local parks or recreation areas. They’re often much easier to navigate than open water and tend to have amenities like waste stations nearby.

4. Plan a Hike

Hiking might be the most natural fit of all for dogs, but going in prepared makes the experience better for both of you.

Gear up properly. A harness with a top handle gives you extra control on narrow or technical sections of trail. We swear by this Ruffwear Webmaster dog harness that’s incredibly durable and so secure it’s nearly impossible for dogs to back out of. A basic first aid kit is worth tucking into your pack to address any cuts and scrapes for either of you. This trail-specific paw balm helps protect against rocks and uneven terrain.

Know your dog’s fitness level. A 2-mile loop around the neighborhood is a very different ask than a 6-mile ridge hike. Start with something manageable and build from there — just like you would for yourself.

Off-leash is optional even where permitted. If off-leash hiking is allowed, your dog should have near-perfect recall before you unhook the leash. See our camping recommendations about wildlife. When in doubt, keep your furry friend on their leash.

Bring plenty of water for both of you. Providing fresh water on the trail (or in your backyard) is easy with these collapsible silicone bowls by PetBonus. Made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone, they come in two sizes, are dishwasher-safe and attach to your pack easily with a convenient carabiner attachment.

Consider a GPS tracker. If your dog is a runner or tends to wander in new terrain, a GPS tracker clipped to their collar can save you a lot of stress. We’ve used the Tractive GPS dog tracker and been impressed with its ability to track our dog’s location both within city limits and out in the wilderness. Fellow small dog owners: Consider Tractive’s cat tracker for tiny pooches.

First-Timer Tip: Ticks are common on wooded and grassy trails. Check your dog — and yourself — thoroughly after every hike, even if the trail felt well-maintained and your dog is on a preventative.

5. Enjoy a City Day Out

You don’t have to leave town to have a great active day with your dog. Cities have more to offer dog owners than most first-timers realize.

Find pet-friendly patios and parks. Many restaurants with outdoor seating welcome well-behaved leashed dogs, and most cities have at least a few dog-friendly parks worth exploring. A quick search before you head out will point you in the right direction.

Bring the essentials. Treats, a favorite toy and a portable water bowl make city outings go much more smoothly. Having something to redirect your pup’s attention is especially useful in busy or overstimulating environments.

Watch the sidewalks. Pavement absorbs heat fast. On a hot day, it can burn paw pads in seconds. The back-of-hand test works well: press your hand flat to the sidewalk for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Even in permissible temperatures, this hot pavement balm protects dog paws from rough streets and sidewalks.

Good manners make a real difference. A city outing puts your dog in close contact with strangers, other dogs and a lot of distractions. Basic commands — sit, stay, leave it — make the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone around you. If your dog isn’t up to the task yet, that’s fine. Just be respectful of other patrons and head to a more suitable environment.

First-Timer Tip: Always carry cleanup bags. It’s good citizenship and, in most places, it’s also the law.

You Did It, First-Timer! With These Summer Activities to Do with Your Dog, Unlimited Warm Weather Adventures Await!

Summer with your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re packing up the tent, heading to the water or just exploring a new neighborhood together, the most important thing is that you’re out and about spending quality time with your canine companion. Start with whatever feels most manageable, go at your pup’s pace and enjoy the season.

If you’re a brand-new dog owner start with our First-Time Dog Owner Guide and The First 5 Commands to Teach Your Dog. Looking for more ways to make the most out of summer? Check out our Summer Capsule Wardrobe Essentials, our First-Timer’s Guide to Planning a Road Trip or our Beginner’s Guide to Enjoying Your First Music Festival.