Spring is pretty close to the perfect season. Once it thaws for good, spring weather is mild enough for short sleeves, but it’s not so hot that you’re hiding in the safety of the air conditioning.
Spring is also the perfect time to have fun with your dog outside of the house. As long as they’re in good health and set up with reliable flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, they’ll love escaping the monotony of home.
Here are five ways you can be active with your dog this spring!
Plan a Playdate With Dog Friends
As long as everyone is healthy and comfortable with each other, spring is the perfect time to plan a get together with friends. While we don’t recommend showing up to the dog park with party favors, meeting up with your dog’s best friends may be the best way to celebrate the better weather.
Get creative with it. Plan it around a baseball game, set out your agility equipment, or even plan some dog-safe snacks for the occasion. Hosting a human party at the same time is a great way to cover your bases and catch up with your own friends.
Go Camping With Your Dog
While some may argue, camping is really a state of mind. You may think you need to make big plans and buy the latest camping equipment, but your dog will be happy enough to stargaze with you in your own backyard.
If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, check out dog-friendly cabins and camping spots in your desired location. Parks and beaches may have a specific area they need you to rent or certain guidelines you need to follow.
For those up to roughing it: do a trial run before throwing your dog into the canine version of man vs. wild. They may be more in touch with their animal than you are, but the couch potato life may be harder for them to give up than you think.
Hit the Trails With Your Dog
You don’t need to stay out all night to enjoy nature. Hitting the trails near your house or taking a day trip to a stellar location is definitely an option. You’ll get your steps in, and your dog will have plenty of new scents to pick up.
When making plans, choose a trail that suits the current fitness level of both you and your dog. Hiking can be a pretty athletic endeavor, and the rising temperatures exacerbate the issue.
Read up on poisonous plants and wildlife concerns in your area, and take a chance to talk to a park ranger about their recommendations with your dog. Check leash guidelines for the trails, and make sure your dog has a phenomenal recall before you unclip that lead.
While your dog should stick close by your side, consider our lost Dog Prevention tips before you take them out and about. Investing in a GPS collar is something few dog owners regret.
Plan a Photoshoot With Your Dog
Spring is the perfect time to take pictures of your pet when you’re out and about. The weather is newly nice, not quite too hot to spend too much time in the sun, and the natural lighting is exactly what photographers dream of.
There’s a short window each spring when wildflowers are in full bloom, and they present the perfect opportunity for some stunning images. The key is finding a good location and acting fast before the blooms give way to summer greenery.
Apart from floral fields, you can find photo ops:
- While you’re out in nature
- In front of outdoor art installations or murals
- By fountains and monuments
Even park benches and local coffee shops make for great images with the right framing. While you can hire a professional for some grade-A photographs, don’t underestimate what you can accomplish with your smartphone or digital camera.
Find Some Water for Your Dog
If you’re lucky enough to have a water-loving dog, consider taking them out to a local water attraction once the weather starts warming up. This brings them endless joy, and it gives you the opportunity to stay cool as long as possible.
Make sure your canine is welcome first. Plenty of beaches, lakes, and springs love having dogs around, but they may have a specific area they want you to stay in.
It’s also important to dress your pet in safe attire for the water and understand risks like toxic algae and other water-related considerations.
If you’re far from natural attractions, look for dog days at your local pools or splash pads. If you have your own yard, consider setting up your own water attraction with a shallow plastic pool and sprinklers.
