With the winter season over, pet owners are looking for fun spring activities for dogs. From exploring the wilderness and swimming to playing with other furry friends, there are many pet-friendly things to do this season.
The Best Spring Activities for Dogs
Did you know that 66% of households in the United States own a pet? Out of these 86.9 million homes, dogs remain the most popular pet. In fact, 65.1 million American households own a dog.
Dogs are great pets, but like humans, they can become much less active in the winter. They can’t play outside as much, and they don’t get to do the activities that they usually do during other times of the year. With spring upon us, now is a great time to plan fun dog activities.
Here are the most enjoyable activities for dogs in spring.
1. Go for a Hike
Hiking is a fun and beneficial activity for dogs and their owners. It’s a perfect way to exercise and appreciate the great outdoors while spending time with your dog. Look for hiking trails near you or go for a drive to one.
Planning is imperative when going for a hike. You need to get everything in order — from the trail you take to the things you bring. Water, food, and a first aid kit are essential. You must also wear the proper hiking gear and get a navigation tool. Other items to put in your backpack include a headlamp, a raincoat, sunglasses, and a hat.
Of course, you shouldn’t forget to pack for your dog. Your dog also needs water and food. You will likely need to keep your dog on a sturdy leash unless they’re disciplined enough to go without one. Some trails might ask you to keep your dogs on a leash. Other things to bring include a poop bag, a towel, a cooling bandana, and dog boots for added protection.
2. Visit a Dog Park
When it comes to spring dog activities, you can never go wrong with visiting a dog park. These parks are fenced-in areas specifically designed for your furry friends. Here, dogs can run and play freely without the restriction of a leash.
Dog parks are great because they allow your dog to explore and meet other dogs. Some dog parks even offer amenities like agility equipment and water fountains. Of course, make sure not to leave your dog unattended. They will still need supervision while they’re here.
Some dogs get easily stressed. If your dog is the same, keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become too anxious.
3. Find an Obstacle Course
Dog obstacle courses offer a fun way to get your pet exercising. After spending most of their time indoors during the winter, they need to stretch and get their muscles going. The most popular obstacles in agility courses include jumps, weave poles, tunnels, and teeter-totters.
4. Go to the Beach
Although the beach is more closely associated with summer, spring is still a good time to visit. With milder temperatures and fewer crowds, going to the beach with your dog during spring is a good way to get some sun.
Your dog can frolic in the sand at the beach and even dig their paws in the water. The road trip to the beach is also a fun time for your dog, as they feel the wind on their face.
5. Exercise Together
Spring activities for dogs don’t have to be complicated. Even something as simple as exercising with you can give your dog immense joy. Go for a jog in the early morning or take a brisk afternoon walk. You can also play tug of war, hide and seek, and other games with your dog.
Of course, remember to stay hydrated. Both you and your dog should drink lots of water when exercising to replenish your fluids. It’s also best not to overexert yourself or your pet. If your dog gets too tired or too hot in the sun, go back inside and get some rest.
6. Schedule a Play Date
Dogs are social creatures, so they love to play with others. If you have friends who also have dogs, why not schedule a play date with them? This will allow all your dogs to play while you catch up with your friends.
Remember not to leave your dogs unsupervised. Playing can quickly turn into fighting, so you should be there to calm your furry pets. It’s also best to keep them away from furniture and fragile objects, especially if your dog breaks things or chews on couches.
7. Have Some Water Fun
If you can’t go to the beach, there are other ways to have some fun with water. Look for swimming pools that allow your furry friends to jump in and splash with you. You can even buy an inflatable one to use at home.
If neither option is possible, a water gun or water balloons can accomplish the same thing. Plan a day with family, friends, and your dogs, and start getting everyone drenched!
8. Go Camping
If you want an extended time outdoors, camping is the way to go. Bring your dog to a local camping ground and rough it out with them for a night or two. As with hiking, it’s important to bring all the essentials, including your camping equipment. You and your dog will have a memorable night gazing at the stars and just spending quality time together.
9. Have a Picnic
If you’re looking for spring activities for dogs, having a picnic is an easy yet fun one. Pack a picnic basket and get your blanket out before heading to a local park. Your dog will also need their own snacks and water, so don’t forget to pack those, too.
While at the park, your dog can explore the grassy area or just lie down with you while you read a good book. Talk about an afternoon well spent!
10. Play Fetch
Dogs love to play fetch — there’s no doubt about it. You can easily do that with a ball or a frisbee, making it a budget-friendly spring activity for your dog. You can play fetch if you have a vast open space, such as a yard. If not, you can always do it at a local park.
11. Attend a Dog-Friendly Event
During spring, tons of events usually pop up. Your local community could have dog-friendly events scheduled. Check online dog groups in your area and watch out for dog walks and pet fairs. Some even do dog-friendly movie nights at the park — just be prepared for barking!
Final Advice
As you can see, there are countless spring activities for dogs. When participating in any of them, remember to consider your dog’s health and well-being. Always bring water and check your dog’s stress level. If it gets too hot outside, don’t hesitate to head to a cooler place.
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