Looking for the best things to do with your dog in summer? From an early morning dog walk and outdoor adventures to keeping your dog cool during the hottest part of the day and creating a comfortable place to sleep, a perfect summer day is all about finding the right balance between exercise, enrichment, hydration and rest.
So, what does the perfect summer day with your dog look like?
Let's take a look from morning to bedtime.
7am: Start With an Early Morning Dog Walk
One of the best summer activities for dogs is a morning walk while temperatures are still cool.
During the warmer months, it's best to take your dog for their main walk early in the morning or later in the evening. Temperatures can rise quickly during the day, making exercise more difficult and increasing the risk of overheating.
An early morning dog walk gives your pet the opportunity to:
- Get some exercise before it gets too hot
- Explore new smells and surroundings
- Enjoy some mental stimulation
- Burn off excess energy
- Spend quality time with you
Choose a shaded route where possible and take fresh water if you're going on a longer walk.
How long should you walk your dog in summer?
There isn't one perfect length of walk for every dog. Your dog's age, breed, fitness level and the weather should all be considered.
On particularly hot days, a shorter walk during the cooler parts of the day is often safer than a long walk in the heat.
Remember, summer dog exercise should always be adjusted according to the temperature.
9am: Breakfast and Relaxation
After a morning walk, your dog will probably be ready for breakfast and some well-earned relaxation.
Give them access to plenty of fresh drinking water and provide a comfortable place to rest.
Dogs naturally spend a significant amount of their day sleeping or resting, so don't feel as though you need to keep your dog entertained all day.
In fact, rest is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and happy.
A comfortable dog bed gives your pet a dedicated space where they can settle down after exercise.
10am: Enjoy Some Outdoor Time
Once your dog has had time to rest and digest their breakfast, you can enjoy some quieter outdoor activities.
If you have a garden, this could mean spending time together in the shade, playing a gentle game or simply relaxing outside.
For dogs who love being outdoors, creating a comfortable shaded area can make summer garden time much more enjoyable.
How to keep your dog cool outside
Keeping your dog cool in summer is particularly important during warm weather.
Make sure your dog has:
- Plenty of fresh, clean water
- Access to shade
- Good ventilation
- A comfortable place to lie down
- The option to come indoors
- Regular opportunities to rest
Never rely on a small, shaded area remaining cool throughout the day. As the sun moves, an area that was shaded in the morning can become exposed later.
12pm: Swap Exercise for Mental Enrichment
By midday, temperatures are often at their highest.
Instead of going for a long walk or playing an energetic game outside, this can be a great time for indoor dog activities and mental stimulation.
Try:
- Puzzle feeders
- Snuffle mats
- Treat-finding games
- Basic training exercises
- Interactive toys
- Gentle grooming
- A chew or enrichment toy
Mental stimulation can tire your dog out without putting the same physical demands on them as exercise.
This is particularly useful during a heatwave, when outdoor exercise may need to be significantly reduced.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated Throughout the Day
One of the most important parts of summer dog care is making sure your dog has access to fresh water.
Dogs can become dehydrated more quickly in hot weather, particularly after exercise.
Always take water with you when heading out for a walk, travelling with your dog or spending the day outdoors.
If you're visiting the beach, park or countryside, a portable water bottle or travel bowl can be particularly useful.
Signs your dog may be overheating
It's important to recognise the signs of heat-related illness in dogs.
Watch for:
- Excessive or heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Tiredness or weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion or unusual behaviour
- Vomiting or collapse
If you are concerned that your dog is overheating or showing signs of heatstroke, move them to a cool area and seek veterinary advice immediately.
3pm: Plan a Summer Adventure
If the weather has cooled sufficiently, the afternoon can be the perfect time for a dog-friendly adventure.
There are plenty of things to do with your dog in summer, including:
Visit the beach
Many dogs love running along the sand, paddling in the water and exploring new smells.
Remember to take fresh water, provide shade and give your dog plenty of opportunities to rest.
Afterwards, rinse salt and sand from their coat and paws.
Explore the countryside
A woodland or countryside walk can provide plenty of shade and interesting smells for your dog to investigate.
Always check the weather forecast before heading out and avoid strenuous exercise if temperatures remain high.
Have a garden play session
For a simpler summer activity, spend some time playing together in the garden.
Keep games short during warm weather and make sure your dog can retreat to a cool, shaded area whenever they want.
6pm: Enjoy a Gentle Evening Walk
As the temperature starts to fall, you can head out for another walk.
An evening dog walk can be much more comfortable than exercising during the hottest part of the day.
This doesn't have to be a high-energy walk. A slower stroll with plenty of opportunities to sniff and explore can be just as rewarding.
Sniffing is an important form of mental enrichment for dogs, so allow your dog to take their time rather than focusing entirely on distance or speed.
7pm: Clean Up After the Day's Adventures
Summer adventures can mean muddy paws, sandy coats and plenty of outdoor debris.
After your walk or beach trip, give your dog a quick check and clean their paws if necessary.
It's also a good opportunity to check for ticks, particularly after woodland or long-grass walks.
A quick clean-up also helps prevent outdoor dirt from ending up all over your dog's bed.
8pm: Time to Relax
After a busy day, your dog needs time to switch off.
This is where having a comfortable dog bed becomes particularly important.
A good dog bed provides a familiar place for your pet to relax after exercise and can help create a consistent bedtime routine.
For summer, practical features such as a removable washable cover can be especially useful.
Beach trips, garden adventures and muddy walks can quickly make a dog bed dirty, so being able to remove and wash the cover makes keeping your dog's sleeping area clean much easier.
10pm: Bedtime and Rest
By the end of a summer day filled with walks, play, exploration and enrichment, your dog will hopefully be ready for a good night's sleep.
Dogs need plenty of sleep to support their physical and mental wellbeing. Puppies and particularly active dogs may require even more rest.
Providing a dedicated sleeping area gives your dog somewhere comfortable and familiar to settle at the end of the day.
And after all those summer adventures, there's nothing better than seeing your dog curled up comfortably and completely worn out.
What Makes a Perfect Summer Day for a Dog?
The perfect summer day isn't about keeping your dog busy from sunrise to sunset.
It's about balance.
A healthy summer routine could look something like:
Early morning exercise → breakfast → rest → mental enrichment → hydration → afternoon adventure → evening walk → relaxation → comfortable sleep.
Every dog is different, so pay attention to your dog's individual needs and behaviour.
Some dogs will want to explore all day, while others will be perfectly happy with a short walk followed by several hours of sleep.
The most important thing is to keep your dog safe, comfortable, hydrated and able to rest whenever they need to.
Why a Comfortable Dog Bed Matters After a Busy Summer Day
A busy day of exercise and adventure means your dog needs somewhere comfortable to recover.
At Four Bare Paws, we designed our dog beds with everyday adventures in mind.
Our Sherpa-topped dog beds combine a soft, comfortable surface with a supportive foam core and protective waterproof backing, making them ideal for dogs who love exploring the outdoors.
The removable, machine-washable covers also make it easier to keep your dog's sleeping space clean after muddy walks, garden play and summer adventures.
Whether your dog has spent the day at the beach, exploring the countryside or simply enjoying the garden, they deserve somewhere comfortable to put their paws up.
Make the Most of Summer With Your Dog
Summer is the perfect opportunity to create special memories with your dog.
You don't need an elaborate itinerary or expensive activities. Some of the best summer moments are often the simplest ones: an early morning walk, a game in the garden, a trip to the beach, a quiet afternoon nap and a relaxed evening together.
By planning exercise around cooler temperatures, keeping your dog hydrated, providing plenty of shade and making rest a priority, you can help your dog enjoy summer safely and comfortably.
Because the perfect summer day isn't about how much you do. It's about enjoying every moment together. 🐾
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best summer activities for dogs?
Some of the best summer activities for dogs include early morning walks, beach trips, gentle garden games, countryside adventures, scent games, puzzle toys and training activities. Always consider the temperature and your dog's individual tolerance to heat.
How can I keep my dog cool in summer?
Provide plenty of fresh water, access to shade and good ventilation, and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Schedule walks for early morning or evening and allow your dog plenty of time to rest.
When is the best time to walk a dog in summer?
Early morning and evening are generally the best times to walk your dog during hot weather because temperatures are usually lower. On very hot days, your dog's usual exercise routine may need to be reduced.
Do dogs need more sleep in summer?
Dogs may sleep or rest more during particularly warm weather because heat can make physical activity more tiring. However, significant changes in sleeping habits or unusual tiredness should be discussed with your vet.
What should I look for in a summer dog bed?
Look for a dog bed that is comfortable, supportive and easy to keep clean. A removable washable cover and a practical protective base can be particularly useful for dogs who spend lots of time outdoors during summer.
