With temps in the triple digits, we are fully immersed in a summer state of mind here in the Valley of the Sun. From pool parties and popsicles to sunshine and sunsets, we’re living our best life one summer cliché at a time. Living in a constant state of sunshine, we know the steps to take to ensure we are practicing safe sun but how can we ensure we are keeping our four-legged companions safe and happy as temps soar? Below are some tips to ensure your pooch is living his best summer life while staying safe and cool.
PLAY BALL
When America’s favorite past time and your dog’s favorite toy combine, there’s nothing left to say other than “Play Ball” and head over to the ballpark with your furry little slugger. The PetSmart Patio inside the Arizona Diamondback’s stadium offers a laid-back atmosphere complete with an indoor/outdoor (and air-conditioned) dog park for your canine to beat the heat and to meet other four-legged fans. While most establishments frown upon bringing your pup along, the Arizona Diamondbacks encourage it and that’s a home run in our book!
TAKE A DIP
Cosmo Park in Gilbert is a 17 acre-oasis that is completely dedicated to your playful pooches. It offers a wide range of activities from 4 fenced acres to run and play “off leash,” to dog washing stations and drinking fountains. But perhaps the most popular feature to keep your canines cool during these hot summer days is their watering hole. A large lake that features a dock that dogs can leap from and splash around as well as a beach area to fetch and play.
DINE WITH DOG PEOPLE
Why leave your pooch at home while you grab a bite to eat when you can include them along for the paw-ty. Dining with your dog is a growing trend and local restaurants are becoming increasingly dog-friendly. Need help deciding where to eat? Check out FEZ in Phoenix and enjoy their quaint dog-friendly patio, American eats and daily happy hour. Bone Appetit!
GO FOR A WALK
When the temps begin to rise and you no longer check the weather because it’s redundant, it’s time to limit your dog’s time outdoors. When your pup is used to being active and getting daily walks, this can prove to be a challenge but thanks to companies like Run Buddy Mobile, your dog can still get their exercise and you can rest easy – literally. Run Buddy Mobile is a mobile dog gym that will come directly to your home and offers fitness options to keep your dog moving and happy. Their unit is air-conditioned and a great way to keep your dog cool and in shape through the summer months.
If you do decide to brave the heat and take Fido for a walk outside, try and stick to early mornings or late evenings and keep to grassy or covered areas to ensure his paws are protected.
FROZEN TREATS
Nothing screams summer quite like ice cream and now your pup can get in on this warm weather staple. For a refreshing, frozen treat that will leave his tail wagging for hours, treat him to a Pup Pop at AZ Pops, in central Phoenix. A Pup Pop is a mixture of sweet potatoes and oatmeal, whipped into a frozen popsicle on a stick. Not to worry, they also have something for two-legged members to enjoy guilt-free as every popsicle is made from all natural ingredients with no artificial flavoring or preservatives. Healthy, delicious and dog-friendly – why are we still sitting here?!
➤ NEXT UP ON THE BLOG: MOVING DURING SUMMER
A new home often means new adventures and new memories but the process it takes to get to the adventuring and memory-making can be somewhat stressful, particularly on our four-legged companions. If you find yourself in the middle of a summertime move, we’ve put together a list of the Top 5 Tips for ensuring a safe and smooth move for you and your furry family members.
Tell us what you think. Any recommendations we left out? Let us know in the comments below and stay cool this summer!
