Dog-gone Fun: Ideas for Summertime Pet Activities
Have you been spending too much time on the couch? Has your energetic canine been looking longingly at that underused leash? Or, are you just looking for some creative ways to change up the weekend in a pet friendly way?
You’re not alone.
Summertime pet activities can sometimes be a challenge (dang ‘No dogs allowed’ signs!), so we took the time to come up with some cool ideas for those hot summer days.
Pet-Friendly Fun, San Antonio Style
You don’t have to venture far for great getaway ideas. There are numerous options in and around San Antonio for the canine- and kid-inclusive day trips.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Flower power – For the green thumb (or aspiring green thumb), the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a lush wonder world of all things green, spiny, and flowering – and they allow leashed canine friends on several Dog Days hosted throughout the year.
- Joy unleashed – Looking for a great free-range and roamin’ place for your dog to run his buns off? You are in luck. All of the following parks offer off-leash dog play areas, separated by large and small breeds: Madison Square Park (400 Lexington Ave.), Phil Hardberger Parks (East and West), Pearsall Park Dog Park (4700 Old Pearsall Road), and Tom Slick Dog Park (7400 Texas 151).
- Tails and trails – For a more challenging day of pet and people hiking, check out the local, lovely favorite, our River Walk, the awesome and sprawling Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System, or the lush, riparian Medina River Natural Area.
- Dining with doggie – It’s patio season, after all! Here are a few tasty places that offer al fresco dining with Fido: Candlelight Café (3011 N St Mary’s St.), The Cove (606 W Cypress St.), Blue Star Brewing Company (1414 S Alamo St.), and Madhatters Teahouse & Café (320 Beauregard St).
- Skills and social graces – For those more hyper dog dudes or gals, consider providing some opportunities for enrichment this summer with agility training classes, challenging new puzzles or games for your stay-at-home cat, or a backyard dog play day with the neighbors, while firing up the grill (safely kept off limits to hungry canines).
Summertime Pet Activities: Keep Them in Mind
For those more bold pet guardians, a road trip may be in order. Thankfully, we have an endless array of lonely country roads, laced with wildflowers, as well as rolling verdant hills that go on for miles. Whether you are planning to climb Enchanted Rock or take a tour along the Texas Wine Trail, keep your pet’s comfort and safety in mind.
If you want to make several stops where pets cannot tread, it’s probably safer to leave your pet at home or opt for outdoor venues, such as trails and lakeside paths. When in doubt, call ahead and find out the rules for fur friends (and avoid making the assumption that outdoor areas must allow pets, as some do not).
Other rules of the road include:
- Bring plenty of fresh drinking water and take breaks in the shade (when out on the water or trail)
- Never leave your pet in the vehicle alone – Ever
- Take several breaks while driving for rest, hydration, and potty needs
- Plan ahead to scout out restaurants with pet friendly patios and/or hotels or bed and breakfasts that allow furry guests
- Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite preventives (especially when spending time around water or in natural areas)
We are fortunate to live in such a pet- and fun-loving state, where opportunities for recreation abound. There’s no excuse for human or pet boredom with so many great activities at our disposal. Now, get out there and enjoy!