🐾 Dog Days of Summer: Fun in the Sun With Your Furry Friend

When summer hits, it’s time to get outside, cool off, and make the most of the sunshine—with your dog by your side! Whether you’re swimming, hiking, camping, or just hanging out in the backyard, there are plenty of ways to keep your pup happy and active. Here’s how to enjoy Alberta’s beautiful summer while keeping your dog safe and entertained.

🌊 Swimming With Your Dog

Swimming is a fantastic way to beat the heat. While dogs aren’t allowed on public beaches in most provincial parks, there are still lots of great alternatives.

Natural Swimming Spots

Try exploring:

• Glennifer Lake

• Gull Lake Sandy Beach

• 3-Mile Bend, Red Deer

• Lacombe Lake

  
  

Urban Dog Swim Areas

• Calgary: Sue Higgins Park – off-leash and access to the Bow River

• Edmonton: Terwillegar Park – hiking trails, canoe access, and off-leash fun

• St. Albert: Lacombe Lake Dog Park – perfect for cooling off

  
  

Water Safety Tips

• Always supervise your dog near water—even strong swimmers.

• Use a life jacket if needed, especially if your dog is not a natural swimmer or if in deep or fast-moving water.

• Watch for hazards like submerged logs or sudden drop-offs.

• Breeds and Fitness Some dogs are naturally better at swimming than others and if they are overweight or have hip dysplasia they may struggle more with swimming

• Rinse your dog after swimming to remove chlorine or bacteria, and dry thoroughly, especially ears and skin folds.

• Avoid chlorine ingestion, and never let dogs drink pool or standing water.

🐾 Tips for a Pawsitive Swimming Experience

Swimming can be a fun and rewarding activity for dogs—if introduced properly. Here’s how to make your pup’s time in the water safe, enjoyable, and stress-free:

• Start Slow

  Ease your dog into the water gradually. Begin in shallow, calm areas and let them get comfortable at their own pace.

  
  

• Use Positive Reinforcement

  Encourage your dog with treats, praise, or a favorite toy. Rewarding small steps builds confidence and trust.

  
  

• Make It a Game

  Toss a floating toy or ball into the water to make swimming feel like playtime. Keep it lighthearted and pressure-free.

  
  

• Take Frequent Breaks

  Swimming is a full-body workout! Give your pup plenty of time to rest in the shade and rehydrate between swims.

  
  

• Bring the Essentials

  Pack a towel, clean drinking water, a bowl, and a pet-specific first-aid kit in case of minor scrapes or slips.

  
  

• Don’t Forget the Basics

  Always have your dog’s leash and collar or harness with ID tags on hand

🥾 Hitting the Trails: Hiking With Your Pup

Hiking is a summer favorite in Alberta—and dogs love it too! Just remember to keep your pup on a leash and check the AllTrails app to find dog-friendly routes.

Hiking Gear Checklist

• Water and collapsible bowl

• Snacks or food

• Collar and leash

• Reflective vest if hiking at dusk

• Dog booties for rough terrain

• First-aid kit

• Waste bags (leave no trace!)

  
  

🏕️ Camping Adventures With Your Dog

A weekend camping trip? Count your dog in! The great outdoors is like one giant backyard—but safety and preparation are key.

Top 10 Camping Tips for Dogs

1. Keep your dog leashed at all times – the excitement of having so much ground to cover can take them far away from campsite before even knowing it and being in an unfamiliar environment can make it difficult for them to find their way back.

2. Make sure they wear a collar with ID tag

3. Provide shade and fresh water

4. Don’t let them drink from lakes or puddles as it can contain bacteria that can make them sick

5. Ensure vaccinations and meds are up to date this includes heartworm, flea and tick and other parasite prevention and pet-safe insect repellents. 

6. Bring a crate for a familiar place to rest

7. Never leave them alone at camp Leaving them alone inside your vehicle or in your tent or trailer is not an acceptable option due to interior temperatures can rise to dangerous levels even in a mild summer day.

8. Keep them away from open fires – a small spark can cause a serous and painful burn

9. Store their food securely – scent of dog food can naturally attract wildlife

10. Pet insurance can help with unexpected accident or illness and making it easier to cover the costs of an unexpected vet visit without having to dip into savings or going into debt. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding pet insurance.

    

    

    
    
    

🐶 Dog Play Parks – Indoor & Outdoor Options

Looking for a fun, social spot for your dog? These Alberta dog parks offer great indoor and outdoor options.

In Red Deer

Sally’s Play Center and Social House

• 16,000 sq ft indoor play space

• 35,000 sq ft outdoor area

• Safe, fun, and community-focused introducing one living pet and owner to another one

• For more information visit: https://www.sallysplaycentre.ca/

  
  

Hands Off Zoom Park

• Private, off-leash park by appointment only

• Vaccine records required

• For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/HandsOffZoompark/

  
  

In Sylvan Lake

Bark Park

• Open-pack play and behavioral supervision

• Social and structured for a safe, fun time

• For more information visit: https://barkparks.ca/

🏡 No vacation? No worries! There are plenty of ways to turn your yard into a doggy playground -- Backyard Fun for Dogs

Try These At-Home Activities

• Hide-and-seek (you or toys!)

• Scatter kibble in the grass for a sniff-and-find game

• Blow some dog-safe bubbles

«  To make dog-safe bubbles, a simple recipe includes 1/4 cup of non-toxic dish soap, 1/2 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 bouillon cube or 1 tablespoon of broth. Dissolve the bouillon cube in the water, mix all ingredients, and use a bubble machine or wand to create bubbles for your dog. 

• Play fetch through a sprinkler

  Keep-away or soccer—great group fun – several people can toss a ball, and your dog only gets it if someone misses.  Ensure your dog is having fun and not getting frustrated.

• Set up a DIY agility course with cardboard boxes or low jumps, poles using pvc pipes or you can purchase simple agility kits online. 

🍽️ Dogs on Patios: Dine With Your Pup

Relax and enjoy a summer meal with your best friend at one of Alberta’s pet-friendly patios.

Red Deer

Visit: https://visitreddeer.com/story/pups-and-patios/ for a list of dog-friendly spots.

Sylvan Lake

Known dog-welcoming patios include:

• Bukwildz

• Driftwood

• 2nd Wind Brewery

• Snake Lake Brewery

• Boston Pizza

Tip: Always call ahead to confirm pet policies!

☀️ Make This Summer Unforgettable

From lakes to trails to your own backyard, summer is full of opportunities to bond with your dog. Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy every wagging moment.