It’s National Pet Day! One reason we love our fur-babies so much is for the unconditional love they constantly give. Now it’s our turn to show them how much we care and pamper them with the extra love and attention that they deserve. So to help inspire you find new and creative ways to do so we thought we’d take advantage of the spring season and share a few fun outdoor activities you can enjoy with your pup and capitalize on this beautiful weather. Due to more moderate temperatures, spring is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. It’s not too hot and not too cold, making it juuuuuust right for some outdoor playtime! Please enjoy the following ideas for some fun in the sun, to celebrate your loyal pet.
CABIN FEVER
Your pup is probably just as sick of being cooped up in the house as you are. One sure way to cure that cabin fever is to simply get outside and find a place where they can run free! Find an open area with plenty of space for your pup to stretch those legs, let their tongues dangle, and have their ears flap freely in the wind. With all the fresh flowers, new blooms and green grass, they’ll have plenty of sniffing and exploring to catch up on!
TAKE A HIKE
Another great way to explore the new season is to find a nearby park or trail and take a good long hike. Your dog will thank you for the new smells, new environments to explore, and may even find a puddle or creek to splash around in. Don’t forget to be mindful of any leash laws and other fellow adventurers and also be sure to check your pups’ paw pads for wood chips, pebbles, or any other irritants after your journey.
BEACH DAY
If you live close to the coast, plan a day out frolicking in the waves and sand. If not, why not plan a little trip to the closest beach or lake and make a little weekend getaway out of it? Make sure to bring your beach balls, doggy life jacket (if needed) and don’t forget the sunscreen for both you and your pup! There will no doubt be plenty of sticks to fetch on the shoreline, birds to chase, waves to splash around in, and perhaps even other pups to make new friends.
GO FETCH
Help your pup shed those extra winter pounds and brush up on his fetching and catching skills! Grab your frisbees, tennis balls, soccer balls, stuffed animals, and find unique and fun areas for your pup to practice their coordination skills. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture some epic action shots of your airborne pup!
OBSTACLE COURSE
Construct an obstacle course in your backyard and work on agility! Grab some lawn chairs, hula hoops, spare cardboard scraps, and bed sheets and create a safe and fun agility course to run through with your pup. Not only will your pup have a blast, but it will also stimulate them mentally and challenge them physically, resulting in a healthier and happier pup. Find some great, affordable, DIY tips HERE.
SPRING CLEANING FUN
If you haven’t already started this year’s spring cleaning, take those old raggedy shirts out from the bottom of your dressers or out of the donation pile and give them a second life. Simply cut them into large strips and braid or tie them together for a giant tug-toy! Now you are all set for a pretty intense tug-of-war match!
PUPPY LOVE
Spark a little summer romance and arrange some doggy dates! Meet up with other doggy friends, or take them on a blind date to the local dog park . You never know, it may be just a spring fling, a budding summer romance or they may even meet their one true love!
X-GAMES: PUPPY EDITION
Have the coolest pup in town and teach your dog to skateboard! Enjoy the fresh air and cruse around town in style. Besides a lot of fun, your pup is guaranteed to get a lot of laughs, love, attention and even a treat or two. Get some great tips and advice on how to get started HERE.
WATER WORKS
Invite your other furry friends for a wet and wild sprinkler party. Grab a few sprinklers and hoses and set up a few watering holes for a fun way to cool off when it starts to get warm. You can also add a sprinkler or two to your DIY obstacle course for another fun element in their makeshift jungle gym. Another way to have a splashin’ good time with your pup is to have a water-fight! Dust off that water hose, set it to a safe setting, and go crazy! Your pup will love chasing the water, and the best part is you can sneak in a bath while you’re at it. Be careful not to spray too hard or hurt sensitive areas such as the face when playing this game.
SET UP CAMP
Spring is also a great time to introduce camping to your furry best friend. Find pet-friendly campsites, take plenty of treats and make sure there’s room in the tent for the two of you. To ensure a great time be sure to take safety precautions such as making sure your buddy is up-to-date on all vaccinations, that you have flea and tick protection, and even consider microchipping just in case. Bring lots of blankets to cozy up by the fire and relax after a busy day full of adventure and exploring.
We hope you’ve enjoyed these ideas to celebrate your furry friend with a day of springtime fun! Which outdoor activities are your favorites? We’d love to hear from you, so please share your favorite spring adventure with your pup in the comments below! Wishing you a very Happy National Pet Day! Have fun, be safe, and never stop exploring!