Summer is the perfect opportunity to pencil in some family time – and that includes your dog, too! Here are our top four ways to spend fun in the sun with your four-legged friend this summer holiday – featuring our favourite pet picks as standard.

Explore new dog walking locations: the very best dog friendly adventures

Be it a British summer holiday, a weekend with plenty of spare time, or yet another sunny day, there’s no better time to explore the great outdoors than summer. Some of the best dog walks in the UK may be a car ride away – the Lake District and South Wales are certainly two locations that should not be missed. As it’s not just us humans that need to wear seatbelts, any road trips with your pooch will require an appropriate dog friendly car restraint or dog travel harnesses (amongst other car travel essentials). There may also be some hidden gems closer to home, so you should definitely explore the best dog walks near you, too. Whether your summer dog walks are nearby or further afield, make sure you’re equipped with all the essentials. Consider adding dog leads, harnesses, dog bowls, cooling coats, and cooling toys to your summer dog walk checklist.

Spend more time outdoors with your dog: garden parties, BBQS, and picnics galore

Whilst the sun is shining – a rare sight here in the UK – you may want to get some much-needed fresh air with your pooch. From spending your summer holiday in the garden to picnicking in the park (tasty dog treats included), relaxing outside is a great way to spend some quality time with your four-legged friends. We’re talking energetic games, throw and fetch dog toys and even the odd treasure hunt – all perfect ways to spoil your family dog. Although we humans pine for the warmer weather, our canine companions might not be quite so happy about the rising temperatures. As a pet parent, you should smart up on how to keep your dog cool in summer. If you’re unsure where to start, your vet should always be your first port of call. As well as offering advice on how to prevent your dog from overheating, they may point you towards a variety of dog cooling products, such as cooling dog toys, water fountains, dog bowls, and temperature controlled beds. You may even want to make your own cooling treats by stuffing a Kong with their favourite dog food and popping it in the freezer.

Set aside some time for dog grooming: a perfectly pampered pooch

Your summer holiday is a great time to up your pooch's grooming game. Not only can you bathe them outside (if the weather permits), your four-legged friend will be left looking pampered for your summer photo album. We love receiving snaps of your furry friends – so if your pooch is looking especially dapper, head on over to our Instagram or Facebook, send us your pics, and join our #FetchFamily. It’s best to discuss your dog’s grooming rituals with your vet – including any changes to their dog shampoo or grooming healthcare products – but dog grooming at home has never been easier. Brushes and combs may come in handy in the summer months, especially if your dog has an undying love for leaping through fields of wheat. Some dog breeds with long hair may also benefit (and cool down) from a summer trim. Whilst you’re focusing on your dog’s coat, you should look into parasite protection – flea, tick and wormer treatments – as well. It’s important to remember that your dog (or cat) can catch fleas at any point in the year but, whilst they’re spending more time outside, you should make sure you know how to prevent fleas as well as how to get rid of fleas.

Dedicate your summer holiday to dog training: school ‘em & shelter ‘em

Your kid’s school may be out for the summer holiday, but that doesn’t mean your dog’s school has to be. With an abundance of free time to offer your pooch the undivided attention they deserve, it’s a great opportunity to focus on puppy training, crate training, or to even teach an old dog new tricks. If you’re planning a family road trip, you may want to knuckle down on how to travel with your dog so that you can teach them how to stay safe in the car. You can even secure them their very own pet passport if your trip crosses the channel into the EU – your vet will be able to inform you of any changing laws surrounding dog passports, cat passports, and pet passports in general. On the other hand, if you’re jetting off on a summer holiday without your furry friend, it’s important to organise suitable arrangements for them ahead of time. Whilst dog sitters and dog boarding are both popular alternatives to traditional dog kennels, the right dog friendly accommodation will depend on their individual personality, temperament, and needs.

Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. It’s important to consult with your vet on a regular basis to raise any pet concerns that you may have.