Make a Splash With Your Furry Friends

The heat is on and summer is officially here in Central Florida, giving us the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fun in the sun with our dogs. There’s nothing better than letting your pup get their paws wet in the pool, at the beach, or wherever you like to swim and play. But before you dive in headfirst, it’s important to understand the risks and safety considerations involved with letting your dog play in any body of water. 

When you have an effective safety protocol at the ready and approach water play time with the proper preparation, you and your dog can have lots of fun while getting in some great exercise time. Keep reading to learn a few simple yet important tips to help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Water Safety for Any Canine Swim Session

While swimming may be fun for lots of dogs, it also comes with a unique set of risks. The following are a few tips to keep in mind before you start doggy paddling.

Teach your dog the basics of swimming

First and foremost: never put your dog in a body of water without proper training and introductions. Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are born swimmers, and many need at least a few chances to get acclimated to the water before they start swimming in earnest. 

If you have a pool at home, start by letting your dog stand on the steps in the shallow end. You should always start off in the shallow end so it’s easy for your dog to get out if they panic or decide they don’t want to swim. Never force your dog to do more than they’re comfortable with. 

Additionally, there are many professional dog swim classes available to pet parents who want their dogs to have the best training possible. Our friends at Dip’n Dogs offer swim lessons for beginners, as well as hydrotherapy and fitness classes for dogs of all skill levels. 

Whether or not you want to make swimming a regular activity for your dog, it’s a great idea to give them lessons if you have a pool at home. Giving your dog confidence in the water can help save their life in an emergency!

Ensure water conditions are safe

Not all bodies of water are safe for swimming in. Lakes and ponds, in particular, can be home to deadly bacteria that can quickly cause your dog to fall ill or worse. Strong ocean tides can easily overwhelm even the most confident of swimmers, and consuming an excessive amount of saltwater can cause serious health issues in dogs. Always double check the water conditions before you set your play date.

Never leave your dog unattended

No matter how experienced your dog is with swimming, don’t leave them unattended while they play. Make sure you’re close by and free from distractions as you monitor your dog’s behavior and actions in the water. If possible, swim by their side–it’s a great bonding activity and also ensures you’re nearby to help if the need arises.

Plan for breaks

It can be easy to lose track of time when we’re having fun, but it’s important to let your dog take regular breaks during play time. They’ll need to be able to comfortably relieve themselves from time to time. Additionally, swimming expends more energy than the usual activities of running and walking, so they’ll probably get tired more quickly than you expect. 

Always have fresh water nearby

Don’t drink the pool water (or the ocean water, or the river water)! After expending all that energy, your dog is going to need to refuel and refresh with a drink of water. Your dog may be tempted to drink the water around them when they’re thirsty, but of course, that’s not healthy. Be sure to set out a bowl of fresh, cool water in an easily accessible area for your dog to rehydrate.

Teach your dog how to enter and exit the water

Knowing how to safely enter and exit the pool, ocean, or lake is just as important as knowing how to swim. In a pool, you should familiarize your dog with using the stairs. At the beach, make sure there are no rocky drops past the shoreline, and ensure the surf isn’t too rough before you allow your dog to make their way into the water. In other bodies of water, like rivers and lakes, make sure your dog has a slope or a sturdy foothold where they can easily exit as needed. 

Always clean up afterwards

Don’t let that water sit on your dog’s skin and fur after your swim session is over. Chlorine in pools can irritate and dry the skin and fur. Natural bodies of water can have toxins and microorganisms that want to cling to your dog. Always be sure to rinse and thoroughly wash and dry your dog after you’re done swimming. Use a gentle shampoo and be sure to clean around ears and folds!

Why Swimming is a Great Activity for Your Dog

When you’re safe and prepared, swimming is an excellent physical activity for dogs of all ages. It’s truly a full-body workout, more than playing fetch or jogging, and is great for the respiratory and circulatory systems. It’s a great exercise option for elderly and overweight dogs since it’s low impact and offers some additional buoyancy. Another benefit for elderly dogs is that cool water can be therapeutic on sore, arthritic joints. Overall, it’s one of our favorite ways to give our dogs some quality play time, and it’s even more fun when we can enjoy it together!

Keep High-Value Treats on Hand for Swim Training

Getting your dog comfortable and confident in their swimming abilities can take some time. Be sure to offer your dog some high-value treats for being brave and learning new skills! Our all-natural chicken crisps are the perfect reward for a hardworking dog. Visit our online store or stop by our booth at the Lake Mary, Winter Park, and Maitland Farmers Markets almost every weekend! 

Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer With Your Dog

Taking a road trip is the quintessential summer vacation. You load up the car with necessities, a handful of snacks, and a map (or just your smartphone nowadays), and you find adventure wherever the road takes you. Want to know what makes a road trip even better? Taking your dog with you!

Your dog can be the ultimate adventure partner when you’re ready to hit the road. Whether you’re hiking and camping or you’d rather stay somewhere with room service, Central Florida is home to plenty of awesome destinations that you and your dog can enjoy together. Many such locations are less than a day’s drive away from the Orlando area.

Should I Take My Dog on a Road Trip?

Every dog has a unique personality, just like the humans who love them. While some children enjoy camping trips with their parents and siblings, others would prefer to stay in the comfort of their homes. In much the same way, be sure your dog’s temperament is suited to the activities you intend to enjoy on your road trip.

If your dog gets uncomfortable during car rides, a road trip will not be a good fit for them. If your dog is sick or injured, they should stay at home to rest and recover. Additionally, if your dog doesn’t deal well with crowds, you won’t want to bring them with you to a popular destination. Some dogs enjoy being out at dog-friendly restaurants while others prefer exploring quiet trails. You know your dog better than anyone else does; use your common sense and don’t force them into a situation that will be too overwhelming. 

What Supplies Will You Need on Your Dog-Friendly Road Trip?

Adequate preparation is the best tool to help you ensure you and your dog will have a great time on your vacation. When you’re packing for your dog, be sure to bring:

• Plenty of food and fresh drinking water and appropriate dishes. You’ll want to make sure you bring along a sufficient amount of food to keep your dog fed for the duration of your trip, with a little extra just to be safe. Additionally, make sure you take along a few jugs of drinking water so your dog can stay safely hydrated. If you feed your dog fresh food, make sure you have a reliable way to keep your food chilled, whether you will have a refrigerator at your destination or you intend to maintain it in a cooler.

• Lots of high-reward treats! If your dog is being introduced to a new environment, you want to make sure you can reward them for good behavior in unfamiliar situations. Bring along plenty of healthy, natural dog treats to reinforce their training and encourage them to play and explore safely.

• Leash, collar/harness, and ID tags. Your dog’s safety should be your top priority on your road trip. Make sure you have appropriate collars or harnesses and leashes so you can make sure your dog’s exploration is controlled and easily monitored. Also, even if you have your dog microchipped–which you should–be sure to attach an updated ID tag to their collar to ensure they can be returned to you quickly and safely should they wander.

• First aid kit and vet records. Accidents happen. If your dog has a medical emergency, you want to make sure you can address it from your current location instead of having to drive all the way back home. Make sure you have a complete first aid kit so that you can patch up minor cuts, scratches, and bug bites right away. In case you run into a more serious issue, it’s a good idea to have their veterinary records handy. 

• Toys and comfort items. Even the most adventurous dog can become overwhelmed in a new setting. Be sure to bring along some of your dog’s favorite toys and any blankets, pillows, or comfort items they use to self-soothe. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or camping in the wilderness, you’ll want to set up a safe space for them to call their home away from home.

Where Are the Best Dog-Friendly Road Trips in Central Florida? 

Many major destinations around the state of Florida are considered dog friendly! Here are a few selections to choose from based on your personal preferences:

Beach Destinations

Key West is known for being a dog-friendly destination, and the Key West Dog Beach is a great place to start. After some fun in the sun, you and your dog can cool off at one of several nearby dog-friendly restaurants and bars. Many hotels and rentals in the area are dog-friendly and even geared toward dog lovers. 

If you’d rather head north, Jacksonville also has several great dog-friendly beaches to choose from. Just be sure to check the calendar before you hit the sand with your furry friend: dogs are generally not allowed on the beach during turtle nesting season. 

City Destinations

Vacations with dogs don’t just have to be outdoorsy! Many cities are becoming increasingly dog friendly, with resorts, parks, and activity centers for dogs of all ages and breeds. If you prefer a staycation, Orlando is a wonderfully dog-friendly city. Enjoy a latte with your dog at Cups and Pups, or take them out for a tail-waggin’ good time at Pups Pub. There are plenty of parks around the city where you can enjoy a stroll and a sniff. 

West Palm is also becoming one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the state. Most notably, the luxury Ben Hotel even offers dog-friendly room service! With so many restaurants and boutiques named after the owners’ dogs around the city center, it should come as no surprise that our furry friends are highly celebrated there. 

Adventure Destinations

Sniffing out new trails? Your options are abundant! Head to St. Augustine to explore the oldest city in the United States. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is dog-friendly and gives you the option to explore real Florida history. The area is known for being welcoming to dogs and their humans. 

Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont has luxury “glamping” accommodations that are dog-friendly and give you easy access to some incredible hiking trails, canoeing and paddleboarding sites, and nature watching opportunities. This is a great option for anyone looking to experience a variety of adventures all in one place!

Take a Trip You and Your Dog Will Never Forget

We’ve only just started to scratch the surface of all the wonderful places throughout Florida where you can take a great road trip with your dog. When you’re ready to stock up on extra dog food and treats for the road, head over to our shop and order a few of your dog’s favorites. We can’t wait to hear about all of your amazing adventures together!

Stay Cool in the Hot Florida Summer

Summertime is a lifestyle here in Central Florida. Taking trips to the beach, strolling through botanical gardens, and splashing in the local springs are just a few of the things we do to embrace (or cool down from) the heat of the season. The summer is a great time to enjoy some outdoor activities with our dogs, too! Active and adventurous dogs can burn off some energy and get their exercise by joining you for your favorite outdoor activities.

As always, a little preparation and some safety considerations can help make your summer stress-free. Extreme summer temperatures can become uncomfortable for us humans, and the same goes for our pets! What’s more, the arrival of summer insects and other critters as well as crowded spaces mean that we may have some new situations to navigate with our furry friends. Keep a few dog health and safety tips in mind to help make this summer a season you won’t forget.

Summer Safety for Your Dog

Dogs of all ages, breeds, and life stages need some special summertime care. Most of these important summer safety tips for your dogs deal with regulating high temperatures and ensuring safety outdoors. Here are the safety precautions we use with our dogs before heading out for some summer fun. 

Avoid overheating in any situation

As we mentioned before, extreme summer temperatures can be uncomfortable for our dogs; in the worst-case scenarios, soaring heat can also have negative health effects on our pets. First and foremost, never, ever leave your dog unattended in a hot, parked car. According to the AKC, when outside temperatures reach 80 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in minutes. Exposing your dog to such temperatures can cause heat stroke, brain damage, and death. As a rule of thumb, we avoid taking our dogs on trips where we would have to park and leave them inside – it’s just easier and more comfortable for everyone involved.

Additionally, pay attention to the heat of the sidewalk or sand when you’re taking your dog for a walk. Avoid walking on asphalt as much as possible. Experts note that if a surface is uncomfortably hot on your own feet, it will be uncomfortable on your dog’s paws. Try getting your dog a set of summer walking booties for extra protection. Organic paw balm can provide great relief for your dog’s paws after a walk, too! 

Stay hydrated

Your dog might not sweat like we do, but they still lose plenty of hydration during the day through normal bodily functions, like panting, breathing, and going potty. Believe it or not, dogs even sweat through their paws, especially on hot summer days. Dehydration can cause serious health issues for your dog, like lethargy, weakness, and an elevated heart rate. According to Heaven at Home Pet Hospice, dogs can become severely ill after losing just 10-15% of their bodies’ water content. 

To prevent dehydration, always make sure you have a source of clean water and a dish for your dog to drink from when you plan on being outside and active for more than 20 minutes. Avoid any strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day; save your long walks for the mornings and evenings. If you take your dog to the beach, saltwater is NOT safe for dogs to consume for rehydration, even if it is cool and inviting. Some dogs don’t like drinking from shared water bowls or don’t drink when they’re overstimulated, so if this is your dog, you might want to cut your outside time short. 

Bring proper identification

The summer is full of lots of new stimuli. Your dog may be tempted to zoom off to chase other dogs in the park or a squirrel - or they may bolt at the sound of fireworks or thunder. Always make sure your dog is properly microchipped and has all the necessary tags with your information in case they zoom off. Additionally, always make sure you keep your dog on a leash unless you’re in a designated off-leash area. 

Let your dog set the pace

It’s so tempting to start running at full speed the second you hit the beach with your dog, but if your dog isn’t particularly active, this can leave them susceptible to injuries and discomfort. Let your dog set the pace of your activities and never, ever push them beyond their comfort level. Just like you need to warm up before you spend time at the gym, your dog needs to have their muscles warm and primed before they participate in any strenuous activity.

Fuel Your Summer with Wholesome Nutrition

A healthy, wholesome diet is the perfect fuel for any summertime activities! Pawsitively Pure Dog Food makes wholesome, gently-cooked dog food, treats, and bone broth that are packed with nutrients to keep your dog playing all summer long. Visit our online shop to order today!

Preparing for a Long Journey With Your Pet

Summer is hot on our heels, and with it come summer vacations, trips to the beach, and family getaways for the whole family. There are so many dog-friendly activities around Florida that cater to pets of all different sizes, ages, and activity levels and their parents. But before you hit the open road, there’s one thing to consider: you need to cater to your dog’s needs during the journey. 

While many dogs do love car rides – we’ve all seen happy pups with their heads out the window, ears flapping in the breeze – it’s still important to make sure your dog will stay comfortable for the duration of your travels, especially if you’ll be on the road for more than a couple of hours. As always, preparation is key to make the trip a success! 

What if Your Dog Has Car Anxiety?

Some dogs aren’t as excited as others to hop in the car and go for a ride. Just like humans, some dogs may get car sick, and others just don’t like to be enclosed in a small space for very long. While you can still take your dog places, we recommend that you don’t travel too far if you know your dog has travel anxiety. Even with all the toys, treats, and comfort items, your dog will still get uncomfortable at some point.

If you have a few months before your road trip commences, you can start training your dog to love the car. Take it slowly and give your dog treats every time they comfortably approach your vehicle. Once they’re happy enough to hop in on their own, take short trips and give them plenty of treats along the way. You can even set up some puzzle games and toys in the car so they have a reason to look forward to being in there. 

Equipment to Bring for Your Dog-Friendly Road Trip

Food and Water

Dogs are creatures of habit and function the best when they’re sticking to a schedule. If your road trip will coincide with their regular feeding time, make sure you factor in a stop so you can feed them appropriately. If your dog tends to graze throughout the day, make sure their food is accessible in a stable location so they won’t stumble or strain themselves while they’re feeding. 

All dogs should have clean, fresh water readily available to them at all times. If you’ll be on the road for longer than an hour, you should invest in a travel bowl that’s comfortable enough to drink from and can stay sturdy inside a moving vehicle. Bring along enough water with you so you can go the duration of your trip without seeing an empty water bowl.

Safety Harnesses and Equipment

While Florida laws do not require dogs to be restrained in your car while you’re driving, it’s still a good idea to make sure they have safety equipment that will keep them from stumbling and protect them in the event that you need to stop short. Specialized harnesses hook up to your seatbelts and keep your dog secure without being uncomfortable.

If your dog is more comfortable in his kennel, get a travel kennel and put it in the back of your car. This is ideal for people with SUVs and cars that have back seats that can fold down. Your dog will feel right at home while you’re on the go! Just make sure they still have access to their food and water. 

Toys, Treats, and Comfort Items

Even a dog that loves car rides can get bored or uncomfortable after an extended period of time. Give them lots of fun and comforting items that keep them busy and make them feel safe. Offer treats to your dogs for good behavior and give them toys to snuggle and some to chew on. Be sure that offering treats doesn’t turn you into a distracted driver; it’s safest to grab and offer treats when your car is at a full stop. 

Tips for Staying Safe and Having Fun

Factor in More Stops Than You Would Without Your Dog

You may have developed a bladder of steel if you’re a seasoned road trip enthusiast, but your dog should have plenty of opportunities to take a break and do their business. Be sure to properly clean up after your dog at every stop; you’ll want to bring plenty of waste collection bags with you in case they’re not freely available. Your dog will also appreciate the chance to smell some new smells and explore!

Ensure Your Dog Has His Own Space

It can be so tempting to cuddle your dog on your lap while you drive, but doing so can be very dangerous. Not only does it turn you into a distracted driver and prevent you from having full range of motion, it also puts your dog at risk in the case of stopping short or an accident. Make sure your dog has a designated space in your car, preferably in the back seat. This can take some getting used to, so it’s a good idea to spend time familiarizing your dog with their area before you hit the road. 

Sleepy Dogs are Happy Travelers

The best scenario for everyone is when your dog gets to snooze while you get a majority of the driving out of the way. Before you start your journey, make sure you take your dog for a long walk and give them some mental stimulation through puzzles and toys. They’ll be in a relaxed state by the time you start to drive, and they should be able to get a nap in. 

There’s Nothing Better Than a Vacation With Your Dog

We love being able to take our dogs to the beaches and dog-friendly places across the state. Florida is a wonderful place for pet parents to thrive and give their pets lots of new and fun experiences. When you’re ready to hit the road, make sure you’re stocked up with healthy dog treats to make the trip fun and easy. Visit our online shop and choose from peanut butter & pumpkin flavor or blueberry & oat flavor!

We hope you and your dogs have been enjoying a fun and exciting summer! Everyone loves the spring and summer months as they give us a little extra time to get outdoors and have some fun in the sun. Even if you and your furry friends don’t get the opportunity to take a little vacation, there are plenty of dog-friendly locations around Central Florida for you and your pups to play and explore. Orlando Weekly compiled this great list, if you need a few ideas! 

As you enjoy the summer months, there are a few safety precautions you should keep in mind so you and your dogs can have the best time possible. Here are a handful of suggestions to help you have safe fun in the sun: 

• Take care not to let your dog walk on hot sidewalks or asphalt. Since you’re almost always wearing shoes outside, you probably don’t realize just how hot the pavement can get. Studies show that when the outside temperature hits 86 or 87 degrees, asphalt can clock in at over 130 degrees - and here in Central Florida, we’re regularly seeing temperatures above 90 degrees. Surfaces that hot can easily burn your dog’s feet, causing pain and blistering or worse. As a rule of thumb, if the pavement is too hot for you to leave your hand there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

• Be sure to help your dog stay hydrated, and get familiar with the signs of overheating. Dog’s can’t sweat like we can - they pant and drink water to help regulate their body temperature. When your dog is playing with its friends, it may not be getting the hydration it needs to stay happy. Try to encourage your dog to drink a little bit of water at frequent intervals, rather than a lot all at once. If you notice that your dog has wobbly legs, is drooling a lot, or is vomiting, they may be suffering from overheating and need to see a vet right away. For more information on keeping your dog hydrated, check out our blog here.

• Your dogs need sunscreen, too! Dogs with shorter hair and lighter colored coats are especially susceptible to sunburn and associated skin cancers that come with it. Make sure you at least apply sunscreen to the areas of your dog where skin is exposed, like nose and bellies. Your vet should be able to recommend a dog-friendly sunscreen formula for your pup. 

Having fun in the sun is quite possible with the right precautions! For more great pet health and safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.