After staying indoors for most of the winter, dogs revel in the warmth and sunshine of spring. If you love springtime as much as your pooch, there are plenty of veterinarian-recommended outdoor activities for you to enjoy together. Outdoor fun strengthens the dog-parent bond, contributes to physical fitness, and improves mental and emotional health. Celebrate the beauty of spring by sharing these five fun activities with your best friend.

5 Outdoor Ways to Spoil Your Dog

1. Hiking

Explore nature this spring with your companion to enjoy beautiful landscapes and plenty of new smells. Find clearly marked trails near you to burn calories and tone muscles with different terrain. If you’re headed deep into the woods, bring at least one friend with you for safety purposes, especially if there are bears and or cougars in your area. The more people you have with you, the more likely these animals are to stay away.

2. Biking

Go biking with your dog on park bike paths and any other trails that are safe from vehicles. Consider purchasing bicycle attachments that keep your dog with you at a safe distance unless the bike paths in your area are off-leash and you’re sure they won’t run away. Veterinarians recommend that you make periodic stops to water your dog and prevent issues such as heatstroke.

3. Running/Jogging

Take your dog on daily runs or jogs—trying to keep up will increase your endurance. Stick to surfaces that don’t stress the joints as much as asphalt and concrete, such as grass, sand, and rubber tracks. If you run on grass or sand, keep an eye out for holes and construction debris.

4. Swimming

Like biking and hiking, swimming is a low-impact exercise that won’t stress the joints. It’s ideal for older or arthritic dogs because water buoyancy limits strain on weight-bearing joints while improving range of motion and exercising the heart. Stick to pools and lakes for safe swimming activities, as veterinarians note rivers and oceans feature threats such as changing currents, undertows, and unfriendly animal life. 

5. Dog Park Excursions

Take your pup to the local dog park to socialize. Find parks near you with clear separations for large and small dogs, hydration stations, plenty of shade, exercise equipment and obstacles, and quality fencing.

Always bring water and a portable, collapsible bowl with you when you’re heading outside with your dog, especially on hot days, and check for ticks after every outing. This is particularly important when you venture out into wooded areas. 

Exercise your dog regularly and see Carolina Veterinary Hospital for annual wellness exams. The veterinarians at this animal clinic in Sanford, NC, offer a complete range of services, including emergency pet care, in a warm and welcoming environment. Call (919) 258-3349 today to schedule an appointment or visit the vets online for more service information. Get additional pet care tips on Facebook.