Now that the rainstorms have ended, we bet you and your dog are ready for some summer fun! Lucky for you, we have some great ideas and events coming up over the next few months for dogs of all activity levels.

Just Add Water: Ideas for Dogs that Love to Swim

While some dogs are terrified by the idea of a bath, for others — especially Retrievers — there is nothing better than a dip (or giant splash!) in the water. Many dog parks, like Sutters Landing, add wading pools to their parks during the summer. Rancho Seco Recreational Park in Herald also has a dog park section with lake access.

Looking for something your dog can use at home? Check out this doggy sprinkler toy on Amazon so your dog can have his own fun while out on potty breaks. You can also purchase your own small plastic pools at local stores so your pup can get some splash time at home. (Toss some treats in the pool for a canine version of “apple bobbing!”) Low on cash? Just use your regular sprinkles for a few minutes of fun! 

If you are looking for the best of both worlds – water fun AND a dog park – head out to our Splashy Hours at Animal Den. It’s a pool party for dogs…plus a cash bar with beer and wine for humans! We are offering three chances to join in the fun, so visit sspca.org/splashy to sign up today.

Social pupperflies will also love heading out to our Paw Pavilion at the Sacramento Pride Festival where we will be providing doggy splash pools, as well as bacon flavored bubble chasing! Humans can receive one of our “PAW PRIDE” temporary tattoos while their dog has some fun.

A/C Paw Patrol: Ideas for Low Energy Dogs

Even if your pup is a couch potato, you can still find ways to celebrate summer. Try a frozen kong while he relaxes right under the air conditioning vent (recipe here!). Some local stores, like Strapping Store in Oak Park and Green Acres Nursery, also allow your dog to shop with you. Many coffeeshops and restaurants will also allow your dog on their outside patios. It’s a great way for you both to get out of the house, but still stay relatively cool. Remember: Do not leave your dog in the car during the warm weather! Summertime is no time to leave your dog unattended in a vehicle. 

Grab your furry copilot, crank up the a/c and head to a drive thru to grab your dog a puppaccino! This whipped cream treat will be a big hit and makes for a great Instagram photo op. 

If your laid-back dog enjoys going outside, but would rather not exercise, bring her down to Der Biergarten for our Bow Wow Luau Yappy Hour on June 13th at the Midtown Biergarten. From 6-8pm, dogs and their owners will be tasting brews (even beers specifically for dogs!), winning raffle prizes and having a great time while raising money for the Sacramento SPCA! Plus, they have cooling misters to make sure everyone can chill out…even in the heat.

We hope you and your furry friends have the best summer ever! Click HERE for summer safety reminders!