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Everything you need to enjoy a great summer with your dog

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the flowers are in full bloom. Summer is finally here! After an endless winter and a rainy spring, there’s only one thing on our minds: enjoying this beautiful weather with friends, family and our faithful canine companion. 

Here are some tips and tricks for a great summer with your dog, wherever your travels take you. 

On the road with your furry friend

Road trips + summer = a match made in heaven. While some of us will stay close to home or the cottage, others will be travelling farther afield to enjoy everything la belle province has to offer. 

Naturally, you want to include your dog in those plans! Many hotels and campgrounds allow pets. You can do a quick search online to find out which ones are pet friendly. 

These hotels normally charge a small fee to accommodate your pet and give them special treatment by preparing a little area in your room ahead of time where your pet can sleep and eat. You and your dog will love it! 

A million ways to have a doggone good summer

There’s so much to do in the summer— from trips to the beach or hikes in the mountains, to boating, canoeing and pedal boating, the warm weather possibilities are endless.

If you enjoy hiking, hit up our regional parks for the trails and gorgeous views. They offer a welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

And if you are looking for something different to do with your furry friend, a few zoos also allow dogs!

See the country (or world) with your dog

There is plenty to see and do right here at home. But you might want to travel farther this summer to another province or even another country. 

If you want to fly with your pet, you’ll need to plan ahead because the rules can vary depending on the destination and airline. Be sure to do your homework! 

The Canadian International Health Certificate can be used to accompany pet dogs to other countries. You won’t need it if you’re travelling to a country that provides its own health certificates.

If you’re planning to travel outside the country with your pet, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office in your province.

You’ll also want to call your vet to make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. And be sure your dog is protected against ticks and fleas, since they’re more at risk in the summer, no matter where you are. The right products will give your dog the protection they need.

The essentials for a great vacation

It’s always exciting to pack for a trip you’ve been looking forward to. We recommend packing a few small essentials in your dog’s travel bag, including:

Up-to-date health records, collar, leash, tags, bowls (food and water), poop bags (ideally biodegradable), floating and waterproof toys, a dog life jacket, boots to protect their paws at the beach or on hikes, a blanket and their bed.

You might also want to bring along some sunscreen, bug spray, a small first-aid kit, dog shampoo and odour neutralizer, which will come in handy if your pet gets sprayed by a skunk or wades into a pond.

Besides these essentials, it’s a good idea to bring along a cooling mat and vest. They will help your dog stay cool in hot spots like the beach. 

A cooling mat can help regulate their body temperature, while providing a cushy place to lie down. It can be used in place of a bed or as a cooling cover to put in your dog’s favourite spot. 

The cooling vest does not require a power supply and is easy to prepare: simply dip the vest in cold or fresh water, wring it out and put it on your dog.

A cooling mat and vest are practical ways to help your pup stay comfortable in the summer. Both you and your dog are sure to love them!

Have a great summer with your #1 pup

There you have it! Now that the sun is shining, the weather is warm and vacation time is finally here, you’ve got everything you need to have a great summer with your dog.

Enjoy your time off and share your best summer memories by tagging us on our social media!