Looking for the perfect place for your dog to run wild, make new friends, and burn off some energy? The U.S. is full of incredible dog parks — from scenic beaches to sprawling green spaces in the heart of bustling cities.

At Pep and Pup, we’ve rounded up some of the best dog parks across the United States, so you and your furry best friend can find your next great adventure — no matter where you are!

California

Los Angeles: Runyon Canyon Dog Park

Famous for its hiking trails and celebrity sightings, Runyon Canyon also offers leash-optional areas where dogs can roam free with jaw-dropping views of the city.

San Francisco: Fort Funston

Known for its sandy trails and off-leash beaches, Fort Funston is a dream come true for dogs who love to run, dig, and splash.

San Diego: Fiesta Island Dog Park

With rolling dunes, open fields, and water access, Fiesta Island offers a giant playground where dogs can swim and sprint off-leash across an entire peninsula.

Sacramento: North Natomas Regional Dog Park

Separate play areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, and plenty of shaded benches for owners.

New York

New York City: Tompkins Square Dog Run

NYC’s first dog run and still one of the best — with separate areas for big and small dogs, water features, and lots of community events.

Brooklyn: Prospect Park Dog Beach

A rare off-leash swimming spot in the city where dogs can paddle and cool off during designated hours.

Buffalo: The Barkyard

A fully fenced dog park located right downtown with agility features and shaded areas.

Texas

Austin: Zilker Metropolitan Park

A huge, dog-friendly area with off-leash fields, water access, and lots of room to roam.

Houston: Millie Bush Bark Park

Two large ponds for water-loving pups, shaded picnic spots, and trails — this park is a paradise for active dogs.

Dallas: NorthBark Dog Park

This 22-acre park includes a lake, trails, a doggy shower, and dedicated small dog areas.

Florida

Miami: Amelia Earhart Dog Park

This large fenced park has multiple sections, agility courses, and shaded shelters for hot days.

Orlando: Lake Baldwin Park

One of Orlando’s only leash-free dog beaches, offering 23 acres of lakeside fun.

Tampa: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Dog Park

Right in the heart of downtown, this urban park has fountains, artificial turf, and water views — perfect for an after-work romp.

Illinois

Chicago: Montrose Dog Beach

Dogs can frolic off-leash along the sandy Lake Michigan shore — a must-visit for Chicago dog owners.

Chicago: Wiggly Field Dog Park

Named after Wrigley Field, this popular dog hangout in the city offers lots of play space and a tight-knit dog community.

Colorado

Denver: Cherry Creek State Park Off-Leash Area

Over 100 acres of open space with a creek, trails, and even sandy beaches for endless exploration.

Boulder: Valmont Dog Park

A large fenced-in park offering separate spaces for shy and energetic dogs, with plenty of grassy and rocky terrain.

Washington

Seattle: Warren G. Magnuson Park Off-Leash Area

One of Seattle’s largest, with trails, fields, and even water access to Lake Washington where dogs can swim.

Spokane: Spokane Humane Society Dog Park

Well-kept, beautiful, and offering a safe space for dogs to run and play.

Massachusetts

Boston: Peter’s Park Dog Run

A favorite with locals for its well-maintained space, friendly regulars, and separate areas for large and small dogs.

Cambridge: Danehy Park Dog Run

Tons of green space and a relaxed, welcoming vibe make it one of the top spots in the Boston area.

Georgia

Atlanta: Piedmont Park Dog Park

Three acres of shaded play areas with lots of room for pups to run — and just steps away from Atlanta’s bustling Midtown.

Arizona

Phoenix: Steele Indian School Park Dog Park

Shaded seating areas, large grassy spaces, and friendly crowds — a must-visit in Phoenix.

Scottsdale: Chaparral Dog Park

Three acres of off-leash heaven, complete with water fountains and separate areas for shy pups.

North Carolina

Charlotte: Frazier Park Dog Park

Right near Uptown Charlotte, this urban dog park has grassy areas and shady spots — ideal for city dogs.

Raleigh: Millbrook Exchange Dog Park

Fully lighted at night, offering playtime even after sunset!

Oregon

Portland: Sellwood Riverfront Dog Park

A riverside oasis where dogs can chase, swim, and dig to their hearts’ content.

Portland: Chimney Park

A 16-acre fenced dog park built on a former industrial site — now all grassy fields and wide-open space for running.

Nevada

Las Vegas: Barkin’ Basin Park

Large, spacious play areas, shaded benches, and dog-friendly water fountains — a great escape from the Vegas heat.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia: Schuylkill River Park Dog Run

This stylish city dog park features double-gated entrances, artificial turf, doggy pools, and separate areas for large and small pups.

Bonus Picks: Other Top U.S. Dog Parks

• Shawnee Mission Dog Park (Shawnee, Kansas): 53 acres including a swimming lake for dogs.

• Hugh Rogers WAG Park (Whitefish, Montana): Agility courses, ponds, and mountain views.

• Pilgrim Bark Park (Provincetown, Massachusetts): An artsy dog park filled with whimsical sculptures and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

Tips for Visiting U.S. Dog Parks

• Always bring waste bags and clean up after your pup.

• Bring fresh water (especially in warmer states!).

• Know your dog’s comfort level with new dogs and environments.

• Check the park’s rules ahead of time (some require permits or separate small dog areas).

Whether you and your pup love beaches, mountains, forests, or city skylines, there’s a dog park in the U.S. ready to welcome you both. So grab the leash (or maybe just a few tennis balls) and get exploring!

Where will your next adventure take you?

There’s nothing better than watching your dog sprint across an open field, splash in a pond, or make a new best friend. Luckily, Canada is packed with amazing dog parks from coast to coast — whether you’re exploring the Rockies, strolling city streets, or relaxing by the ocean.

At Pep and Pup, we’ve rounded up the very best dog parks across Canada, province by province, so you can find the perfect spot for your next outing with your pup!

British Columbia

Vancouver: Hadden Park Dog Beach

Right in Kitsilano, Hadden Park offers off-leash fun and ocean access — perfect for water-loving dogs. Expect lots of social dogs and gorgeous sunset views.

Surrey: Tynehead Regional Park

This massive park features a fully fenced off-leash area plus long, leash-optional trails through forests and fields.

Victoria: Clover Point Park

Set on a dramatic ocean bluff, Clover Point gives dogs plenty of space to run — with the bonus of incredible sea views.

Alberta

Calgary: Sue Higgins Park

At over 62 hectares, this is Calgary’s biggest off-leash park. Dogs love the river access, wide-open fields, and wooded trails.

Edmonton: Terwillegar Park

A local favourite, Terwillegar Park offers massive off-leash space, water access for swimming, and rolling trails.

Canmore: Quarry Lake Dog Park

Dogs can play in the meadow and take a refreshing dip with stunning mountain views in the background.

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon: Avalon Dog Park

This fenced-in park offers grassy fields and a walking loop, perfect for active dogs who love to fetch and socialize.

Regina: Cathy Lauritsen Memorial Off-Leash Dog Park

Located in west Regina, this park has large open spaces, natural prairie grasses, and fenced areas for small and large dogs.

Manitoba

Winnipeg: Maple Grove Dog Park

This huge, semi-wooded park features open fields, water access, and trails — it’s a Winnipeg must-visit for dog owners.

Brandon: Dinsdale Dog Park

Set along the Assiniboine River, Dinsdale offers big open spaces and a beautiful natural setting for off-leash play.

Ontario

Toronto: Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Park

One of Toronto’s best-kept secrets, Cherry Beach offers sandy beaches, wooded areas, and safe off-leash zones right by the water.

Ottawa: Conroy Pit

A forested dog paradise with long off-leash trails where adventurous dogs can roam and explore to their heart’s content.

Mississauga: Jack Darling Memorial Park

A large, fenced park that includes water features, shaded areas, and lots of room to run.

Quebec

Montreal: Parc Lafontaine Dog Park

Located in one of Montreal’s most iconic parks, this dog run offers shady areas and a friendly, social vibe.

Quebec City: Parc Chauveau

Dogs can roam along forested trails and enjoy water access in this large, semi-natural park environment.

New Brunswick

Moncton: Centennial Dog Park

A well-maintained, fully fenced park with separate areas for small and large dogs, plus lots of room to run.

Fredericton: Odell Dog Park

Odell Park is one of the most beautiful natural parks in New Brunswick — and it includes off-leash trails for dogs to enjoy.

Nova Scotia

Halifax: Seaview Memorial Park

An off-leash area with gorgeous ocean views, rolling fields, and lots of space for your dog to play.

Dartmouth: Shubie Park Off-Leash Trails

Miles of forested off-leash trails along the water — a perfect escape into nature for dogs and owners alike.

Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown: Victoria Park Dog Park

This fenced-in space inside Victoria Park offers safe play for dogs in a beautiful historic setting by the harbor.

Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s: Mundy Pond Dog Park

Located near downtown, this fenced dog park offers a friendly community vibe and a great place for dogs to stretch their legs.

Yukon

Whitehorse: Rotary Park Off-Leash Area

Set along the Yukon River, Rotary Park’s off-leash zone offers incredible views, open fields, and a relaxed vibe.

Northwest Territories

Yellowknife: Bristol Pit

An informal off-leash area with open sandy pits, perfect for adventurous dogs who love to climb and explore.

Tips for Visiting Dog Parks in Canada

• Always check local rules — some parks require leashes on certain trails.

• Bring water, especially in summer months.

• Keep an eye on your dog to ensure play stays safe and fun!

• Pick up after your pup to help keep parks clean for everyone.

Whether you’re a city dweller or a nature lover, Canada’s dog parks offer endless adventures for you and your best friend. Grab your leash (or don’t!) and explore the best spots across the country.

Where will you and your pup head next?

Australia isn’t just a paradise for humans — it’s a haven for our four-legged friends too! From coastal beaches to sprawling urban parks, Australia offers some of the best dog-friendly spaces in the world.

At Pep and Pup, we’ve rounded up some of the best dog parks across Australia, so you and your pup can sniff out your next great adventure.

New South Wales

Sydney: Centennial Parklands – Off-Leash Areas

Covering over 150 acres of off-leash areas, Centennial Park is a dog’s dream. With open fields, shady trees, and ponds to splash in, it’s one of Sydney’s best dog destinations.

Sydney: Sirius Cove Reserve

A small, peaceful beach where dogs can enjoy off-leash swimming during certain hours. Perfect for a seaside day out!

Newcastle: Islington Dog Park

A fully fenced dog park with agility equipment and plenty of space for dogs to run free.

Victoria

Melbourne: Albert Park – Gasworks Park

Located close to the city, Gasworks Park offers a relaxed atmosphere, off-leash zones, and even pet-friendly cafes nearby.

Melbourne: Yarra Bend Park

The largest natural bushland park close to Melbourne, Yarra Bend features expansive off-leash areas, riverside trails, and wide-open fields.

Geelong: Stead Park Dog Off-Leash Area

Large, secure, and well-maintained, this is a favourite for Geelong locals and their energetic pups.

Queensland

Brisbane: Kedron Brook Floodway Dog Off-Leash Area

Stretching for kilometres, Kedron Brook offers long off-leash trails and creek spots where dogs can cool off.

Gold Coast: Musgrave Park Dog Agility Area

A fenced park featuring agility equipment for adventurous dogs who love a challenge.

Sunshine Coast: Buderim Dog Park

Well-shaded and grassy with separate areas for large and small dogs.

Western Australia

Perth: South Fremantle Dog Beach

One of Perth’s most beloved dog beaches, offering soft sands, clear water, and an incredible sunset backdrop.

Perth: Whiteman Park Dog Park

Fully enclosed, with plenty of room to play, trails to sniff out, and even dog-friendly events held year-round.

South Australia

Adelaide: Pityarilla Dog Park (Park 19)

Beautifully landscaped with water features, agility equipment, and separate areas for big and small dogs — a real community favourite.

Adelaide: Hazelwood Park Dog Area

Shady trees, creeks, and plenty of open space for your pup to run off-leash and enjoy the fresh air.

Tasmania

Hobart: Queens Domain Dog Exercise Area

Just minutes from downtown Hobart, this huge open space allows dogs to run free across grassy hills with stunning views over the city.

Launceston: Heritage Forest Dog Park

Fully fenced with large grassy sections and walking paths — a safe and fun space for pups of all sizes.

Northern Territory

Darwin: East Point Reserve

A huge area with beaches, shady picnic spots, and trails where dogs can roam off-leash. The sunsets here are absolutely unforgettable!

Darwin: Marlow Lagoon Pet Park (Palmerston)

One of the NT’s few fully fenced dog parks, featuring agility equipment and grassy fields.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra: Weston Park

Set right by Lake Burley Griffin, Weston Park offers shady trails, off-leash beaches, and wide-open fields for endless running.

Canberra: Yarralumla Dog Park

Large fenced zones, plenty of parking, and lots of friendly locals — a perfect meet-up spot for active dogs.

Bonus Picks: Other Great Aussie Dog Adventures

• Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve (QLD): A dog-friendly beach with shallow waters perfect for swimming.

• Brighton Dog Beach (VIC): A popular Melbourne spot with shallow bays, soft sand, and plenty of playful pups.

• Glenelg North Dog Beach (SA): One of Adelaide’s top spots for beach-loving dogs.

• Cable Beach (WA): In Broome, dogs are allowed off-leash north of the rocks — picture-perfect sunsets guaranteed!

Tips for Visiting Dog Parks in Australia

• Always check the park signage for leash rules — some areas have seasonal restrictions.

• Bring water and a bowl — Australia can get HOT!

• Remember sunscreen — yes, even for dogs with short or light coats.

• Watch for local wildlife, especially near bushland parks.

• Always clean up after your pup — Aussie parks are well-kept, and it’s a shared community effort!

From the beaches of Queensland to the urban oases of Melbourne and Sydney, Australia is packed with incredible off-leash areas where dogs can play, swim, and socialize.

Where will your next Aussie dog adventure be?

If you’re here, you probably already know the joy of being around a furry companion, but there are a few other positives you might not expect. Here are 10 benefits of getting a dog you might not have seen coming.

Unexpected Benefits of Getting a Dog

Workout Buddy

It’s great to have a workout buddy who will always be by your side, and it’s definitely one of the surprising benefits of getting a dog. If you want to run, want someone to get in the way while you do yoga or press ups, or to chase when they make it over the garden fence, you’re in luck. A dog can help you push your workout limits.

Walking’s good exercise. It’s easy to forget that in this modern world of crossfit, bootcamp, and seeing Chris Hemsworth juiced to the gills for every Thor movie. A good old walk is actually very beneficial for the heart and your general sense of wellbeing. And having a dog will make you get up in the morning and go for a walk, starting your day off awake and energized.

It Prepares You For Parenthood

We don’t like the term ‘owner’ at Pep and Pup, we prefer the term ‘dog parents’ or ‘guardian.’ Adopting a dog is not exactly the same as having a child—do not say this to someone with children. But it does teach you some of the rudimentary skills. Getting up in the middle of the night when it’s hungry, or whiny, or scared. Understanding its moods and needs and body language. Putting another being’s needs above your own. Giving it an education and teaching manners. Keeping it well fed and healthy. Paying a lot of money towards its wellbeing. Loving it for life. Does all of this sound familiar?

Managing Money

You’ve probably gotten to the point where you understand your budget and what is disposable income. A dependent pet will teach you how to budget. You’ll have multiple pots for dog food, pet insurance, and emergency veterinary work.

Getting Out in Nature

When you get into nature, you automatically feel better. It’s where we’re supposed to be. We’re not supposed to walk around on hard pavements, only see the colour grey and the white light of screens. Dogs push us to sniff out new places to explore, so are great buddies to have by your side and get back to nature.

Good Mental Health

Coming home to a fish isn’t going to automatically put you in a good mood, although fish tanks do promote calm. But there’s no replacement for a ball of fur that’s always happy to see you. Their presence lowers your heart rate and chills you out within minutes. Dog parents show less signs of stress and depression than people without pets.

Shrugging Off Your Perfectionism

One of life’s chief lessons is that nothing is ever perfect. The journey has its ups and downs. A dog knocking over vases, humping your leg, shaking wet hair onto your floors, smelling like a lake, and peeing on stuff can teach you this lesson and really help it to sink in.

It Can Boost Your Social Life, If You Want

Now yes, your pup gets the dog’s share of the attention. But having a dog will be excellent for your social life, if you want it to. You go to parks and walk the neighbourhood. You see the same people and they recognize you, then they stop to chat, because who can resist that furry face? They can even spark love.

It Can Ruin Your Social Life, If You Want

“I’m sorry, I forgot to feed the dog.” No one can question you, or they would be depriving your beautiful puppy of food. So you automatically have an excuse to get out of any ongoing plans that you just aren’t keen on. Check out our guide on how long you can leave a dog home alone.

Heart Health

Some studies have shown that heart attack patients live longer if they have pets. Male pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (signs of heart disease) than those who don’t. So while a puppy can melt your heart and a dog can steal it, they’re actually very beneficial for it too.

Unconditional Love

There are only a few people in our lives who will love us unconditionally. If you show love to your dog, you will always have someone to come home to who loves you, even on the bad days when you’re out of sorts, or when you don’t love yourself all that much. Dogs don’t judge, question, or admonish; they just love.

Unexpected Benefits of A Dog: Wrapping Up

Dogs are wonderful companions, and can add so much love to your life that you didn’t expect! Did we miss any other benefits of having a dog that we weren’t aware of before letting one into your life? For more fun pet content, follow Pep & Pup on social media, and stay up to date with our latest content on our website!

Image Credits

Photo by Martin Dalsgaard on Unsplash

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Photo by Anna Dudkova on Unsplash

Before getting a puppy you need to know some things and give it proper thought. Your new pet is going to need food, love and toys—which are just the basics. For an in-depth view of what having a puppy is actually like, we’ve prepared this list. While this may seem like a real downer, having a puppy is an incredible experience and worth all of the sacrifices we’ve listed below. Just make sure, before getting a puppy, that you’re going into it with your eyes open.

12 Things To Consider Before Getting A Puppy

Do Your Research

Reading this post is a start, but there’s more research to be done around all of the following points. Make sure you’re knowledgeable about raising puppies and all of their needs before committing to getting one. There will likely be a lot you hadn’t considered such as when to give them attention and when to withdraw, how to teach them about biting or how to get them to sleep at night. It’s better to over-prepare when committing to care for another person/animal.

Dogs Are Messy

Mud on the floors, little pee puddles, the occasional puke and the constant picking up of poop. These are a few things you’re in for when you own a dog – particularly a puppy. Also drool, oh so much drool. Prepare yourself to be cleaning up messes, dealing with smells and not having everything around you be neat.

It’s a Commitment

It’s not just for Christmas… Most people get their puppies at 10 weeks old, which means that dog will be in your care for 10 – 13 years, on average, dependent on its breed. That’s a huge responsibility. You have to be certain you’re ready for all that having a dog entails; not just cuddles in bed and loyal companionship. Having a dog is an incredible experience but a draining one, much like having a child. There’s even a state known as puppy depression, where people get puppies and are let down by the lack of immediate affection they were expecting. Like with a child, forging that bond takes work, time and commitment.

They Need Love and Attention

Again, think baby who can already walk. They will give you so much love and are very cute, but they need it back in return. You really have to be ready to give them all of your love and attention even when you don’t feel like it or it’s inconvenient.

Is Your Home Prepared?

Firstly, are you allowed pets in your building? Once you figure that out, ask yourself if there are ground-level hazards in your home. You’ll need to puppy-proof the place. No more broken glass art installations, food left out for days or bear traps on display… I don’t know your home life. Just bear this all in mind.

Dogs are expensive

Think about how expensive it is to live in Canada as a single person, then add a dog onto that. They eat loads, get into scrapes, scrap with other dogs and certain breeds are susceptible to specific health problems. You have to buy a dog bed, lead and harness, toys, collar and more up front. It’s also worth getting pet insurance for unforeseen health issues or accidents and regular vet check-ups.

Dog Food

Dog food is a bit of a minefield. You’ll need to research nutrition, buy for the dog’s age and plan ahead. There’s a surprising variety in the puppy food market, with more expensive brands offering higher nutritional value, some people opting for a raw food diet and weighing these benefits against your time and budget. Our online pet store is one of the more affordable in Vancouver, but you can get a sense of how much dog food costs here.

Puppies Take Up a Lot of Time

How much time do puppies take up? Initially you should take a week off work to spend with them, let them get used to you and bond. You’ll then learn their habits and take them out to pee and poop every couple of hours. When they’re young and bouncing off the walls you’ll need to walk your pup every 3-4 hours. They’ll also get you up every couple of hours in the night to go out and pee for the first month or two. Crate training takes a lot of time, patience and adjustment.

You’ll Be Home A Lot

If you’re someone who needs a lot of you time or likes to be out socializing constantly, your life may drastically change with a puppy. It’s unfair to leave a dog alone while you work and then decide to head out for the evening on a whim. But, if you’re good with staying home a lot and aren’t crazy sociable – or have a partner to share downtime with the pooch – you’ll be fine.

You’ll need to plan ahead to be home enough to keep your dog happy. If you work a full day this could involve coming back every day in your lunch break or having a trusted friend look in on them. You’ll have a dog in your bed all the time unless you train it out of that behaviour. All-nighters and last second trips won’t be so easy anymore either. If you want pets but don’t have a lot of time, a fish tank or aquarium might be more realistic at this stage in your life.

Your Veterinarian

Find a skilled veterinarian that you can communicate with. Your dog will need to be comfortable with them and you want to make sure they provide the best care possible. Like having your own doctor, your pet will be less anxious if they see the same vet for jabs, check-ups and if something bad should happen. If you’re based in Vancouver, Canada, our pooch has had excellent care from the Cypress Street Animal Hospital.

Research Dog Breeds

Choose the right dog breed for you. The breed often determines their nature. Some breeds are more jumpy, energetic, aggressive or even get described as mad. Some require more attention than others or are prone to loneliness and live better in twos or groups. Some people who buy puppies end up with a nasty surprise when they haven’t done their research and the dog just keeps on growing. Their health, how much they drool and either longevity are often predicated on their breed too.

Be Prepared to Train Them

Once again for luck: think of them as your child. You’re raising this dog from a puppy into an adult dog that you can handle and that behaves well. Poorly raised dogs can cause a lot of problems, make messes and can even be dangerous. You need to take the time to train your puppy while they’re young. At first you’ll train them to sleep through the night and only go to the bathroom outside. They need to learn that you’re the alpha. You’ll teach them where their dog bed is so they have their own safe space. If your dog doesn’t obey you it can cause problems inside and outside the home and isn’t fair to anyone, especially the dog.

Things To Consider Before Getting A Puppy: Takeaways

Getting a puppy will change your life in so many ways. For all these warnings, it’s still an incredible experience, full of so much joy, so long as you’re ready for it. A dog can complete a family, boost your mental health, become your best friend and teach you responsibility. Check back at our pet store blog soon as we have a lot more in-depth content on the way. If you’re thinking of getting a pooch in Canada, our online pet store is here to support you.

Going into summertime is so exciting for us two-legged folk, but the changing of the seasons can be hazardous for our pets. There’s no need to fret, just be aware of summer risks to your pets and you’ll be golden. Most people love to get outside into nature and soak up the warm weather, but your pet might not love it as much as you do, so follow these tips to make sure everyone’s tails are wagging come fall.

Pets in Hot and Sunny Weather

If you’re feeling the heat, imagine being inside a shell or covered in fur. If it’s a little too warm for you, you can almost guarantee your pets are feeling it too. Always test the heat of the road with your hand before taking your dog for a walk. Their foot pads might be tougher than ours, but they can burn badly if the ground has been baking in the sun all day. They are also trained to follow you and often can’t communicate their discomfort until the damage is done.

Humidity affects animals differently to humans. Dogs can experience heat stroke and heat exhaustion in humid conditions as it stops them being able to regulate their temperature by panting effectively. Heat stroke in dogs can present itself as weakness, vomiting, increased heart rate, heavy breathing, and diarrhea. Be mindful of the symptoms and take preventative measures.

Reduce your dog’s risk of heat stroke by limiting their time outside on hotter days. You could also consider a cooling coat. Perhaps let them out earlier in the day and later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Give them access to plenty of shade and fresh water both indoors and out. Don’t leave your dog in a car on a hot day. If you do have to drop in somewhere, crack the window and don’t take more than 15 minutes. Even in 20-degree heat the car’s temperature will climb to 30 within half an hour.

Your cat will likely be a little more resourceful than a dog in finding a cool spot to rest, but you should still make sure they’re not stuck outside on a hot day and have access to shade and water.

Insects

We can get through summer in this part of the world by putting up with a few itchy bites and a bottle of bug spray. However, mosquito-related diseases are on the rise in North America. Insects, such as mosquitos, are particularly dangerous to dogs and cats. They can contract heartworm if bitten by an infected insect. Mosquitos can also carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Heartworm is a disease that can be fatal to cats and dogs. It’s a nasty condition which results in severe lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage. Take precautions such as medications and shampoos which protect animals against insects. If you plan to use medication, check with your veterinarian to get the dosage right.

You can get a monthly treatment to prevent fleas, flies, and mosquitos from attacking your pets. K9 Advantix II is a common mosquito repellent for dogs (don’t use for cats). It kills mosquitos that might try to bite your dog and keeps them at a distance with its full-spectrum protection.

Cats lick themselves so much and are more sensitive to chemicals, so products for them are a little less common, but you can get them over the counter.

Do not use bug-repellent products or medications intended for humans on your pets.

Pesticides and Fertilizers

While these chemicals can keep your garden growing strong, they won’t do the same for your pets. Pesticides and fertilizers can make your animals sick or even be fatally toxic to them. Keep your pets out of the garden for a week if you need to use weed killer, or better yet just avoid the risk entirely and do the weeding by hand. Your dog or cat’s change in body language should tell you if they have ingested something toxic to them, particularly if they seem reserved, vomit, or have diarrhea.

Plants

If you do let your pets out into the garden, check that you know what’s planted there and if anything poses a threat to your animals. Azaleas, rhododendrons, and tulips will upset their stomach, while sago palm, foxglove, and lilies may be acutely poisonous.

Veterinary hospitals, particularly in Vancouver and across Canada, see many pet admissions due to cannabis plants. If your dog ingests cannabis, it will become lethargic, sleepy, and hypersensitive to touch, sounds, and other stimuli. While it’s relaxing for many humans who choose and are prepared for the experience, animals can’t really comprehend what’s happening to them and it can be truly distressing. No dope for the dog, no chronic for the cat.

Summer Allergies and Pet Safety

Despite their fur famously making us humans sneeze, your pets can experience allergies too. Certain moulds and pollens will affect your pets. Living in a dusty environment can trigger allergies too, so don’t leave your cleaning for spring. Allergies will usually present as itchy skin on your dog, so check their undercoat a few times over the summer months to ensure their body isn’t irritated. Many Vancouver vets will prescribe streroids, antihistamines, or allergy shots to treat symptoms of allergies in dogs and cats.

There you have it: summer safety tips to keep your pets happy until the fall. Let us know how you keep your pets cool and safe over the summer!

Image Credits:

Photo by Dim Hou on Unsplash

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