Just like us, the pets of Chicagoland may get a little stir-crazy during our long winters. And given that they’re even more used to the outdoors than we are, it’s only right that we make sure they soak up the warm weather as much as possible.
As we get into the full swing of summer, let’s think outside the walks to find more creative ways to help our pets enjoy the limited nice weather in our area.
Safety First
No matter what you do, it’s critical to first assess any possible idea from a safety perspective. While some activities could be fun for your pet, they may be too risky to consider, so here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cats can be leash trained. While it’s ideal to start from the time they’re kittens, you can always try it out with an older cat. Be sure to use a harness that fits well and start by just seeing how they’ll take to it within the safety of your home or yard. If that doesn’t work, you can always see if they prefer outdoor explorations from the comfort of a bag that affords them a view.
- Whenever you try anything new, start small. If your dog has never hiked before, do a short and easy trail nearby and build up slowly from there.
- Always bring the right safety and care supplies whether that be a life jacket, water bowl, or a first aid kit. You never want to be caught unprepared.
- Pay close attention to your pet’s body language and take cues from them. If they don’t seem to be enjoying an activity, don’t force it.
Outdoor spaces
Since adventures aren’t always easy, it’s nice to provide your pets with an outdoor area around your home that they can enjoy safely anytime. For cats that might be a secured porch or a catio. For dogs, it could be a fenced-in yard or secured balcony. One thing to keep in mind is that pets are pretty crafty about finding escapes, so make sure that all outside time is supervised.
Hikes
In the Chicago area, we’re lucky to have plenty of forest preserves, parks, and lakes nearby. And just like us, our pets love checking out new sights, smells, and experiences that provide variety from their everyday routines. If this sounds like something your furry friend would enjoy, just check to make sure that pets are allowed in whatever area you intend to explore.
Swimming
The feeling of splashing into a cold lake on a hot summer day is pretty much unparalleled – for dogs and humans alike. And though most cats don’t enjoy swimming, many dogs love it. And we love to see them loving it. If your pup is brand new to swimming, start slowly to gauge their comfort level, stay nearby, and always use a life jacket.
Camping
If you know for sure that your pet can’t get enough of the outdoors, you may want to consider bringing them along on a camping trip. If you commit to camping with pets, just take care to pack all the necessary supplies for them to have a happy and healthy trip.
There are endless options when it comes to fun in the sun with your pets. The point is to try new things and include them in activities that you think they’d enjoy. Summer is here and gone in a flash, so let’s make the most of the season.
