If it’s been a long school year full of sports practices, recitals, and social commitments for your family, chances are, everyone (kid and pet alike) is raring to go. Summer fun for pets and kids is a top priority, and we are here to help with the following tips.

Kids + Pets + Summer = FUN!

We’ve previously blogged about involving kids with pet care, and back to school pet anxiety, but the equation involving kids and pets is really only complete with the advent of warm days. Once you’ve got the sunblock slathered on your human kid, and covered the basics of summer pet safety, you can open wide the back door – and the countless ways to have fun this summer.

Summer Fun For Pets and Kids

  • Playing with the family pet is a sure-fire way to make sure everyone gets exercise and burns off extra summer energy. Pack a picnic, grab your dog’s favorite ball or frisbee, and head to Aurora Reservoir or Cherry Creek for a full dose of nature’s local goodness.
  • Aurora boasts some of the best dining experiences to share with your family – and Fido is definitely included!
  • If your pup is fully vaccinated and responds to your basic commands, consider taking him or her to Grandview Off-leash Dog Park this summer. Your kids will meet other dog owners from our area, and your dog will socialize with other dogs. It’s a win-win!
  • Looking for a pet-friendly Colorado destination this summer? Durango, Telluride, and Aspen are famously pet-friendly and offer loads of outdoor adventures for the entire family! Hiking all or parts of the Colorado trail is also a fabulous endeavor, but only if everyone is up for the challenge.

At Home This Summer

At home, you can facilitate the following kid-pet activities:

  • Teach your child more about your pet through specific pet learning activities
  • Make DIY healthy pet treats together, and then allow your kids to hide a few treats around the backyard. Your pet will enjoy sniffing about, much to your child’s entertainment and glee, and (with or without your child’s help) may finally receive a nice treat.
  • Create a backyard obstacle or agility course for your pets and kids to learn from and enjoy. New tricks are always beneficial and will cultivate a deeper level of trust and security between your pet and kids.

Summer Chores

With all that free time, your kids might relish an opportunity to be productive, and summer is an excellent time to add pet care chores to the list. If not already a helper with the litter box, backyard poop scooping, or feeding, consider incorporating these into the daily routine. Slowly graduate your child to grooming, bathing, or nail trimming duty, but only under your close supervision.

Remember to teach well, praise often, and answer any questions to ensure proper self-initiated help is a given down the road.

Itty Bitty Reminders

We want to make sure everyone under your roof, and in your backyard, remains safe this summer. To that end, please remember to:

  • Maintain fresh, cool water supply
  • Brush your pet’s coat daily and watch closely for ticks and fleas
  • Offer a wading pool for your pet to keep pets cool
  • Limit high-energy games for early morning and dusk
  • Listen closely for irregular panting or other signs of heat stroke
  • Keep pet out of the direct sun during peak hours

It’s important to keep the kids and pets busy (and safe) and with our summer fun for pets and kids tips, we hope everyone under your roof is tuckered out and happy by sundown. Beyond all the bonding opportunities and amusement your summer is sure to provide, please call us with any questions or concerns.