Outdoor Activities with the Dog

The weather is finally getting warm, the sun is out and the flowers are blooming. While you are dying to get outside, your pooch might be dying to get out as well. If your dog is anything like mine, he's put on a few pounds during the long winter months. It's time to get him outside, and you as well! Here's a few ideas of what you can do with your dog outside.

1. Walk/Run with him. This one is pretty obvious. A dog is a built in companion. It keeps you fit, and your dog as well. Take this time to explore some new areas/neighborhoods. Make sure you're prepared to clean up after your dog however. No one likes to see that around their neighborhood, and it smells and spreads disease.

2. Take the dog for a bike ride. I see this all the time in my neighborhood. It's great if you aren't a huge runner like myself. My dog likes to run, but I don't like to run as much as he does. Here's the solution, and you can always stop and take a rest if you need to.

3. Take the dog to a dog park. There are a couple of these in my neighborhood and I think these are a fantastic idea. Usually they are a large fenced in area that allows the dog to run off of a leash. This is a great idea if you live in an apartment that doesn't have a backyard, like I do. My dog can run all he wants, and I'm not worried about him getting lost. Most of these are free, as long as you register your dog with your city. A registration is only about $20 a year, depending on what city you live in.

4. Take your dog to the beach or lake. This is a great idea for dogs. They can run and play in the water, as long as you make sure to keep an eye on them. You can also play a flying disc game, and work on his fetching skills. As long as you watch your dog, and make sure it's a dog friendly zone, it can be a great time for them.

With any of these activities you want to make sure you get them a flea and tick prevention medication. Not only does this protect your dog, it protects your home and everyone in it. You can find these at your vet, but oftentimes you can get them cheaper online. www.amazon.com has some flea and tick prevention medication for a reasonable price.

So get out there and enjoy the weather. But don't forget to take your dog with you!