7 Water Games to Cool Down Your Dog on Hot Days
As summer brings the heat, there's nothing more refreshing than engaging in water play. For our four-legged companions, water games offer not only a cool escape but also a delightful and stimulating pastime. So, let's plunge into an exhilarating water adventure (minus the belly flops)!
1. Water play with garden hose and water gun
A classic! But let's skip the war part. This should be fun! An easy and enjoyable way to interact with your dog while staying cool. Use a garden hose, sprinkler, or water gun to spray water next to your dog, not on her/him. Make sure the water is comfortably cool, but not too cold. Spray in the air or beside your dog and wait for her/him to interact with the water. Many dogs love chasing water streams, hopping around in the refreshing water. Be prepared to get wet too!
2. Splash in a children's pool or dog bath
If you have access to a hard plastic kiddie pool or a larger basin, fill it with water and inspire your dog to jump in. Some dogs love jumping into the water and splashing around, while others may need some gentle encouragement. Start by standing at the edge of the pool and showing your dog when you add floating dog toy or freeze-dried treats (they float) to the pool. Don't force your dog into the pool. Just splash around yourself and wait for your furry friend to be inspired!
3. Water reporting for active dogs
For dogs that love fetching, water retrieval can be a fantastic water game. Throw a floating toy or ball into a lake and ask your dog to fetch it. You can throw the object within sight or hide it in the reeds for a search. Some dogs can even be trained to retrieve objects that sink slightly by diving after them. This is both fun and stimulating for your dog, providing physical activity and mental exercise!
4. Play in the water fountain
Another fun water game is a water fountain for your dog to jump and play in. Use a garden fountain, a hose, or sprinkler and place the water source where your dog can jump over or through the water. Many dogs love cooling off by leaping through water or playing in water puddles. It's refreshing and entertaining for both you and your dog. Have a blast!
5. Problem solving with water
If you want to challenge your dog's intellect, try a water challenge. Fill a flat container like a basin or baking pan with water and place some floating toys or treats in it. Encourage your dog to find and pick up the rewards from the water. This helps boost your dog's problem-solving skills while being a wonderfully refreshing activity. For more tips on how to help your dog cope with the summer heat, check out our article on How dogs cope with the summer heat.
6. Water balloons
Fill a bunch of large water balloons (make sure your dog can't swallow them whole) and spread them out on the patio, in the garden, or in the bathroom. Avoid throwing water balloons at your dog to catch, as they can pop and scare her/him. Instead, let your dog explore the balloons, maybe even bite them a little. You can also puncture a few balloons to let the water stream out. This water game should not be done with dogs that are afraid of loud noises, and make sure to pick up the plastic remains from the balloons so your dog doesn't swallow them.
7. Train your dog to swim towards you
Put a life jacket on your dog and head to a beautiful lake. Jump into the water together! Bring some dog treats and create some distance between you and your dog. Call and encourage your dog to swim towards you. Reward and praise your dog when $dog_gender_1$ reaches you! A good advice is to extend your hand a bit from you when rewarding your dog, avoiding any scratch marks from your dog's swim strokes. If you want to teach your dog to swim alongside you, read the article Swimming with dogs: how to teach your dog to swim with you. Is your dog a great swimmer? Take the exercise to deeper water and do a few repetitions. If your dog is comfortable with you being underwater, you can dive and swim a bit away, then call your dog. This is a fun teamwork exercise!
Cool and fun brighten up the dog summer
Water games with dogs are wonderful summer activities! They provide cooling and good times, while offering physical exercise, mental stimulation, and strengthen the bond with your dog. Always supervise your dog when near water and prioritize safety. Enjoy the cool blue and have fun together! To keep your dog fit this summer, you can also read our article on Dog's summer menu - how to adapt your dog's food this summer. And why not end a hot day with a delicious reward? Try our recipe for dog ice cream to cool down your best friend!
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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