Dog Days of Summer: 6 Brace Friendly Activities for You and Your Canine Companion.
Temperatures are rising and adventure is in the air. Get your dog prepped for Summer with new custom brace friendly activities to keep them happy and healthy!
1. Give Your Dog a Fresh Cleaning.
Your dog might not love the idea of a bath or getting groomed but with the seasonal change it’s good to give your dog’s coat a fresh clean-up. In addition to grooming this Summer, consider preventative treatments to keep your dog protected from fleas and ticks while outdoors.
NOTE: If your dog has a brace, always make sure the brace can still fit when getting groomed or trimmed.
2. Plan a Hike with Your Dog to Embrace the Summertime.
Spring is the perfect time for a hike! This allows for you and your dog to stay active while enjoying the sun and scenery. Make sure to bring plenty of water to keep you both hydrated and a first-aid kit in case of any injuries. If your dog is hiking with a brace, make sure to take off the brace once you are finished with your hike to allow your dog's leg to breathe and rest. After long periods of wearing the brace, there can be possible signs of irritation and swelling. As your dog increases their activity level, their muscle will begin to build back up. If the brace is fitting too snug, please reach out to Animal Ortho Care and we can help make any adjustments that may be needed.
3. Take a Trip to a Dog Park.
Let your dog indulge in some outdoor fun with other furry friends! While dog parks are a great social experience, if your dog is healing, too much excitement can cause reinjury. Bringing your dog to a state park or dog friendly arboretums with walking trails to give them a chance to get some exercise and increase their mental stimulation by providing them with new sights, smells, and experiences.
4. Plan a Dogcation Somewhere New for the Weekend.
If your dog is comfortable traveling, plan a trip and get in the car to go camping, to the lake, or somewhere you've never been before. A vacation for you and your dog is a perfect way to bond and try new activities.
5. Play an Outdoor Scent Game with Your Dog.
Increase your dog’s scent by trying a treat filled game outside! You can head to your backyard, a park, or a lake spot to try any one of these games!
- Hide and Seek - Simply hide your dog's favorite toy and have them remember the scent and find it. Once the toy is found, shower your dog with praises and give them a treat. This is a great way for training your dog and keeping their mind sharp.
- Make a Scent Trail - Lay your treats on a path or trail spaced out from each other and let your dog find each item one by one.
6. Plan a Trip to the Lake for a Water Activity.
If you have access to a lake or pond, this water retrieve activity is low impact and helps with dog joints and muscles. Throw a floating water bottle into the water with a treat inside and have your dog retrieve it. Once your dog is safely back on shore, open the bottle and give your dog the treat!
