*Controversial take*: There is nothing better than the smell of a dog’s fur after they’ve been baking in a patch of sun. And summer is the perfect season for pups to get all the Vitamin D they crave. Time to break out of your normal routine and plan some adventures with your BFF! 

But nutrition shouldn’t take a vacation, so while you’re keeping your dog stimulated, make sure you keep them healthy, too – with our favorite fresh food Ollie! It’s subscription-based, so you never have to stop the fun and run to a pet store. PSA over! Here are 6 fun things to do with your dog this summer:

1. Go To The Water

Even the tiniest of doggies get hot in the summertime – so cool down with a trip to your nearest body of water! If you’re on the coast, hit the beach (just make sure it’s dog-friendly). If you’re inland, find a lake or even a babbling brook. My dog Maggie doesn’t like to go IN the water, but she still gets a kick out of digging holes in the sand. And I get a kick out of watching her, as I sip a refreshing canned bevvy. Win-win! 

2. Have A Little… Ice Cream?!

Huh? Dogs can’t have ice cream! Actually, depending on the ingredients, yes they absolutely can! If you want to give your dog a refreshing, safe, and easily digestible treat, blend about ¼ cup of plain yogurt with 1 ½ cups frozen fruit like watermelon, blueberries, or bananas. Scoop into a bowl and serve immediately. (Pro tip: if using bananas, add a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter – your pup will, frankly, go nuts!)

3. Get That Groom

My dog has short hair and doesn’t truly need to be groomed professionally, but every summer, I treat her to a little spa day. It’s nice and air-conditioned, and she leaves feeling like a princess. She gets a bath (which always comes with a soothing massage, perfect for her arthritic doggie joints), a nail trim, and the always-important anal gland expression (she’s a chihuahua). I’m still waiting for L.A. to open a combination human-dog spa, so we can enjoy side-by-side pampering – but until then, I’m happy to have an entire day devoted to Mags; she deserves it! 

4. Road Trip!

Find a dog-friendly rental in a small town a few hours away, load up the car with snacks and tunes – including your dog’s favorite Ollie treats! Maggie goes insane for these Beef & Sweet Potato Jerky Strips, which you can add when you start your Ollie subscription plan. Another thing Maggie loves? Stopping at all the rest areas to sniff the various smells. Ahh, cheap thrills.

5. Picnic In The Park

Grab a checkered blanket, text some friends, and leash up your canine companion, because this is the season of PICNICS! Maybe your friends have dogs too, and you can make this a little social gathering. My dog doesn’t *love* being around other pups and food at the same time – if she even catches a hint that Aneesha’s Shiba Inu is interested in her snacks, she’ll emit a snarl that would put a wolf to shame. 

6. Change Up Your Walks 

In the dog days of summer (hee hee), sometimes it’s hot by 9am – and the sun can have your pup panting within minutes. Refresh your routine by setting the ol’ alarm an hour or two earlier, so you can get a good walk in before the heat gets too oppressive. As a bonus, you’ll get a huge jump on the day – aka, more time to spend with your buddy! Not a morning person? Mix up your evenings by adding in a robust nighttime walk. The cool air will feel oh-so-delightful, and the activity may help your dog wind down before bed.

Treat Your Dog Year-Round

Dogs deserve special treatment all year long, not just during the summer. One of the ways I show my pup how much I love her is by feeding her the best dog food I’ve found. Ollie’s meals are all crafted with vet nutritionists – and feature real, human-grade superfoods like spinach, sweet potatoes, and blueberries, to support total-body health and longevity. 

Maggie loves the Pork Dish With Apples, but there are many other enticing recipes to suit your pup’s unique preferences and dietary needs. Want to keep your dog healthy for many summers to come? Try Ollie – and for a limited time, you can get 60% off your first box + a free pint of dog-friendly Van Leeuwen ice cream!