Outdoor adventures to have with your dog during every season

Have safe and fun play all year long

The changing seasons bring different opportunities and challenges for outdoor play with your pet. And understanding what your dog needs to stay safe and engaged in each season is key.  In fall and winter, the crisp air and snowy landscapes are an invigorating way to support you and your pet’s mental and physical health. Seghara Philippe, a Pet Valu Animal Care Expert in North Vancouver, emphasizes that outdoor play is just as important for pet owners as it is for their dogs.  "Going outside, playing in the snow, the rain, on a beautiful day — it’s something that stimulates you as a human being. It gets you out of the house and releases those endorphins. But also, to have a partner to support you in doing that is so important for your own mental health." Cold weather, however, requires extra precautions.  Dogs with short fur may need insulated jackets, and booties can help protect their paws from icy sidewalks and road salt. Philippe advises keeping play sessions shorter in extreme cold and ensuring pets wear bright or reflective gear for visibility.  Spring and summer, while a little less extreme weather-wise, present their own challenges.  Overheating can be a risk, so dog parents should aim to play in shaded areas and bring plenty of fresh water. Checking paws for burns after walking on hot pavement is another key consideration. Philippe also suggests bringing engaging toys to keep playtime fun, recommending toys that are both visible and audible.  "I would highly recommend bringing some sort of an auditory toy, and then, of course, treats, just to have something that you can play with. If possible, I would get something that’s light-up or bright-colored, just so you can have that visual if you lose the ball in the bush."  She also stresses the importance of flea and tick prevention during warmer months. "Number one is safety, so make sure that you have a flea and tick treatment on your pet if you're going into the woods or even the park, because the last thing you want is to bring home unwanted pets on your pet."

Maximizing playtime on trails, at parks and your own backyard

Again, outdoor play isn’t only about exercise — it’s about tapping into your dog’s natural instincts and keeping them 
mentally engaged.  Parks, trails, and backyards all provide different opportunities for enrichment. For dogs who love to explore, hiking trails can be an excellent way to engage their senses and get them moving. Zach Hynick, an Animal Care Expert from Pet Valu in Nova Scotia, notes that hiking is beneficial for keeping dogs active. "Going over the trails, of course, is a great one. Hiking is a great way to get the muscles and joints moving." Closer to home, Hynick suggests using a dog’s natural abilities for scent work and mental stimulation.  "You can hide treats in your backyard. Scent detection is all about actively having them use their scent, training and searching." This type of activity helps engage their minds, making them work for their rewards in a way that reflects their animal instincts. Dog parks provide another way to socialize and play.  Jesse Larone, a Pet Valu Animal Care Expert from Kanata, Ontario, highlights the value of agility training even in 
informal settings.  "So when we do go to the park, maybe we're practicing jumping up on benches and getting those commands down, or weaving through bars. Even if you aren’t in agility classes, those are still fun skills to bond with your dog." For pet owners looking for convenient and engaging play options, toys can make all the difference. Larone suggests using frisbees and even foldable toys that can be launched in the air. "Anything that you can throw,” he says. By tailoring activities to the location and season, as a pet parent you  can create enriching outdoor experiences that benefit both the physical and mental well-being of you and your pet.  Whether it’s a game of fetch in the park, scent work in the backyard, or a trail run through the woods, outdoor adventures provide endless opportunities for fun, engagement and bonding.