Cool Off With Fido During the Dog Days of Summer

Posted by Billy Francis

When the dog days of summer are upon us, the sultry weather can be too hot for sunbathing Shih Tzus. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for you and your pooch to cool off together and have fun in the sun.

Riversport OKC

Oklahoma City, OK
Ready to hang ten! Photo by @riversportokc

Featured in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, Riversport OKC invites you and your water-loving pooch to paddle along the Oklahoma River in a flatwater kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Admire the art and architecture of downtown OKC on your aquatic adventure, and refuel afterwards with lunch at Picasso Café. Your hungry hound can even order his own delectable dish from the doggy menu. Continue your arty adventure in the Paseo Arts District, home to more than 20 galleries. Four-legged art critics are welcome to visit many of them, including The Art Hall and Little D Gallery.

You’ll have no trouble finding the 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City. Just look for Woozy Blossom, the 16-foot steel tree outside the property. It’s one of the many art installations found throughout the hotel and museum. During your stay, take Fido shopping for pet products and more at the 21c store.

Tropic Watersports

Key Largo, FL
“I can see clearly now the boat is see-through.” Photo by BringFido.com/Tom

Tropic Watersports is “clearly” one of the best activities for you and your pup to enjoy during the dog days of summer. This pet-friendly rental company offers clear kayak and stand-up paddle-board rentals in Key Largo, the first island in the Florida Keys and the diving capital of the world. There's plenty to see beneath the surface, as long as Fido has his sea legs. If you’re joining a tour, your host will take pictures of you and your pooch bobbing in the clear blue water halfway through your expedition. Back on dry land, enjoy ocean views and the catch of the day from the patio at Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill.

Join the beach bums for a stay at Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo. Four-legged guests receive an engraved dog tag to commemorate their stay and can order items from the dog menu during the resort’s Yappy Hour.

Cool River Tubing

Helen, GA
“I make this look cool.” Photo by BringFido/Tricia

Paddling is overrated, right Fido? Let the river be your guide instead at Cool River Tubing in Helen, GA. Nestled among the Appalachians on the outskirts of the Bavarian-themed town, the water in the river is often cool and refreshing thanks to the mountain location. Smaller pups are welcome to sit on your lap to glide down the river, while larger dogs can ride their own tube with a bottom for free! Hop out of your tubes and walk to La Cabana Mexican Restaurant for a taco on the patio with your pooch.

Red Roof Inn Helen is located nearby and has its own fenced-in dog park with water and a waste station.

Country Kennels Dawg Water Park

Murrieta, CA
“Ain’t no paw-ty like a pooch pool paw-ty!” Photo by Facebook.com/countykennelsca

Water parks aren’t just for two-legged swimmers anymore. Country Kennels Dawg Water Park in Murrietta, CA, is home to an enormous saltwater pool with two beach entries, baja ledge, diving dock and multiple waterspouts. Fido can dive in, maneuver through custom tunnels, and ramble down hills at this fenced and funky spot. The grass is artificial and equipped with sprinklers to keep it from getting too hot. After a day of play, Fido can dry off while you wet your whistle on the patio at 8Bit Brewing.

For more fun in the water, fish for dinner and splash in the pond at this incredible 10-acre ranch getaway in Murrieta.

Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe

Bend, OR
“They should call it a sit down paddleboard.” Photo by Facebook.com/TumaloCreek

Paddle with your pup down one of the most scenic sections of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. Located on the banks of the river in the Old Mill District of Bend, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe offers a variety of rentals for water fun. In addition to renting the equipment, Tumalo holds classes for novice two- and four-legged paddlers. When you’re finished exploring the winding waterway, replenish your calories at Anthony's at the Old Mill District.

Fido doesn’t need to stray far from the river to stay overnight in Bend. This riverfront cottage welcomes dogs and their owners to enjoy a view of Deschutes River from the fenced back porch.

Bow Wow Beach

Stow, OH
“Come on in, the water feels great!” Photo by Valerie

Bring Fido to Stow’s Bow Wow Beach for a sandy day out on a lake that spans 3 acres. Your dog will love playing in the water off-leash in this fenced space. Clean up in the convenient dog-washing stations on-site before stopping for a frozen treat at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt.

After his day on the beach, treat your furry friend to the suite life at Staybridge Suites Akron Stow Cuyahoga Falls.

“Do you know what happens to this hair when it gets wet?” Photo by BringFido/Amanda

Make a dash to Wag-n-Splash in North Charleston. The city’s only indoor swimming pool for dogs is equipped with a 9,000-gallon pool and a saltwater system to keep it clean. All swims are private and by appointment only, so even shy dogs can cool off in the water without being hassled by dog park bullies. Dry off, then sample a slice of pie at Steel City Pizza just down the road.

Land at Aloft Charleston Airport & Convention Center for a well-earned sleep in one of the area’s most “pupular” pet-friendly hotels.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the best dog-friendly things to do across the country. And we've assembled it all in our new book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code DOGDAYS.

How are you staying cool during the dog days of summer? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @riversportokc.