Local Summer Fun with Dogs
Are you looking forward to some summer fun with your dog? We sure are! As the weather heats up in Oakland County, we decided to gather a few ideas for how you can enjoy our local area with your dog. And, there are some really amazing places to visit with your pet, so without further ado, let the dog days of summer begin.
Local Summer Fun with Dogs
Here are our top choices for things to do locally with your dog:
Oak Park dog only swim – At the end of summer, the Oak Park pool is offering a dog only swim before they close the pool for the season. This event will be on Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 12pm-3pm. Each dog will receive a gift and a 55 minute swim.
Grab a bite – There are several dog-friendly restaurants in our area. From Froyo to more sophisticated bites, check out these listings for al fresco dining options, where your dog can join you for a refreshing summer meal.
Run at the park – Oakland County has three dog parks available for summer (and winter!) fun.
- Orion Oaks Dog Park offers a 24-acre enclosure, small dog area, drinking water, trails, and access to a swim dock in the summer.
- Lyon Oaks Dog Park is a 13-acre fenced enclosure with small dog area, picnic tables, water fountain, and field training area.
- Red Oaks Dog Park is a 5-acre area with up to four fenced enclosures, including one for small dogs.
Hike a trail – There are several trails that allow great hiking and walking with your dog. Here are a few of our favorites:
- West Bloomfield Trail – This trail is a part of the 54-acre West Bloomfield Park. 7 miles of crushed limestone trail meanders through wetland and a nature preserve. Dogs must be on leash, but you will both certainly enjoy this lovely summer spot.
- Clinton River Park Trail – This asphalt trail will give you and your dog some great local summer fun. It winds along the Clinton River and ends on the southern end at Dodge Park.
- Stoney Creek Metropark Trail – Trail options here include a 6-mile walk around the lake, as well as hilly and heavily wooded trail options.
Safety First
Now that we’ve looked at some great options for local summer fun with your dog, keep in mind some of our best safety tips, too:
- When swimming with your dog, make sure they are safe in the water and that they have a strong recall. Introduce your dog to the way out of the pool (or body of water) before you begin, so they know how to get out if they need to. And, make sure you have them quit before they are exhausted. An exhausted dog is at risk for drowning.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car in any weather, but certainly not in warm weather. The interior of a car only takes minutes to heat to temperatures over 100 degrees.
- When hiking with your dog, bring water for both of you. Some facilities have water access, but some don’t.
- Visit us to make sure your pet is up-to-date on parasite preventives before hiking, to avoid ticks, fleas, and heartworm infection.
- In case of emergency, keep our phone number and the emergency clinic phone number pre-programmed in your phone, so you can reach us quickly if need be.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to some local summer fun with your dog. Do you have a favorite place to enjoy in our area with your dog? Call us at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates and let us know, and have a blast out there!