Last Updated: 27/08/2026
Spring and Summer Activities for Dogs
Spring has sprung! Check out our Vets list of our favourite dog-friendly warm weather activities.
Author: Dr Katelyn Bailey BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 11 minutes - short read
Just like us, many dogs experience a burst of energy coming into Spring as they defrost from the long winter months and welcome the return of warmth. This means that now is the perfect time to get out and about with the four-legged members of the family.
More than ever before, bringing our pooches with us on outdoor adventures is becoming the norm. Luckily for us there are more and more dog-friendly locations popping up all over the country, making it easier than ever to enjoy outdoor activities with our companions.
From beach trips, camping and hiking to a sophisticated cafe visit or a play at the dog park, the opportunities are almost endless! Here we have compiled a list of fun activities to fill your and your pet's spring and summer days with joy and create long-lasting memories.
In this article
- Things to know before you go
- Is the beach a good spring and summer activity for my dog?
- Are dog parks a good spring and summer activity for my dog?
- Can I take my dog camping?
- Can I bring my dog to a cafe or restaurant?
- Is hiking a good activity for my dog?
- Can I bring my dog on a picnic?
- What backyard activities can I do with my dog?
- Dog Friendly Locations by State
- What gear do I need for dog-friendly outings?
Things to know before you go
Before venturing into the great outdoors- or even down the street to your favourite dog-friendly cafe - make sure you consider the following important points.
- Vaccinations: Are they current, considering regional risks like leptospirosis in areas you may be travelling to?
- Parasite Prevention: Is your dog protected against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms, as recommended in most of Australia? Read through our Parasite Protection Guide to double check.
- Microchip: Is your dog registered with up-to-date contact details? It's recommended to have at least two up-to-date phone numbers listed on your pet's microchip.
- Socialisation: Is your dog comfortable around people and other dogs in public places? While it is easier to socialise puppies than adult dogs, you can still teach an older dog new tricks and a good trainer will be able to help.
- Obedience: Does your dog have good recall and basic obedience skills, especially for off-leash areas?
- Seasonal Risks: Are you aware of and prepared for seasonal dangers like heatstroke in warmer months?
- Physical Limitations: Consider your dog's breed, weight, and any conditions, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome that might limit their activity or make them prone to heatstroke or respiratory issues
- Health Conditions: Will any existing health issues such as motion sickness, arthritis or anxiety affect your dog's enjoyment or ability to participate in the planned activity?
In clinic, one of the most common oversights we see, is out-of-date microchips. Be sure to update your dog's microchip details with both your vet clinic and the national registry to ensure that if they are lost they can easily be reunited.
For the full rundown of summer hazards and how to prepare, see our Summer Ready guide.
Is the beach a good spring and summer activity for my dog?
A visit to the dog park is a great way to celebrate the return of the warmer months. Dog parks provide a space for your dog to socialise, burn off extra energy and even make some lifelong doggy friends.
There are many benefits to dog parks, but they don't come without risks. In an ideal world, only well-mannered dogs would be at dog parks, yet this is unfortunately not always the case. It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with canine body language and always keep an eye on other dogs in the park for any concerning behaviour.
Read more about the pros and cons in our Guide to Dog Parks.
In clinic, we often see minor dog park injuries spike in the warmer months simply because visits to dog parks become more popular. Be sure to take a quick scan of the dog park for friendly play mates, before letting your dog off-leash.
Are dog parks a good spring and summer activity for my dog?
A visit to the dog park is a great way to celebrate the return of the warmer months. Dog parks provide a space for your dog to socialise, burn off extra energy and even make some lifelong doggy friends.
There are many benefits to dog parks, but they don't come without risks. In an ideal world, only well-mannered dogs would be at dog parks, yet this is unfortunately not always the case. It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with canine body language and always keep an eye on other dogs in the park for any concerning behaviour.
Read more about the pros and cons in our Guide to Dog Parks.
In clinic, we often see minor dog park injuries spike in the warmer months simply because visits to dog parks become more popular. Be sure to take a quick scan of the dog park for friendly play mates, before letting your dog off-leash.
Can I take my dog camping?
For the extra adventurous pooch, a night or two away from home sleeping under the stars could be just what the vet ordered. Camping is the ultimate way to feel at one with nature and can be a great bonding experience. Before you go, make sure that you're fully equipped for the trip, your dog travels well and the campground you have in mind allows dogs.
Find out everything you need to know in our Guide to Camping With Dogs.
A common mistake we see in clinic is pet parents relaxing their usual routine on a camping trip and forgetting to stay up to date with parasite and tick prevention. This is actually more important when traveling away from home and daily tick checks are also a good idea.
Can I bring my dog to a cafe or restaurant?
The demand for dog-friendly eateries has never been higher, and for good reason- doesn't a lazy cafe brunch with your pooch sound like the perfect way to spend a Sunday?
More and more cafes, restaurants and bars all around the country are becoming dog-friendly. Some establishments even have a menu created specifically with dogs in mind- puppuccino, anyone?
Don't forget to take along a portable water bottle or collapsible bowl so that your pooch will always have access to fresh water. Though it may be tempting, avoid giving your dog anything off your plate without checking first. Many common human foods are toxic to dogs.
Is hiking a good activity for my dog?
As hiking and bushwalking become more popular pastimes, it's only natural that many pet parents want to take their pup along. While Australia is known for its beautiful coastlines there are also gorgeous bushy, woodsy and rainforested areas you can explore with your dog.
Hiking is a fantastic activity for dogs and provides plenty of exercise and enrichment, but before you set off it's important to consider your and your pup's safety. Many of the same safety measures apply to our four-legged friends: don't push them too far past their comfort level, take along plenty of water, avoid hiking after dark and always carry a first aid kit. Tick prevention and regular tick searches are especially important in bushy or overgrown areas. Building up tolerance by starting with shorter walks, especially for overweight or unfit pets, is recommended.
As a vet, I recommend checking paw pads regularly for cuts, burrs and heat damage at the end of each hike to catch any problems early.
Can I bring my dog on a picnic?
Picnics are a great way to feel cosy, spend time in nature and feast on some delicious food- and these days, there's no reason you can't bring your pooch along too! Many parks and grassy areas allow dogs on leash, but make sure to double check before you arrive, and look for signs indicating dog friendly areas.
Don't forget to pack a picnic blanket and some tasty pet friendly treats! You can see our handpicked selection of delicious homemade summer recipes for pets - on hot summer days a frozen pupsicle will never go astray!
A common mistake on picnics is feeding food scraps that are not safe- grapes, chocolate, cooked bones and fatty meat off-cuts are not safe for dog's to eat and should be avoided.
What backyard activities can I do with my dog?
If your dog is too young to venture out in public, they're not overly social, or you're in search of something a little closer to home, you need look no further than your own backyard. Here are some ways you can make even a trip to the backyard feel like an exciting adventure for your pup:
- Set up a backyard obstacle course with opportunities to jump, weave and tunnel. This makes for a great bonding activity and ongoing training exercise you can do with your dog. Using their favourite treats, start by slowly encouraging them through a tunnel or over a jump. Once they have mastered one obstacle, you can start on the next, then work on completing multiple obstacles consecutively. Over time they will be able to complete the course with you waiting at the end to give them a treat.
- Create your own mini water park. Think paddle pools, sprinklers, the works! If your dog hasn't spent much time around water, the warmer months are a great time to teach them how to swim and this process can be started in your own backyard!
- Play hide and seek. A great option for those with a bigger yard, garden or places to hide. While your dog is indoors or distracted, find a good spot to hide, then wait for them to sniff you out. Another variation of this is a treasure hunt, where treats are hidden around the yard for your pooch to find.
- Have a backyard picnic. Don't forget to take a look at our list of delicious homemade summer recipes for pets that will made a great addition to any picnic.
- Host a puppy play date with friends' or family members' dogs. This is an especially great option for pups that are not yet fully vaccinated but are still in their key socialisation period. Always make sure that all of the visiting dogs are fully vaccinated and up to date with parasite prevention.
- Go camping in the backyard, and don't forget to do some stargazing! This is a fun way to feel a sense of adventure without going too far afield.
Which beaches in Australia are dog friendly?
We've put together a list of dog-friendly locations by state, to get you started! Please note this list is not exhaustive, and rules and regulations can change without notice. Be sure to check the specific rules for your chosen location before you visit, including specific times of day or year, or specific areas within that location, that dogs may not be allowed.
What gear do I need for dog-friendly outings?
One thing we always tell clients is that a secure car harness or crate is a must when travelling- in some Australian states it is a legal requirement.
As the weather warms and the days lengthen, spring and summer offer a fantastic array of opportunities for dog owners to bond with their furry companions and create lasting memories. From the refreshing splashes at dog-friendly beaches and the social interactions at dog parks to the adventurous trails of hiking spots and the relaxed enjoyment of a cafe visit, the possibilities for shared experiences are abundant across Australia.
By keeping in mind essential pre-outing considerations like vaccinations, parasite prevention, and your dog's individual needs and abilities, you can ensure these seasonal adventures are safe, fun, and enriching for both you and your beloved pet. So, embrace the sunshine, explore the outdoors, and make the most of the spring and summer months with your four-legged friend by your side.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Fri Sep 22 2023
Written by Dr Katelyn Bailey BVSc (Hons)Dr Katelyn Bailey BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Katelyn Bailey graduated as a veterinarian from The University of Queensland in 2018 and has since worked in small animal general practice clinics in south-east Queensland. Her special interests include feline medicine and behaviour, preventative health care, internal medicine, research and senior pet care. Katelyn is a strong proponent of the human-animal bond and loves to hear about the quirks that make each pet so special.
