Johnson: Ease yourself, pets into activity

Days are longer, the weather is more pleasant and that means it’s getting to be the time of year when people start thinking of the outdoors.

It’s not just about weather — ingrained in humans starting in childhood when the school schedule determines how time is spent, from an early age, spring and summer come with the excitement of less responsibilities and more of the fun things.

In adulthood, completing school usually means no more summers off, but the magic of those months still seem to stick with us.

Sharna Johnson

In search of ponies

Swimming pools, lake time, camping trips, family vacations, ball games, and barbecues – you name it, it’s the time of year to acknowledge and indulge your playful side.

Even lawn work, gardening, washing the car, other projects or just finding a nice bench to sit on somewhere can satisfy that need to soak up the sun and take in some fresh air.

Perhaps one of the coolest things about summer activities is that, since quite a lot of them do take place outside, the pooch can almost always tag along and even makes a great excuse to spend more time outdoors.

Including the dog does, however, deserve a little advance thought:

• Ease into it — A sudden desire to be physically active doesn’t mean you’re ready after holding down the couch all winter, and the same holds true for the dog. Rather than both of you panting all the way home with tongues dangling, start with short exercise sessions, mix in water and rest breaks and build up from there.

• Pay attention to the heat — Provide your pet plenty of water, shade and sunscreen for dogs with thin hair or exposed skin. Also, even if the pup seems to be having a blast, make them take breaks to cool down.

• Traveling — Whether it’s a day trip to the lake or a week-long vacation, check out hotels, parks, camp sights and transportation in advance. While many in the travel and hospitality industries have opened their hearts to pets, there are plenty of places that either restrict, charge extra for, or forbid them altogether, so don’t assume the dog is welcome.

• Pack for the pet — Just as you would for young children, take along some things for your best friend. A leash, food, bottled water, dishes, toys, snacks, an extra towel, a portable kennel or tie-out for overnight adventures and any medications the dog needs are a start.

• Bugs — Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are just the beginning, so use commercially available pet insecticides or talk to your vet. If you plan to camp or hike, ask your vet what to do in the event of a bee sting or venomous bite.

• Make sure you have time — If you're going to be busy with people things and can’t supervise or spend time with the dog, it's not fun, so leave them home.

• Not all dogs are created equal — As much as you want to take your dog with you, it may not be a good idea. Some dogs are grouchy, nervous, animal aggressive, or just too rambunctious to subject to crowds or public areas. Be realistic, consider their comfort, and understand their limitations. It’s better to leave your pooch at home than cause them stress and risk a bad experience. In these cases, boarding your pet or finding a sitter is kinder in the long run.

Make sure summer fun stays that way, because with a little planning and a lot of common sense, pets can help turn summer activities and adventures into happy memories.

Sharna Johnson is a writer who is always searching for ponies. You can reach her at:

[email protected]