Summer Fun in Every Direction!

Summer Fun in Every Direction!

WRITTEN BY JEANNE TAYLOR Staff Writer

While summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, the increase in temperatures and traffic locally tell a different story beginning right around early spring! One of the best parts of the Lowcountry is the year-round access to outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy – and our pets can appreciate it too.

Let’s “dive” into some summer fun options you and your dog can pursue!

SWIMMING/DOCK DIVING

Local waterways can be tricky to navigate with predatory wildlife. There are safe swim areas, and I personally consider the ocean to be safer than ponds or rivers when it comes to avoiding our gator friends. If you want to try your dog’s paw at dock diving, there are two very important things to know: (1) the first rule of dock diving is to be sure your dog knows how to swim and (2) he/she should have a toy drive so they will WANT to chase the object you are throwing for them. Interestingly, this trait appears to be more important than the dog actually loving to swim!

You can also pursue an indoor swim facility for lessons as well as to add as a regular, ongoing activity for your dog’s wellness.

Photo by Jeanne Taylor Pet Photography

AGILITY

One of the greatest things we can do for and with our pets is to bond tightly with them; we owe it to them to forge a relationship built on trust and understanding. Agility builds on this, further requiring the handler and dog to pay careful attention to each other’s cues to complete their course timely and accurately. It’s a wonderful mental stimulation for the dogs as they run the course, as it requires focus and consideration since use of their mental capabilities simultaneously with physical activity, which is ALWAYS a win.

Many local dog parks now have agility-inspired play equipment so try it out when you are next at the park and see if your dog is even interested in this type of activity. In all things, keep it fun! Check out Charleston Dog Training Club’s article in this issue for more information.

FESTIVALS

While the Lowcountry is well-known for its dogfriendly events, “read the room” before you head out with your pup. Events and festivals can be overstimulating and even stressful for some dogs. Also, if the forecast is for a 90-degree day, leave Fido at home in the comfort of the air conditioning. Pet-friendly shade areas can be limited in festival settings, so unless you are confident you can keep your dog protected and cool, it’s best to just go solo to your event. Chances are good your dog won’t mind a nice quiet house and a good long nap while you are out with your human friends.

Photo by Jeanne Taylor Pet Photography

TRAILS/WALKING PATHS

We live in a gorgeous area with beautiful views in every direction. You can find walking trails that are natural or paved, and terrain that ranges from primitive to pristine that can accommodate every personality, endurance level and paw-type! Walking your dog is one of the best activities you can share as it marries bonding and training time with exercise and exploring. Always be mindful of the temperatures and remember that heat-rises, so Fluffy or Fido will feel the heat off the asphalt before it ever makes its way north to you. Early morning before the temperature really hits a high note, or late afternoon/dusk are optimal walk times if you can plan around Mother Nature’s schedule. Not sure if it’s too hot to go for that mile? Touch the BACK of your hand to the asphalt or sidewalk and see how tolerable it is. A simple internet search will bring up a number of trail options near you, and most websites will include their pet policies so you can plan accordingly.

Photo by Jeanne Taylor Pet Photography

BEACHES

Oh, don’t we all love the many beaches nearby? Each has its own distinct crowd and vibe too. Not all dogs enjoy the beach or water, and you should never force an unsure dog to keep trying something they clearly are not comfortable doing. But, for those water-loving, sun-chasing furries, our local beaches afford so many opportunities for all-day smiles and result in long naps! Each beach has its own rules regarding leashed and off-leash hours too. Please respect these rules so that everyone who visits can let their dog enjoy their time, and not have to worry about being approached by an off-leash dog during leashed hours.

Remember also that the time of day is important. We have all walked on sand that is so hot it makes us do an embarrassing walk-into-a-spider-web dance all the way to the surf! If you are planning to spend an extended period of time at the beach, be sure you have a way to offer shade and

protect your dog’s paws and eyes. You may want to consider pet-friendly sunscreen for the top of their muzzles too, especially for white and red dogs. Dogs can get skin cancer too! There are cooling vests and even cooling mats that will help keep your dog comfortable at the beach (or anywhere outdoors) as well.

Always carry water for your pet. For so many reasons, you don’t want them drinking ocean water and the salt air is guaranteed to make them thirsty. Be ready with your water bottles! Local pet stores all carry light-weight silicone bowls and allin-one bottles that make convenient carrying a breeze for your adventures. Not convinced enough to carry water for them? Know that drinking salt water can create emergency medical scenarios such as dehydration, seizures, brain swelling, or cause kidney damage and even death. Also, consider that not only can swallowing water create a drowning scenario, but there is also something referred to as “near-drowning” which can be just as fatal and results from inhaling water (i.e., dogs

who play fetch in the water, etc.) only it doesn’t manifest immediately. So be smart, be safe. Take your own water and encourage your dog to drink from your bottle.

Whatever ways you choose to get out and explore this summer, keep your dogs safe and comfortable so everyone can have a great time! And please be sure they are wearing ID tags and microchipped on the outside chance they take their call to adventure a little too seriously!

Photo by Jeanne Taylor Pet Photography

LOCAL BEACH RULES

Edisto Beach: May 1 – October 31: LEASHED dogs are allowed on Edisto Beach. November 1 – April 30: Dogs are allowed off leash.

Folly Beach: Pets must be LEASHED at all times. No pets are allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from May 1 - September 30.

Isle of Palms Beach: Off-leash hours: April 1-September 14 from 5-9 a.m. and September 15-March 31 before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Dogs must be LEASHED at all other times.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park: Dogs must be LEASHED at all times at this park.

Sullivan’s Island: Summer hours for dogs on the beach run from May 1st to September 30th. During that time dogs can be off leash from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and LEASHED from 6:00 p.m. to 5 a.m. No dogs are permitted on the beach between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 pm. Winter hours for dogs on the beach run from October 1st to April 30th - dogs can be off leash from 5:00 a.m. to noon and on leash from Noon to 5:00 a.m. Dog licenses are required.

Pro-hack for beach days and keeping sand out of your car (this works for humans too): take baby powder and gentle baby wipes and a hand towel with you. Before you load up those sandy dogs, powder their feet lightly then towel rub to get the sand off. Then use gentle wipes to remove baby powder residue. Your car will thank you! ■