Are you ready to throw the ultimate pool party for your furry friend? With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to invite your dog and their canine companions for a day of fun in the sun. But where do you start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll share some great ideas for a doggy pool party that will make your dog’s tail wag with excitement.
Set up a dog-friendly pool
The first step in throwing a pool party for your dog is to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable swimming environment. Investing in a kiddie pool or even a full-sized pool that is safe for dogs to use is essential.
A great option for a dog-friendly pool is the Royal Pet Dog Swimming Pool. This extra-tough PVC swimming pool can be folded up allowing for it to be easily stored away or bring with wherever you and your pet travel next. Simply unfold and set up outside, then fill up with water and watch your pet splash around for hours. When playtime is done, the build in valve makes is easy to drain. This pool is perfect for a refreshing dip during those scorching hot summer days. And it’s easy to store during the winter months.
Provide plenty of shade
Dogs can easily get overheated in the sun, so make sure there are shaded areas for them to rest in. Umbrellas or covered patios are great options for providing shade.
Offer refreshing treats
Cool down your pups with some frozen treats! Dogs love ice cubes, so try adding some dog-safe fruits or veggies inside for an extra treat. Another option is to freeze low-sodium chicken broth in ice cube trays.
Watermelon cubes are another great option for a refreshing snack. Not only do they help keep your dog hydrated, but they also contain vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. Just cut up some watermelon and deseed them. You can even stick them in the freezer as a single-ingredient pup-sicle!
If you’re feeling more ambitious, you could even make homemade dog-friendly “pup-sicles.” Check out these recipes from our blog: DIY Dog Treats and Cat Treats for Summer. Try this recipe from our blog:
Pina Colada Goat Milk Pupsicles
Ingredients:
- Primal Raw Goat Milk (16 oz.)
- ¼ cup finely diced, fresh, organic pineapple (not canned)
- 1 Tbsp Kin + Kind Raw Coconut Oil
- Handful of unsweetened raw coconut shreds
Directions:
- Whisk together the goat milk, finely diced pineapple, coconut oil, and coconut shreds in a medium-sized stainless steel bowl— reserving a pinch of coconut for sprinkling
- Spoon mixture into an ice tray
- Sprinkle reserved coconut shreds over the top of each pupsicle
- Freeze mixture for 24 hours and serve as desired
- Makes about 16 pupsicles
Play pool games
Dogs love to play fetch, so why not incorporate this into the pool party? Use floating toys that are easy for dogs to grab and retrieve. Floating Friends are the “coolest” summer toy that your dog will love! Take them in the pool or throw them in the lake for a refreshing game of fetch! Toss this toy in the water for hours of fun! Temperatures getting uncomfortably warm? Soak the Floating Friend in water, squeeze out the excess water and throw it in the freezer for a crunchy, icy treat! Complete with a hidden squeaker, these are the perfect toys for Fido during those dog days of summer.
One fun game is to throw a ball or toy into the pool and have your dog jump in and retrieve it. You could also try playing a game of “red light, green light” with your dog. Have them swim towards you on the “green light” command and then stop on “red light.”
Have a doggy photo booth
Create a fun photo booth area for your four-legged guests. Add fun props like sunglasses, hats, and bandanas, and snap some memorable pictures. To help get the perfect shot, have some delicious dog training treats on hand and hold the treat near your camera so you get your dog looking at you!
You could also create a giant “Instagram frame” using a large piece of cardboard and decorate it with dog-themed stickers and props. Encourage your guests to take pictures with it and tag you on social media. Also tag Hollywood Feed, @hwfeed, on Instagram and Facebook if you decide to have a doggy photo booth! We love seeing dogs having the time of their lives and it would make our day!
Set up areas for resting
Just like humans, dogs need breaks too. Set up beds or soft blankets in shaded areas for dogs to relax and take a nap. Our Hollywood Feed Mississippi Made Snoozepads are perfect to have as a resting area outdoors. They aren’t too bulky so it’s not as hot for your pup. And you can easily stick them in the laundry to clean whenever you need to bring them back inside!
You could also try setting up an area with some portable fans to help keep your guests cool. Just make sure to keep the fans out of reach of curious pups.
Consider safety precautions
Keep an eye on your dog and their canine friends at all times. Make sure they are playing safely and not roughhousing too much. Always provide plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration. Also make sure none of the pups drink the pool water, because usually pool water is filled with chemicals like chlorine which can cause stomach issues for your dog if they drink too much. Even if your pool is salt water, too much salt water can be bad for your dog as well.
It’s also a good idea to have some doggy life jackets on hand, especially for dogs that are not strong swimmers. The Kurgo Life Jacket is a great option that comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
With these ideas, your dog and their furry friends are sure to have a blast at their pool party. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and make some unforgettable memories!
Related blogs: Keep Your Fur-babies Happy and Hydrated this July – National Pet Hydration Month, DIY Dog Treats and Cat Treats for Summer, 7 Hot Weather Dog Products You Didn’t Know You Needed, 5 Summer Fun Activities For Your Pets