Fun and Enriching Garden Visits for Dogs on Hot Days

As professional dog walkers, we know that during heatwaves, safety has to come first. When it’s too hot to walk, garden visits and pop-ins are a fantastic way to give dogs a potty break, a little exercise, and much-needed company without risking heatstroke. But how do you make a short garden visit meaningful for the dog (and their owner)?

Here are some ideas to keep your canine clients happy and stimulated when walks are off the table.

🐾 Keep Dogs Cool and Entertained

The goal is to balance enrichment with safety. Shade and hydration should be your priorities before any activity.

✅ Set up a shaded play area:

• Use existing trees, a parasol, or even hang a light sheet to create shade.
• Avoid hard surfaces like patios that hold heat; stick to grass where possible.

✅ Hydration is key:

• Refresh their water bowl as soon as you arrive.
• Offer a few ice cubes in the bowl if the owner allows.

🎾 Low-Energy Play Ideas

Even energetic dogs need to take it easy when it’s warm. Focus on short bursts of gentle play:

• Snuffle Mat or Scatter Feeding
  • Bring a portable snuffle mat or scatter a handful of their kibble/treats on shaded grass for them to sniff out.
  • This engages their brain without raising their body temperature.
• Frozen Toys
  • If the owner pre-freezes a Kong or chew, offer it in the shade.
  • Frozen carrot sticks or dog-safe fruit (like blueberries) can also work as a cool snack.
• Water Bowl Play
  • Gently toss in a couple of floating treats or toys to encourage light paw dipping and licking, but only if the dog enjoys water.
• Gentle Tug or Fetch
  • Play only a few rounds and keep it calm. Use soft toys and stop if the dog seems to overheat.

🧠 Mental Enrichment

Mental stimulation is just as tiring (and safer in the heat) as physical exercise.

• Hide-and-Seek Treats
  • Place small treats in shaded garden spots and encourage the dog to sniff them out.
• Basic Training Refresher
  • Run through a few easy commands like sit, down, paw, stay. Keep sessions very short (1–2 minutes). Praise and reward often.
• Scent Work with a Favourite Toy
  • Hide their toy under a plant pot or behind a chair and let them sniff it out.
• Grooming or Massage
  • A quick brush or gentle ear scratch can provide calm bonding time.

🛑 Activities to Avoid in a Heatwave

⚠️ Skip anything that raises body temperature:

• Running or chasing games
• Long fetch sessions
• Tug-of-war for more than a minute or two
• Any play in direct sunlight

🐕 What About Puppies and Older Dogs?

• Puppies: Their bodies don’t regulate heat well. Stick to potty time, short training sessions, and cuddles in the shade.
• Seniors: Avoid any exertion. Offer water, gentle strokes, and keep them indoors if possible.

📝 Before You Leave: Your Garden Visit Checklist

End each visit by ensuring the dog is set up comfortably until their owner returns:

✅ Water

• Top up their bowl with cool, fresh water.
• Add a few ice cubes if appropriate.

✅ Curtains/Blinds

• Pull curtains over sunny windows to keep rooms cooler.

✅ Doors and Gates

• Check all doors and garden gates are properly closed and secure.

✅ Toys and Comfort

• Leave them with a safe toy or chew for company.

✅ Environment

• Ensure fans or cooling mats are left in place if provided by the owner.

✅ Update the Owner

• Send a quick message about what you did during the visit and how the dog seemed (hydration, mood, potty).

🌞 Final Thoughts

Garden visits can be more than just potty breaks – they’re a chance to provide comfort, enrichment, and reassurance on days when walks aren’t an option. With a little creativity, you can keep your clients’ dogs happy, cool, and stimulated, all while giving owners peace of mind.