Spending time with your pooch during Denver’s dog days of summer

The dog days of summer are here and there’s a lot of fun to be had in Denver, especially if you have a dog.

FROM THE EDITOR

But before we get to the fun, it’s important to remind ourselves just how hot it is outside. is time of year is typically the hottest in the city and already we’ve had a few scorchers. So, we must ensure that our furry friends are safe so that they have as much fun as we humans do.

Play in one of Denver’s beautiful parks Denver has some lovely parks, and both humans and dogs love visiting them. Remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times, as those who fail to do so are subject to a ne. It’s also a good idea to bring extra water and a bowl for your pet. And don’t forget your poop bags (although many parks have them available if you forget).

indoor pools speci cally for dogs. Canine Fitness & Fun Center, which is located on Evans Avenue bordering Denver’s Virginia Village and Goldsmith neighborhoods, o ers a 4-foot-deep pool with an on-duty lifeguard and a viewing area for the dog parent. It costs $18 for one group swim and $32 for one private swim, with packages for multiple swims available.

Go window shopping and dining with your pooch

Christy Steadman

Too much time in the hot sun can lead to heat stroke for dogs, which can be life-threatening. is goes for being in a hot car as well. So even a quick errand while your dog is left in the car is unsafe because temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels in minutes. Additionally, if you leave a pet inside a hot car you may be subject to a summons for animal cruelty, which carries a ne of up to $999 and/or 300 days in jail, according to Denver Animal Protection.

Bottom line is that it is best to leave your pooch at home if at any point you would subject them to an unattended stay in a hot vehicle.

Now for the fun adventures you can both have this summer.

ere are also many dog-speci c parks where dogs can run about without a leash. Denver Parks & Recreation operates 12 o -leash parks throughout the city. Find a nearby dog park online at tinyurl.com/DogParksDenver.

Take your dog swimming

Just outside of Denver, two nearby state parks boast o -leash areas where dogs can also play in water. South of the city, Chat eld State Park’s dog o -leash area o ers 69 acres of fenced open space and two ponds. East of Denver, Cherry Creek State Park’s dog o -leash area o ers 107 acres of fenced open space with the creek owing through it. Remember that these o -leash areas require a pass for entrance in addition to the per-vehicle entrance fee or regular annual state parks pass. Learn more about the state parks or buy passes at cpw.state.co.us.

And, there are other places dogs can swim. Some rec centers o er a doggie swim day at the end of the season, but there are some commercial

Although many shops do not allow pets inside the store, window shopping and strolling along 16th Street Mall, Cherry Creek North and/or South Pearl Street can make for a fun outing. Something to keep in mind, though, is that hot pavement can burn your dog’s paws. Denver Animal Protection suggests doing a test with your bare hands: “If you can’t hold your bare hand on (the) pavement for 10 seconds, then it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.”

Denver is a dog-friendly city, so many restaurants, breweries and other similar venues all across the city allow leashed, well-behaved dogs on their patios. Some even have doggie treats and dog bowls for water to keep your pet happy while you dine. If you’re unsure if the place you want to go allows dogs on their patio, call the location ahead of time to check.

Have fun in Denver on these dog days summer with your pooch.