đReady. Set. Splash! đđ
Summers are no joke for dogs. When hot days are better spent home because trying to regulate your own temperature is a struggle, whole months can become a bore.
However it doesn’t have to be this way! There are a few ways to keep your pup entertained while still keeping them cool. The best part is that these solutions don’t have to cost a penny and don’t need traveling, making it the perfect solution for everyday walks.
My personal favourite way is to offer a natural solution: water!
Swimming is, in fact, a great way to keep cool, to burn off energy and well… to have fun!
Here you’ll find a few of Chelmsford hot spots along with some tips on how to prepare for soggy adventures.
đď¸Hylands Park
One of Chelmsford’s most popular walking locations, Hylands Park offers extensive grounds, woodland trails and a large lake where many dogs enjoy exploring the water’s edge. The park provides a variety of walking routes, making it easy to combine a splash around with a longer countryside walk.
Because of the park’s size and location, it is best suited for longer walks or days out.
đłDanbury Country Park
Just outside Chelmsford, The Bark Park Woodlands Adventure isn’t the only place dogs enjoy woodland adventures. Nearby Danbury Country Park features lakes, woodland paths and open spaces that many local dog owners enjoy visiting. The lakeside walks provide plenty of interesting sights and smells for curious dogs.
đŁđžââď¸The River Chelmer
Several stretches of the River Chelmer offer opportunities for dogs to paddle and splash. Areas around Paper Mill Lock are particularly popular with walkers. During warmer weather, you’ll often see people enjoying the water, paddleboarding, and spending time along the riverbanks. Because of the many access points to the water, this is my absolute favourite way to include a quick refreshing dip into a daily walk, requiring no extra planned time.
đThings to Take for a Water Adventure
Even though you don’t necessairly need more time to plan for these type of walks, you do need to be a little prepared.
What you’ll need will depend on your personal situation.
What you need on you:
- Water and water bowl – for your dog to drink in the hot weather
- dog life jacket – for the pups who don’t float
- toys – or a stick for a game of fetch in the water
If you are going straight out of your front door and are not taking the car, it’s best to prepare some things to have handy by the door to use upon your return. Otherwise, keep these items in the car, but don’t forget to line your seats with a waterproof car hammock.
This include:
- Towel – to dry your soggy pup
- Extra water – for rinsing off mud
- Brush – to remove any knots
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to set any collar, leads and toys somewhere to dry. No one likes a stinky wet leash.
đśđžââď¸ââĄď¸When you are busy
Every dog has their own favourite way to spend a summer walk, whether that’s splashing through water, casually strolling under the shade of a forest trail or rolling in the grass after a zoomie. As a local Chelmsford dog walker, I enjoy accompanying dogs in these amazing adventures when you need some extra help handling their daily exercise. If you’d like to find out more about my dog walking services, I’d be happy to chat.
Let's Bork 