5 Summer Activities for Pittsburgh Dogs Sure to Get Tails Wagging

This post was originally published in 2022 and updated for accuracy and expanded in 2026.

Summer in Pittsburgh hits different when you’ve got a dog. Suddenly, every weekend is a potential adventure, and “just a walk around the block” starts to feel like a waste of a perfectly good Saturday. If you’re looking to shake things up with your four-legged sidekick this season, here are five activities worth adding to your summer rotation.

1. Skip the Drugstore Treat Aisle and Head to ivy’s Doggie Ice cream Pawlor (Salty Paws)

Located on Butler Street in Lawrenceville, Ivy’s Doggie Ice Cream Pawlor (Salty Paws) is Pennsylvania’s first doggie ice cream bar, and yes, it’s exactly as great as it sounds. It’s a doggie dreamland of colorful baked treats, a bone bar, toys, quality leashes and collars, apparel and accessories, and, of course, ice cream.

Owner Jessica serves up eight standard and four seasonal flavors, including blueberry, carob, peanut butter, and vanilla, all of which can be topped with your dog’s preferred toppings, from dehydrated venison to rabbit to beef.

Hunter’s personal recommendation was the maple bacon with rabbit — but only if you spoon-fed it to him like the royalty he clearly believed he was. (True story. He’s not wrong.)

And while you could eat its all-natural, human-grade, sugar- and lactose-free ice cream, I recommend the two-minute walk down Butler Street to NatuRoll Creamery to try Pittsburgh’s original rolled ice cream, with more than 60,000 ingredient combinations. (It’s OK—‍no one’s judging if you drool a little too.)

2. Find a Body of Water and Let Them Go

If your dog loves water, summer is his Super Bowl. Whether that’s a lake, a creek in a local park, or a dedicated swim facility, getting them in the water is one of the best things you can do for them. Swimming is low-impact, stress-relieving, and one of the most complete forms of exercise available. One minute of swimming equals roughly four minutes of running, which also means you can skip the afternoon walk without guilt. It also supports joint health, improves circulation, and benefits senior dogs, overweight dogs, and those with arthritis or dysplasia.

Before diving in, keep the following tips in mind:

• Check that your desired swimming spot is dog-friendly. Most unguarded beaches and unmarked swimming areas usually allow pets.
• Plan to supervise your dog closely, especially in unfamiliar water.
• Invest in a life jacket to help keep your dog afloat, particularly if he’s new to swimming or has a breed-specific build that makes swimming more challenging.
• Be mindful of rough water, rip tides, fast-flowing streams, and large waves.
• Keep your pup on a long waterproof lead for added precaution.
• Avoid stagnant water caused by slow summer flow. Hot temperatures can cause a rise in brain-eating amoeba and blue-green algae, which you’re most likely to encounter in warm, standing water, and which can be toxic and fatal to dogs.

Prefer a more structured setup? Lucky Paws Pet Resort in Freedom offers a 3,000-square-foot zero-entry pool. Misty Pines Pet Company and Dog Park in Sewickley has a spring-fed pond with a dock for dock diving. The Dog Stop in Upper St. Clair has an outdoor splash park. And Allegheny County’s annual Pooches in the Pool event over Labor Day weekend is a Pittsburgh summer classic worth putting on your calendar.

3. Host a Cookout and Actually Include Your Dog

A summer cookout doesn’t have to leave your dog staring mournfully at the grill. Most dogs can safely enjoy plenty of the same foods you’re serving: bite-sized pieces of hot dogs, bun-less sliders, grilled zucchini or sweet potato, seedless watermelon, and small amounts of grilled fish or lean meat are all fair game.

Feeling ambitious? Bake up a batch of homemade cheddar and beef dog treats shaped into mini burgers, tacos, and corndogs, or arrange a beautiful “barkuterie board” of your dog’s favorites, including dog-safe fruits and veggies, chews and dried treats, peanut butter or plain non-fat yogurt as “dipping sauces,” and protein-rich options like hard-boiled eggs, boneless fish, and low-fat cheeses. It’s the kind of thing that photographs beautifully and takes approximately zero culinary skill.

If that feels like too much effort, Three Dog Bakery on Beaver Street in Sewickley has you fully covered on the treat front.

For extra entertainment, set up a kiddie pool filled with plastic balls or empty water bottles for some DIY enrichment, scatter treats around the yard for a nose-work hunt, or build a simple backyard agility course. Your guests will thank you. The dogs will be absolutely feral about it in the best way.

Nothing says summer quite like a BBQ, so why not invite the neighbors—‍two- and four-legged—‍over for a casual cookout!

Most dogs can safely enjoy many of the foods their human counterparts can. Bite-sized pieces of hot dogs, hamburger or bun-less sliders, grilled vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato, seedless watermelon, and small servings of grilled fish and meat are all healthy and delicious options.

Don’t forget to send each pawty pup home with their own “sWAG bag” filled with treats-to-go, a mini bone treat cutter, and playful themed toys, like this five-piece P.L.A.Y. American Classic Mini Squeaky Dog Toy set that can be divvied up among several goodie bags.

4. Put Your Tails to the Trails

Hiking with your dog is good for both of you, and Pittsburgh is genuinely underrated for outdoor recreation. Getting your dog outside regularly supports his mental and physical health, builds your bond, reduces boredom, and improves his endurance and overall fitness. It also tends to result in a very calm dog by 7 p.m., which is a win for everyone.

For summer hikes, plan to head out early before the day heats up, take plenty of shade breaks, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Pack water, a portable bowl, a canine first-aid kit, flea and tick protection, and high-value treats for the trail. A cooling bandana or vest is worth the small investment.

You can find quality hiking and outdoor gear locally at Wagsburgh, Petagogy, and 3 Rivers Outdoor Company

Related: Helping Your Pet Beat the Heat During Summer Sessions

When preparing for your summer hike, be sure to bring:

• a portable, lightweight container with plenty of water to keep your pup hydrated.
• a canine first-aid kit.
• a cooling bandana, vest, or collar to help dissipate your dog’s body heat.
• a durable, trail-tested leash, harness, and collar with ID tags and current contact information.
• a properly-fit dog pack.
• all-terrain dog boots.
• microfiber towels.
• flea and tick protection.
• bite-sized snacks and treats.
• earth-friendly poop bags in accordance with the “Leave No Trace” outdoor principles.

Outdoor recreation retailer REI Co-Op Outdoor School Market Coordinator, Megan Green Wells, also has some great suggestions for hiking or backpacking with your dog.

5. Play Ball at PNC Park’s Pup Night

Take you and your dog out to the ballgame when Pup Nights return to PNC Park. A limited number of rooftop tickets include complimentary admission for your dog to enjoy all the excitement and entertainment of a Pirates game. Talk about putting the tail in a tailgate party!

Please note that in addition to this event’s special ticket, a signed release and waiver, and proof of current rabies vaccination must be presented at the gate. Due to the popularity of Pup Nights and limited tickets, PNC Park recommends that you purchase yours early to ensure availability.

---

Is a pet photography session on your summer bucket list? I’d love to chat about availability and create something tailored to your dog’s personality, whether that’s an adventure in the woods or something a little more polished. Choose your adventure below to get started.