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As a Dallas Dog Mom, my pups Dutch & Dewey are an important part of our family and we love heading out to a Dallas patio with our dogs. And I’m pretty sure you feel the same if you clicked on this article.
You want to give them all the best experiences possible and enjoy time with them as much as possible. That includes taking them on outdoor adventures, o Puppacino drive thrus, for walks, hikes and in patio weather, going to your fave restaurants.
But there are some simplerules for bringing your dog along with you when it’s patio season in Dallas – here are 10 simple rules of bringing your dog to the patio.
Want to bring your dog to a Dallas patio? Just follow these simple rules…
1. Make sure the animal enjoys being out and about
This is the first rule of dining out with your dog as some dogs don’t like spending time on patios. Don’t force it.If you have a dog that could benefit from mingling and socialization, consider taking your dog on the patio with fewer people (we like Frogg’s Coffee in Watter’s Creek) or inviting a friend over to his/her house so your dogs can get acquainted.
2. Request permission in advance of bringing your dog to your local restaurant so that you don’t run into trouble when the time comes.
Animal-friendly Dallas patios already have special licenses but many places are “officially” animal-friendly. Be sure to check out the ordinances before hand, and keep in mind that not every business is allowed to host animals on their premises.
3. Dogs need to stay hydrated.
Many, but not all restaurant patios allow dogs. Bring a water bowl to be safe and an extra bowl to be proactive with your dog’s hydration. Just the ride over to the restaurant can leave your furbaby parched.
Also check out these spots ⤵️
4. Be prepared with poop bags
We’ve all had the dreaded experience where we have forgotten bags or run out. This is a time you will especially want to remember those bags.
5. Be cautious of heat; Texas gets HOT 🔥
It is important to take your doggie on a patio that has adequate ventilation when you are going out to eat. Even covered patios or those with misters can get pretty warm, just like any other enclosed area. There should be plenty of space for your dog to lie down and rest if he gets overheated, even if he is short-haired dog.
6. Remember extra food!
Depending on how long your adventure from home may be, ou do not want your dinner to overlap into their dinner. However, if you bring extra food then you can keep your furbaby busy at least for a few minutes with their own mini meal.
Here’s a awesome portable food container that you can bring on day trips or to a patio outing.
Or bringing one of these long lasting chews from Rachael Ray may be the ticket (when it comes to our big boy Dutch, nothing is really very long lasting).
7. Be a respectful Dog Mom
Make sure your dog doesn’t make unwanted guests uncomfortable when you bring them to a restaurant with a patio. The chances of making it through without anyone complaining are much higher if the canine is well-trained and has good behavior in public spaces. Keep your dog close, especially the big ones, because we never know what others experiences with dogs have been.
Also, don’t let your dogs climb on the patio furniture and sniff or steal food. Even pet owners know that’s a bit rude and pretty unsanitary.
Again, its patio season and the weather could not be more perfect to sit outside at your favorite cafe or restaurant with your adorable dog. So have fun and keep these simple rules in the back of your head before heading out to a Dallas patio with your dog. And if you are wondering where to hang out, just pop a question into the local Dog Moms group.
One more thing . . you might like 17 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer Heat