When the sun’s out, the pooches usually are too, accompanying their owners to pub gardens and bars.
But not every establishment is so welcoming. At most your dog will get a bowl of water in the heat, if they’re even allowed in at all – making relaxing with your espresso martini a little bit harder.
Fear not though, because your puppy prayers have been answered today with a pub for dogs opening and serving cold ‘beer’ for your canine friend, less than two hours from London.
The Dog’s Frolics claims to be the most dog-friendly pub in the UK, based at Hampshire’s Sandy Balls Holiday Village in the New Forest.
As well as serving non-alcoholic dog beer, it has canine-friendly ice creams and cooling mats available for pooches to chill out in the hot weather.
While they may have missed a trick not offering Dachshund daiquiris or Maltese margaritas, there is still plenty for your beloved dog to indulge in.
(Picture: Andrew Croft/Solent News)
This includes pet-friendly ice lollies at the pub while their owners can also take part in a ‘pup quiz’ or dog-themed arts and crafts.
Liliput the Maltese – who’s popular on social media since appearing at last year’s BAFTAs – attended the grand opening of The Dog’s Frolics, formerly known as the Woodside Inn, run by Away Resorts.
You’ll have to be quick though because the pub is only open until May 6, with proceeds going to Dogs Trust – so your pint would be for a just cause.
The pawesome idea came after a poll of 2,000 dog owners in the UK revealed half prefer to spend time with their pets over friends and family.
Research by Away Resorts also revealed 72% of dog owners would be more likely to go to a pub if it was dog friendly.
(Picture: Andrew Croft/Solent News)
There’s nothing like being wracked with guilt while trying to enjoy a jug of sangria, knowing your furry best friend is at home alone, as 76% of owners agreed.
Carl Castledine, Founder of Away Resorts, said: ‘With 40% of our customers coming with a furry friend in tow, we wanted to do something especially for them.’
You can even stay for the weekend with your dog in one of the gorgeous lodges on offer like the The Knightwood, which comes complete with a hot tub and a dog shower (yes, seriously).
It’ll cost you just less than £100 a night for two adults, which isn’t too shabby if you ask us, and of course your furry friend stays free.
Paula Stewert, at The Animal Talent Ltd, who helped organise the launch event said: ‘With the UK being such a nation of dog lovers, it’s great to see Away Resorts launching a space designed just for dogs.
‘Most dogs love to socialise with other dogs as much as possible, but keeping them inside a nice cool environment during the hottest part of the day is recommended during a heatwave.’
Your pooch will want for nothing at Britain’s most dog-friendly pub, so you better hurry before it shuts its doors.
How to keep your dog safe in hot weather
Avoid walking or doing activities either indoors or outdoors with your dog at the hottest times of the day.
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, and bring water out on walks with you.
Check the pavement with your hand before letting your dog walk on it, so they don’t burn their paws.
Use a cooling mat or wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for your pet to lie on.
Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.
Use pet-safe sun cream.
Read more on how to keep your dog safe in the heat here.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: 9 tips for a delicious BBQ — and the mistake where ‘so many go wrong’
MORE: Slower than usual? The warm weather is affecting your brain
MORE: Good Samaritan rescues Jack Russell after it gets stuck 16ft up a tree
