Chicago is in full celebration mode. Fireworks light up the evening sky twice a week, and music and food festivals are in full swing. We’ve officially entered the dog days of summer – those sizzling, humid weeks of July and August. The term dates back to ancient Greece, inspired by the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. The Farmer’s Almanac dives deeper into this history. 

But while humans seek out festivals, patios and cool drinks, how do our furry friends enjoy this season?  Chicago is home to an estimated 610,000 dogs – though exact numbers are hard to pin down – and the city offers plenty of ways to make their summers just as exciting as ours. 

The Chicago City Clerk’s office published a Dog Guide featuring dog-friendly patios. Rain or shine, food-loving pups can dine alongside their humans at spots like The Perch, Farm Bar or Barrio, where special dog menus offer entrees and desserts for an elevated dining experience. PB&J Downtown hosts weekly Doggie Date Nights – where dogs eat for free!  

If you  are looking for summer breezes, Montrose Beach has a designated dog friendly area where pets can cool off in Lake Michigan. Among the Chicago Park District parks, there are several off-leash parks in the city where dogs can play free. 

And for those without a dog, but longing for a little puppy love, Puppy Yoga is the perfect solution. Several studios across the city offer yoga classes with pups wandering the room. 

Websites like BringFido.com list fun, dog-friendly events across the city. A local favorite is K9 University, which offers seasonal dog-friendly activities as well as day play for pups to socialize, exercise, and make new friends. It’s a perfect spot to keep your furry companion happy, active, and engaged all summer long. Beyond structured events, Chicago offers plenty of simply joys for dogs and their humans. 

Stroll the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, explore Lincoln Park’s trails, or visit neighborhood farmers markets where leashed pups are welcome to wander among the vendors. For a free afternoon adventure, take your dog on a walking tour of the city’s murals and public art —it’s a great way to enjoy Chicago’s neighborhoods while your pup gets a change of scenery. 

As the season winds down, Chicago’s dog days are a reminder to savor every sunny moment. From lakeside splashes and patio dinners to playful afternoons at K9 University, these shared experiences create lasting memories with our four-legged friends. They make the dog days just as special for our pups as they are for us, and they’re the perfect way to savor the summer before the crisp air of fall signals its end.