It’s the dog days of summer and as the temperature increases, take some time to go outdoors with your furry friend, not only for some R&R, but also some much needed exercise, social interaction and maybe even a staycation at an area hotel offering a dog-friendly atmosphere.

In Irving, get out and about with Fido and consider the canine hot spot Wüf Pet Resort & Spa. At Wüf, you can drop your pet off for a few hours so he can learn more about socializing. The folks at this pet spa and resort will gladly roll out the red carpet for your fur baby with a first-class spa service menu that features invigorating baths, body scrubs, pedicures and massages.

The Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving is a hound heaven for the summer, offering pet amenities like a doggie swag bag featuring four medium size, multi-colored dog treats presented in a dog bowl with an additional bottle of water.

Or, grab lunch and a coffee with your favorite four-legged friend on one of the most popular dog patios in town at Java Me Up, also in Irving. The savory menu offerings and laidback atmosphere at this quaint, eclectic neighborhood café, combined with an inviting patio that overlooks the river walk, make this an ideal refueling station for man and beast.

Of course the entire Metroplex has gone to the dogs this summer and it just keeps getting better. There is a great variety of dog parks that cater to a social environment for man and furry friend, allowing for a good time to be had by all.

Standout dog park options include White Rock Lake Dog Park, open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. (closed Monday), where you can let your puppy off-leash. Or, there is Urban Dog Run at Main Street Garden, open 24/7, as well as Downtown Dog Park, where leashes are required, but dog and man are promised to have a good time.

For another unique concept, try Mutts Canine Cantina, which is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and located in Dallas at the corner of CityPlace West and Oak Grove Avenue. Mutts features an on-leash dog-friendly outdoor patio and beer garden that is open to the public, and also offers an attended off-leash park. Members at Mutts can join for $10 a month and enjoy both a small dog and big dog park on-site with a restaurant.

There are a variety of dog-friendly hiking trails in the area for some exercise, from the Katy Trail to White Rock Lake, Bachman Lake Park Loop Trail, Cedar Ridge Preserve, Kiest Park Loop Trail or the Trinity Levee Trail. For the best in four-legged staycations, consider high-end Dallas hotel options for a weekend getaway. Hotel Zaza, OMNI Dallas, Fairmont Dallas, Rosewood Crescent, the Hilton Anatole and The Adolphus offer an easy way to stay in style with your favorite pet this summer.

Pet boutiques abound in the Dallas area, including the Pooch Patio, a beer & wine bar, day care, grooming, boarding and self-serve dog wash facility that also offers a boutique. Or, try Urban Doggie, featuring natural and holistic dog food and grooming services. 

Still not sure what to do? Try jumping on the McKinney Avenue Trolley with Fido for a trip through Uptown and remember that many restaurants in that area are pet friendly. Then, head over to the downtown area and visit Klyde Warren Park for a final outing at the dog park facilities, where four-legged friends can enjoy their time and you can experience the local food truck scene along with regular entertainment.

Consider these up-and-coming pet friendly events too:

• Pups on the Patio benefitting Operation Kindness on June 25 from, 6 to 9 p.m. at Cane Russo; 7328 Gaston Avenue in Dallas.
• Yoga Doga 101 on June 27 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Crawford Park, 401 Strauss Road in Cedar Hill.  
• Yappy Hour benefiting DFW Metro Golden Retriever Rescue on June 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Komali, 4152 Cole Avenue in Dallas.