The brightest star, Sirius, rises and sets with the sun during the hottest days of summer. Ancient Romans called this the dog days of summer. Take your pup to cool down at one of these end-of-summer swims.
Soggy Doggy Swim
Pups 12 weeks and older, with up-to-date vaccinations, can enjoy the cooling effects of the water. Half of the proceeds go to Fredericksburg SPCA. // Sept. 6; 5:30-8 p.m.; Doris E. Buffett Pool: 1300 Dixon St., Fredericksburg; $5
Dog Swim
Release the hounds at the Lovettsville Community Pool. Bring Frisbees and balls for your pooch to chase. County Dog Licenses required. // Sept. 7; 9-11 a.m.; Lovettsville Community Pool: 57 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville; $5
Dog Day
Enjoy your favorite NoVA water park with your canine. All five locations allow you to bring Fido to the pool for a day of fun. // Sept. 7; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; NOVA Parks water parks: locations vary; $5
Dog Daze
Get your pooch dog tired at Dog Daze. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole opens its doors to the canines looking to beat the heat. Proceeds are split between the Fairfax Park Foundation and Fairfax Animal Shelter. // Sept. 7; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston; $10 suggested donation
Pooch Plunge
Shake off summer and take your mutt or purebred to Veterans Memorial Park for its annual Pooch Plunge. Written proof of your dog’s current rabies vaccine from a veterinarian is required. // Sept. 8; 1-3 p.m.; 14300 Veterans Drive, Woodbridge; $6
Summer’s End Puppy Pool Party
Show your puppy (or dog) some love by taking it to the New Market Community Pool. Registration required. // Sept. 15; 1-4 p.m.; 9670 Cadet Road, New Market; $3
Annual Doggie Day Swim
You’re sure to have a wet pet at this summer swim event. The Memorial Pool is hosting mutts less than 50 pounds, but Old Town Pool is for canines of all shapes and sizes. Tickets required. // Sept. 20 & 21; times vary; Memorial Pool: 901 Wythe St. and Old Town Pool: 1609 Cameron St., Alexandria; free
This post originally appeared in our September 2019 issue. Want more events? Subscribe to our newsletters.
