5 Ways to Get Your Dog Summer-Ready in Essex (And Why You Need a Camera Ready!)
The days are getting longer, the mud is (mostly) drying up, and summer is officially on the horizon. If you are anything like me, you and your dog are practically buzzing to spend more time outdoors.
But before we hit the trails around Brentwood and Romford for those long summer walks, your furry best mate needs a bit of seasonal prep. Here are five quick ways to get your dog ready for the Essex summer—and why now is the absolute best time to capture them on camera.
1. Ditch the Winter Coat As the weather warms up, that thick winter undercoat is going to start shedding everywhere. Booking a thorough deshedding groom not only keeps your dog cool and comfortable, but it also makes them look incredibly sharp. A fresh, sleek summer coat catches the natural light beautifully, making it the perfect time for an outdoor photoshoot.
2. Prep for the Long Grass Summer means bounding through the long grass in places like South Weald Country Park. It is a dog's dream, but it's also prime territory for ticks and grass seeds. Make sure their flea and tick treatments are fully up to date so they can explore safely. (Pro tip: Those action shots of your dog leaping through the summer grass are always the ones that end up framed on the living room wall!)
3. Beat the Midday Heat Dogs can overheat incredibly quickly in the summer sun. We need to shift our walking routines to the early mornings or late evenings to keep their paws safe from hot pavements. (Photographer's Bonus: My absolute favourite time to shoot is during "Golden Hour"—that gorgeous, soft light just before sunset. It’s cool enough for your dog to run around comfortably, and the golden summer light creates stunning, cinematic portraits.)
4. Master the 5-Second Pavement Test Summer tarmac essentially acts like a frying pan. Before you set off, place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is definitely too hot for your dog's paws. This is the perfect excuse to skip the street walking and head straight to shaded woodland areas like Thorndon Country Park instead. (Photographer’s Bonus: The dappled shade of a woodland walk isn't just cooler for your dog; it also provides incredibly flattering, even light that makes their coat look amazing on camera, far away from the harsh midday sun.)
5. Hydration and Safe Splashing Always pack a collapsible travel bowl and plenty of fresh water, even for short trips. If your dog loves a swim to cool down, stick to moving water or the coast, and strictly avoid stagnant ponds or lakes which can harbor toxic blue-green algae during the warmer months.
So, Why Do You Need a Camera Ready? Summer is fleeting, but it is undeniably the absolute best time to document your dog's life. Between the vibrant green foliage, the dry trails, and the spectacular golden sunsets, the Essex countryside turns into a giant, natural photography studio. Your dog is also at their absolute happiest—exploring, swimming, and running without freezing their paws off.
These are the peak moments of their life, and relying on blurry, dark smartphone snaps just doesn't do their personality justice. You need a camera ready to capture the pure joy of a summer walk so you can hold onto it long after the season fades.
Ready to capture your dog’s summer adventures? Don't let this summer slip by without getting some proper photos of your best friend. My outdoor pet photography sessions across Essex are relaxed, fun, and totally dictated by your dog's pace.
[Click here to check out my transparent pricing and book your summer session today!]
