Are you looking for the best summer accessories for your dog? Summer is here, cities are opening up, and people are going outside. That also means dog lovers like me and those who adopted dogs during the pandemic are looking to take their dogs out for some fun too. Here are some dog accessories to help make the time outdoors with your pup more enjoyable.
Best Accessories to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer Heat
The heat is on and that hot sun can affect your dog just like it can you and me. It is important to keep your dog hydrated in the summer heat. The following accessories will help keep your dog hydrated or help keep them cool on hot summer days.
- Large Collapsible Dog Bowls are perfect to take with you on walks, hikes or to the beach. They have a carabiner clip that easily will fit on your shorts or backpack. They open to different sizes and close flat. I have used this product when taking my dog on walks and while on vacation. This comes in a pack of two, which was perfect, as I used one for food and one for water. The material is easy to clean (and dishwasher safe) and is BPA free.
2. If you would rather an ‘all in one’ option, Malsipree Dog Water Bottle is a good choice. It comes in two sizes, 12oz and 19oz. You fill the water bottle up and when you want to give your pooch some water, you press a button and the dish will fill with water. If you would like to save the water she did not drink, you can press the button again and the water will go back into the water bottle. The bottle size can fit most car cup holders. One con is that the button to disperse the water can be a little hard to press, so if you have arthritis or other issues with your hands, this may be an issue for you.
3. Another option for an all in one is the Asobu Dog Bowl Attached Stainless Steel Insulated Bottle. This is a 1 liter water bottle with a dog bowl attached to the bottom that you can remove and fill with water. The nice thing about this bottle is it is good for both you and your dog to use and the stainless steel construction will keep the water cold for hours. Holding 1 liter of water is great, but on the flip side, it can be heavy for some people to carry for this reason.
When going for walks, the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest is a must have summer accessory for your dog. You simply wet the vest, wring it out, and put it on your dog. This comes in four sizes and is compatible with using a harness when walking your dog.
If your dog likes to be in his or her own pool, the Treywell Foldable Swimming Pool is a good bet. This pool is made of PVC and comes in 5 sizes and has a slip resistant bottom. It does not need to be blown up and folds up when you are done using it. It also has a plug on the side for drainage, so no need to flip it over or use a bucket to get the water out.
For the pups who like to lounge in the pool, SwimWays Spring Float Paddle Paws Dog Pool Float might be just what they need. This is made to hold a dog up to 65 lbs or larger depending on size of float and has reinforced fabric to withstand punctures from paws and claws.
If your dog does not like to go in the pool, there is the Vistop Splash Pad. This is good for kids and dogs alike. You just hook up the hose and turn it on. The water will inflate the outside ring, so there is no need to blow anything up. You can also adjust the height of the sprinkler depending on how high you turn up the water.
For helping to cool your pet while inside or outside in the shade, the Coolerdog Dog Cooling Pad may be just what you need. This cooling pad comes with an ice insert to keep your dog cool on hot summer days. It is a modulated design, so you can buy several pads to adjust for your dog’s size. It is recommended to buy an extra ice pack to swap out when the original one gets warm, as it can take a few hours to refreeze the insert.
If you are looking for something more plush, the PetFusion Premium Pet Cooling Blanket is the accessory for you. This machine washable blanket absorbs and releases your dog’s body heat, which keeps them cool. There is no need to plug in or freeze this blanket for it to work.
For the fashionistas, Kooltail Dog Instant Cooling Bandanas are perfect summer accessories for your dog. This pack of 4 bandanas is like a cooling towel for your pet. Just wet it and put it on your dog. You can also put it in the freezer for an extra cooling effect.
The Original Elevated Pet Bed by Coolaroo is another good option for keeping your dog cool when outside. This cot keeps your dog cool in summer by keeping them off the hot floor. I have had several of these in the last 11 years and each one has held up for multiple years with different sized dogs using them. Each one of my dogs has loved using this when outside, during all seasons. We keep it outside under all weather conditions and have never had an issue with mold or degrading material.
Keep Your Dog Safe in the Summer Sun
Do dogs need sunscreen? YES, especially if your dog is light skinned or has light or white colored fur, according to vets. Dogs are also susceptible to skin cancers associated with being exposed to the sun.
12. Gerrard Larriett Aromatherapy Pet Care Vitamin and Essential Oil Sunscreen and Sun Conditioner offers UVA and UVB sun protection. It is the equivalent of an SPF 30 sunscreen and does not contain Zinc Oxide. It is lick safe and fast drying. Please make sure to reapply every few hours. This sunscreen also has a light scent and non-sticky formula. Some dogs can have sensitivities to essential oils, so please test it on a small patch of skin when first using it. This product is Made in the USA.
13. If your dog does develop a sunburn, Natural Dog Company Skin Soother Healing Balm can help to ease your pup’s discomfort. It also helps relieve symptoms related to skin allergies, hot spots and wounds. This balm contains natural, organic ingredients such as lavender, chamomile, cocoa butter and vitamin E. This product is Made in the USA.
14. When walking your dog in the summer, the pavement or sidewalk may become too hot for them to walk on. These XSY&G Dog Boots are the perfect summer accessories for your dog to provide them with protection. They are waterproof and have an anti-slip sole. There are two Velcro straps that fasten the boots on, so you can customize the tightness.
15. For those who like to take their dogs for long walks on the beach and don’t want to use dog boots (or your dog won’t tolerate them) Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax can help protect your dog’s paws against the hot sand (and pavement too). This can also be used to help heal dry, cracked paw pads and noses as well.
16. When enjoying time on a boat or in the water, the Vivaglory Neoprene Sports Style Dog Life Jacket will come in handy. This reflective life jacket comes with three adjustable straps and built in flotation layers for a snug fit and extra buoyancy when in the water. It also had a grab handle on the top so you can pull your dog out of the water in case of an emergency. The life jacket also has a D ring on it so you can attach a leash when out of the water.
17. If spending time on the beach, boat or just a car ride, these QUMY Dog Goggles are great summer accessories for your dog and will do the trick at helping to protect your dog’s eyes from the sun, wind, or other debris. They have adjustable straps, shatterproof lenses, and holes on the bottom of the lenses to prevent vapor build up. These come in a variety of colors. For smaller dogs, Small Dog Goggles also come with adjustable straps and offers UV protection.
18. The Royal Paw Heavy Duty Dog Tie Out Stake can help keep your dog close to you and prevent them from running off when at the beach or campsite. This can be used for both small and large dogs and can hold a dog over 200lbs. It has a double blade design to withstand both vertical and lateral force so it can be used in dirt, grass or sand without your dog being able to pull it out. This set comes with the stake, and installation tool to help you screw it into the ground, a cleaning brush, a carabiner clip, and a handy carrying case to bring it with you.
19. Another way to help protect your dog from the sun when at the beach or outside in the yard is this Wolfwise Pop Up Beach Tent. This can accommodate 3-4 people, offers UPF 50 sun protection, and has mesh sides and a “rear door” to allow for air flow. It is also waterproof and comes with wind ropes and stakes to help keep it in place if it is windy, as well as pockets that can be filled with sand. It also comes with a carrying case for easy portability to beach or parks.
20. After spending the day in the water, you may need to dry off your pooch before heading home. The Dog Gone Smart Original Dirty Dog Shammy will help you dry your dog in no time with pockets to put your hands for an easier grip when drying. This shammy will dry 8x faster than a regular towel. It is machine washable as well.
21. If you don’t have time to dry your dog, the iBuddy Dog Seat Cover will keep your car neat and clean on your way home from you water adventures. It is waterproof and scratch proof. This seat cover comes with a mesh window, which allows for better airflow, and for you to see your pet and they can see you in the front seat. It also has Velcro seat belt openings. This seat cover can be machine washed.
Bike Riding Accessories
22. If riding your bicycle with your dog is your thing, try the Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer. It comes in two sizes, one for small and one for large dogs. It has a non slip lining that is also washable and it folds up when not in use. This product is Made in the USA.
23. If you have a small dog and you prefer to have him or her ride up front with you, try the BarkBay Dog Bike Basket Carrier. This carrier doubles as a dog carrier backpack when not on your bike. It includes two mesh windows and an extender to allow the dog to sprawl out when off the bike and on the ground.
24. You also have the option of having the dog ride with you with the Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack. This is for small dogs up to 25 lbs. It has a waterproof bottom, is stain resistant, and has a washable interior pad. This backpack is padded and has a mesh top and sides for ventilation. The backpack can be used as a pet carrier as well and is TSA approved.
25. If you prefer to have your dog walk with you, try the Walky Dog Plus Hands Free Dog Bicycle Exerciser Leash. This attaches to your bicycle seat and has a “military grade” paracord and a quick release mechanism to detach your dog easily so you can go from using the bicycle to walking your dog in seconds.
It is always great to be able to share your love of the outdoors with your dog. I hope these summer accessories bring you and your dog a fun filled and safe season.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.
