Keep Your Pup Cool, Safe & Happy All Summer Long
Spring was so mild here around Indiana, but when summer officially hit on June 20th, WHOA! Talk about a heat wave! And when the temps rise, we’re not the only ones feeling the heat—our fur babies are too.
Dogs are more susceptible to overheating than humans, and summer brings added risks like hot pavement, dehydration, and sunburn.
But with the right gear (and a little planning), you can enjoy every beach trip, hike, and backyard BBQ with peace of mind. Here are 10 summer essentials to help your dog stay cool, safe, and comfortable all season long.
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1. 💦 Portable Water Bottles & Travel Bowls
Hydration is non-negotiable, and even more important during the heat of summer. Always pack a portable water bottle with a built-in bowl or collapsible travel bowl for on-the-go sipping.
🧠 Did you know? Dogs lose water quickly through panting and can become dehydrated faster than humans—especially during walks or car rides.
Look for BPA-free options and always offer water every 30–60 minutes on warm days. Visit our collection of outdoor dog essentials here: Outdoor & Travel Collection.
2. ❄️ Cooling Mats & Bandanas
Cooling gear helps regulate your dog’s body temperature. Cooling mats and bandanas use pressure-activated or water-activated technology to draw heat away.
Toss a cooling mat in the car, crate, or shady spot outside—and wrap a cooling bandana around your pup's neck for extra relief.
⭐ Recommended: K&H Coolin' Pet Pad — lightweight, easy to pack, and vet-approved.
⭐ Recommended: Back on Track Cooling Dog Bandana — Durable mesh outer fabric to stimulate air circulation and evaporation.
3. 🧥 Cooling Vests
For dogs that spend extended time outside, a cooling vest is a must. Soak it in water, wring it out, and it works like a wearable AC. Ideal for walks, hikes, or even backyard play.
Breeds with thick fur or short snouts (like bulldogs or pugs) benefit most from the added cooling layer.
⭐ Recommended: Kurgo Dog Core Cooling Vest — evaporation cooler coat with reflective material.
4. 🕶️ Sun Protection & Shade
Dogs can get sunburned—especially those with light-colored or thin fur. Protect sensitive spots like the nose, ears, and belly with a dog-safe sunscreen. And always offer access to shade, whether it's a beach umbrella, tent, or canopy.
⚠️ Important: Human sunscreen can be toxic to dogs. Look for pet-specific options without zinc oxide.
⭐ Recommended: Dog Sunscreen Sun Skin Protector Spray by Emily's Best Pet Products with Purpose — safe and effective, all-purpose head to toe protection.
⭐ Recommended: My Dog Nose It Moisturizing Sun Protection Balm for Dogs Noses — water resistant sun protection for snouts.
⭐ Recommended: Spark Paws Sunblock Dog T-Shirt — offering SPF30 protection that is lightweight, breathable, and quick drying for dogs with sensitive skin
5. 🐾 Paw Protection
Pavement gets dangerously hot in summer—hot enough to burn paw pads. Test it with your hand: if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
Use booties, paw wax, or walk during cooler times (early morning or evening). Trails and grass are better alternatives to sidewalks during peak heat.
⭐ Recommended: My Dog Nose It Moisturizing Sun Protection Balm for Dogs Noses — water resistant sun protection for snouts.
⭐ Recommended: Petkin Dog Sunscreen Sunwipes — SPF 15 sunscreen for dogs, simply wipe on anytime!
6. 🆒 Indoor Cooling Tools
Keep your home cool for your dog too. Fans, white noise machines, and AC help, but you can also create DIY breeze zones with a floor fan and damp towel. Some dogs love lying near a fan or on tile for relief.
Bonus: Cooling beds or elevated cots allow for airflow underneath, making them more breathable than plush beds.
🔥 This fan/mister combo from Shark is a favorite among pet parents: FlexBreeze HydroGo Fan
⭐ Recommended: Cooling Pet Cot by K&H Pet Products — raised bed with Cool-Core center.
7. ✂️ Grooming & Skin Care
Matted fur traps heat and moisture, increasing risk of hot spots and heat rash. Keep your dog brushed and, depending on the breed, trimmed for the season. Also check ears and paws regularly—humidity can lead to yeast and bacteria buildup.
🧼 Tip: After beach or pool play, rinse your dog to remove chlorine, salt, and sand buildup that can irritate skin.
8. 🥾 Hiking Comfort for On-the-Go Adventures
Summer is the perfect time to hit the trails—and your dog makes the best adventure buddy. Whether you're planning a day hike or a weekend camping trip, having the right gear keeps your pup safe, comfy, and well-rested.
Two must-haves for trail days and overnight trips:
- Fold & Go Pet Cot by Body Glove: Lightweight, elevated, and easy to set up wherever you land. Keeps your dog off hot or uneven ground, and allows for airflow underneath on warm days.
- Pet Sleep Mat by Alpha Pak: Soft, compressible, and packable—perfect for lining a tent or giving your pup a comfy spot to rest at the trailhead or beside the fire.
🧭 Pro tip: Always pack extra water, snacks, and a collapsible bowl, and keep your pup leashed on unfamiliar trails to protect both wildlife and your dog.
9. 🐕🦺 Splash Zones: Doggy Pools & Misters
For outdoor playtime, small dog-friendly pools and misting fans offer splash-tastic cooling fun. Not all dogs love swimming, but many enjoy wading or running through a mist.
⭐ Recommended: Portable Dog Pool by K&H Pet Products — foldable dog pool with heavy duty liner, metal frame, and easy to drain plug.
10. 🚗 Summer Travel Kit & Emergency Prep
Keep a “go bag” stocked with:
- Portable water
- Cooling towels
- Treats or calming chews
- Collapsible bowl
- Paw balm
- Thermometer
- Updated ID tags
If you’re heading out of town, research the nearest 24-hour emergency vet along your route—just in case. Consider bringing a basic pet first aid kit with gauze, tweezers, and antiseptic wipes for unexpected scrapes or stings. And never leave your dog unattended in a car—even for a few minutes. Interior temps can climb over 120°F in moments.
⭐ Recommended: Pet First Aid Kit — with 108 items and over 1,400 reviews with an average 4.8 out of 5 star rating, this pet first aid kit is an excellent choice when traveling with your dog.
Why Summer Safety Matters
Here are a few additional resources to help prepare you and your fur baby for an even safer summer:
- 97% of heat-related pet deaths involve dogs—most occurring in hot cars or backyard exposure. Read more about summer heat safety from TotalVet.
- In UK veterinary clinics, 1 in 7 dogs treated for heatstroke don’t survive—underscoring the seriousness of overheating. Read more from The Kennel Club.
Summer is meant for memory-making with your pup, not ER visits or overheated afternoons. A few smart swaps and key essentials can help your dog enjoy summer safely, comfortably—and yes, a little stylishly too.
🌞 Stay cool out there, and give your pup some extra belly rubs from us.
Enjoyed reading this article, or have additional tips you'd like to share? Ziggy the Doodle would love for you to share in the comments below! 🐾
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