Looking forward to soaking up the sun and enjoying the great outdoors with your dog this summer? Trust us, we’re right there with you – but before you plan a beach day or a hiking trip, let’s review these ten must-haves for dogs for these warm summer days!
1. Water
Not only should your dog always have access to fresh drinking water, he or she could also benefit from water to play in! Whether a lake, pool, or even a kiddie pool, water is a great way to cool off as well as prevent overheating and dehydration. Just remember never to let your dog swim in or drink from a lake or water source that has questionable coloring or algal blooms!
2. High Visibility Life Jacket
Speaking of water, dogs who love to swim in a lake, pool, or other large or deep water source should always wear a high visibility life jacket with a handle on it. A brightly-colored life jacket is the best way to have a visual marker on your dog as well as to quickly locate and help your dog in an emergency. We also recommend a life jacket if you go out on the boat or stand-up paddle boarding.
3. T-Shirt
For dogs with thin or light-colored coats, a t-shirt is a great way to help protect your dog from the sun’s harmful UV rays. While most dogs don’t require sunscreen, there are a few exceptions. Learn more here!
4. Frozen Treats
For humans, ice cream is a go-to treat to cool off. While it is okay to give your dog a small amount of plain, vanilla ice cream, it’s even better to make your own dog-friendly frozen treats.
5. Collapsible Dishes
If your dog goes camping, hiking, or to the beach with you, collapsible dishes are a must-have to give your dog water or food without the bulk of the usual bowls.
6. Sun Reflective Goggles
If your dog loves to be active outside, consider investing in sun-reflective goggles for dogs. These special goggles help protect their eyes from harmful UV rays, especially while boating, hiking, paddle boarding, or other outdoor activities.
7. Cooling Sources
Air conditioning, fans, cooling mats, and even cooling vests are all great tools to help dogs, or any pet, stay cool and prevent overheating. You could also dip towels in cool water or wrap frozen water bottles in towels to provide some extra refreshment after a short time in the hot sun.
8. Pet Backpack
On less hot summer days or in the cooler hours of the day, carry your small dog (or even your cat) outside safely in a pet-specific backpack with either a mesh or clear panel for visibility. These are great for smaller dogs that might not be able to keep up on a hike or even a feline friend!
9. Preventatives
Make sure your pet is protected from mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks! Bugs and pests are everywhere during the summer months, and the best way to keep your pets safe from Heartworm Disease, Lyme Disease, flea infestations, and other diseases is to get your dog on preventatives immediately! Contact your family veterinarian if your pet isn’t protected!
Side Note: If you have cats, even indoor-only ones, they also need to be protected! You can learn more about parasite prevention for our feline friends here.
10. Leash, Collar, & ID Tags
During the summer months, many dogs are outside a lot. Loud noises like fireworks, storms, or construction work, as well as incidents like a squirrel on the hiking trail, may cause your dog to head for the hills! For these reasons and more, we highly recommend having your dogs microchipped and always have them wear their collar with ID tags.
We also advise keeping your dog on a leash to prevent them from running off. Talk to your family veterinarian to determine the best collar and leash options for your dog’s size and behavior. You may also want to consider investing in a gentle leader or harness.
BONUS:
For those rainy or too-hot-to-go-outside days, we recommend purchasing a food puzzle or supplies for other indoor activities like a DIY obstacle course. You can find a list of DIY dog activities here.
We hope this list helps you find some fun, safe ways to enjoy the summer with your dogs!
More Reading:
- 5 Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog this Summer
- 10 Things to Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer
- Summer Grooming for Northern Breeds
- Summer Heat Risks for Pets
- Top 10 Summer Pet Toxins
