From hiking in the mountains to swimming at the beach, barbecuing in the backyard, and boating around the bay, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the dog days of summer with the pets you love most.
To help us all gear up for a season of fun with our canine companions, we’ve put together some of our favorite summer essential products that can keep your pup hydrated, cool, and safe when the sun is out!
1. Start every day off on the right foot (or paw!) with a delicious and nutritious meal
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so delight your dog with a delicious meal that can fuel all the fun in the sun. A balanced diet is extremely important for providing pups with all the essential nutrients they need to live long, healthy lives.
2. Take a water bottle everywhere you go
Water is one of the most essential items your dog needs this summer because heat stroke is just as serious in pets as it is in humans. You can find a wide variety of options in all shapes and sizes, but remember to look for features that are dishwasher-friendly to get the most value out of your purchase.
3. Keep them comfortable with a cooling pet pad
When it gets so hot that you wish you had a mattress cooling pad, you can rest assured your dog would love one, too! Technology has come a long way and a lot of these innovative mats use a special gel that activates under pressure to provide sweet, chilled relief. That means no water, no refrigeration, and no electricity — yay!
4. Pack some treats for on-the-go adventures
Whether it’s a road trip, day at the beach, or a camping trip excursion, make sure to pack yummy treats for your pup so that you are ready on the go.
5. Bring a bandana for protection, score bonus points on style
Not only do bandanas make any dog 100x cuter, but they can also help protect your pup from the harsh summer sun this season.
6. Shield their skin with specially-formulated sunscreen
Yes, dogs can get sunburnt, too! Common ingredients found in sunscreen for humans, like zinc oxide, can react differently in dogs. It’s important to pick a product that’s made specifically for our canine companions to shield their sensitive skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays. Look for ultra water- and sweat-resistant products to ensure maximum protection, and remember to reapply every two to four hours during your outdoor activities. Keep in mind that any time your dog displays visible signs of sunburn — including warm, reddened, and flaking skin — it’s time to move them inside.
7. Have some fun and make a splash with a pool toy
Okay, maybe this one isn’t essential — but it is a must-have for dogs who love to swim in the pool over the warm summer months. You can have a blast while strengthening your bond with a classic game of fetch in the water. From ducks to discs, the sky's the limit in terms of options, but it’s important to play with a toy that floats. You never want to encourage your dog to dive for something, nor should you ever let your pup play in the pool unsupervised.
8. Don’t go out on the water without a dog life jacket
If you bring your furry friend on boat rides or stand-up paddle boards, they should always wear a well-fitted life jacket made just for dogs. No matter how careful you may be, accidents happen, and even the strongest swimmer can be in need of a rescue. In situations like these, pet insurance can be extremely valuable.
Comments