dog accessories

Your Guide to the Best Dog Accessories for the Summer

Do you know the origin of the expression “dog days of summer”?

For many people, the phrase conjures up images of dogs lying in the shade, too hot to do anything but pant and sleep. However, the “dog days” are actually when the so-called dog star, Sirius, rises in conjunction with the sun.

This occurs in late July and early August, so the dog days are just about behind us — even though there’s plenty of hot weather still to come.

Whether your pooch loves to get outdoors and be active during the summer months, or would rather relax in air-conditioned comfort, check out our roundup of the best dog accessories — nifty, handy, and just plain fun items for your canine companion!

Accessories To Keep Your Dog Cool

Dogs and humans handle hot temperatures and humidity differently, so it’s important to take precautions with your pup when the mercury soars.

For example, dogs sweat primarily through their paw pads. Their panting also cools them off by circulating cooler air through their bodies — but when it’s humid, this is more difficult to achieve, and dogs may suffer heat stroke easily. Here are some of the best dog accessories to help Fido beat the heat.

A Tall Drink of Water

When you’re out running or ends or taking a hike, be sure to bring plenty of water for both of you.

Collapsible dog bowls have been around for a while, and they work just fine if you have a source of fresh water. Not sure if there’s a fountain around? Take this combination water bottle and dog dish, so both of you can stay hydrated.

No Bones About It, These Are Adorbs

Of course, you can pop down to your local big-box store and get a cheap plastic kiddie pool for your pup to splash around in, but why not treat man’s best friend to a pool made just for her? This bone-shaped one is perfect for those Instagram-worthy puppy pool parties!

If you’re lucky enough to have a human-sized pool in your backyard, consider investing in a floatie for your dog. They’re tougher than ordinary plastic floaties, and they’re less likely to be punctured by a toenail or by your canine’s canines.

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A Pup-sicle Maker

dog popsicles

Making your own popsicles — excuse us, pupsicles! — is a fun project for you, and an awesome treat for Rover.

This ingenious item comes with a handy base so the treats won’t slip and slide all over your floor. Simply fill it with water or broth and add any flavorings or dog-safe snacks, then freeze overnight. Think of all the money you’ll save!

Keep Calm and Cool On

If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors this summer, but your dog is particularly sensitive to heat, it makes sense to invest in this accessory — a cooling vest!

All you have to do is soak it in cool water, then put it on your puppy. As the water evaporates, he will stay nice and comfortable.

These Boots Were Made for Walkin’

City dwelling dogs need hot-weather accessories, too — especially these cute little boots which will protect your pup’s paws from scorching asphalt.

If it’s too hot underfoot for you to walk around barefoot, it’s too hot for those precious little paws, too. Even dogs who dislike wearing boots will be amenable to these slip-ons, since they make your everyday walk a lot more comfortable.

Best Dog Accessories To Help Your Dog Look Cool

There’s cool, and then there’s really cool. Make sure your furry friend is the envy of every dog at the park with these styling accessories.

Summer Print Bandanas

Show us a dog who doesn’t look dashing with a jaunty bandana tied around his neck, and we’ll show you a — well, a cat. The neckerchief is the epitome of canine fashion. Choose a couple of bright, cheery, summertime prints. The watermelon bandana will make your dog the belle of any backyard BBQ!

A-Tisket, A-Tasket

Help your dog channel his inner Toto with a darling bicycle basket. Not only will he ride in style, but you may have just enough room to tuck a bottle of wine and a baguette in there, too.

Light Up the Night with an LED Collar

We know that your furbaby lights up your life, but this next accessory helps him stay safe by lighting up the night, too. LED collars come in a wide range of colors and glow reliably for up to 10 hours on a single charge.

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If you enjoy long pre-bedtime walks, or if you’re headed to a bonfire or other nighttime event with your pup, an LED collar is a great way to make certain he’s visible.

Practical Dog Accessories for Summertime Fun

Before we close out our roundup of the best dog accessories, there are a few more essentials to mention. Depending on what you and your canine companion plan on getting up to before the arrival of autumn, they might come in very handy indeed!

Say Bye-Bye To Bugs

Headed on a camping trip, or just setting out on a long hike? Before you go, pick up an insect-repellant dog shirt. These odorless garments help keep mosquitos, ticks, and other creepy-crawlies at bay, so you can keep on hiking even in the buggiest areas of the wilderness.

Your Pup’s Very Own Pup Tent

You and your dog probably have an active summer social life, but it can be difficult to predict if there will be shade available.

That is, unless you bring your own! Portable, dog-sized tents ensure he always has a safe, cool spot to relax and chill out — whether you’re at the beach, in a friend’s backyard, or having a picnic in the park.

A Comfortable Bed

After a long summer’s day of exploring, playing, swimming, eating popsicles, and enjoying the great outdoors, your doggie will have earned his rest! Give him a super comfortable dog bed, where he can relax, catch some ZZZs, and get rejuvenated for all of the fun activities that tomorrow holds!

Water-Ready Floating Toys

No trip to the shore will be complete without a couple of waterproof, floating balls or other toys. Balls that won’t sink and charming, nautical-themed toys are must-have items for trips to the beach.

Final Thoughts

Did we forget any crucial items on our list of the best dog accessories to keep handy this summer?

Join us over on Facebook and let us know. Or better yet, share a picture of you and your dog, living your best summertime lives!