Summertime is here, and you've probably already geared up with sunscreen, bathing suits, beach chairs, and barbecue plans. But if you have a pet, there are a few more essentials to add to the list to lock in a safe, fun summer.
Pet Products That Keep Your Furry Friends Cool and Hydrated
One of the dangers of summer is that your cat or dog can become overheated. Although heat exhaustion is possible any time, inside or outside, its likelihood increases with the intense summer heat. It’s essential to make sure your pet stays cool and hydrated to keep them healthy and safe while they enjoy their fun in the sun.
Cooling Mats
Give your pet relief from the summer heat with a cooling mat. They come in all sorts of sizes and styles. Elevated cooling mats make sure your pet’s tender tummy doesn’t end up on hot pavement.
Big & Giant Water Bowls
Never let your pet run out of fresh water, especially during the sweltering summer months. Make sure your furry friend has access to water at all times.
Using a large-capacity water bowl is perfect for multi-pet households or maintaining a constant water supply during hot summer days. You don’t have to worry about your pets running out of water before you get a chance to top off their bowl.
Polar Bowl
Keep your pet’s water extra-cool when you’re playing outside with a Polar Bowl. The double-walled stainless steel bowl features a gel core that keeps your fur baby’s water cold for hours. Simply place it in the freezer for a few hours before filling it with cold water.
Paw Protectors
Have you ever tried walking barefoot on hot concrete or sand? It’s not fun, and your pet doesn’t enjoy it either. Walking on hot surfaces isn’t only uncomfortable; it can lead to painful burns. Therefore, keep your pal’s paws safe with some pet boots or socks.
Of course, the main challenge might be getting your pet to wear them. If your pet shakes off their footwear faster than you can say, “Hot, hot, hot,” test the temperature. Hold your hand flat on the ground. If you can’t leave it in place comfortably for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
Pet-Friendly Water Bottle
Are you an on-the-go person no matter what the temperature? If summertime for you means hikes, picnics in the park, walks on the beach, or similar activities, you need to bring water with you.
This goes for your pets, too. Make things easy with a pet water bottle that makes it a cinch for your dog or cat to snag some sips on the move.
Cooling Bandanas
If your pup needs an extra bit of help staying cool, try a cooling bandana. It works similarly to what people use. You wet the mesh fabric to initiate an evaporation effect that helps regulate your pet’s temperature and give them the extra chill they need.
Products That Enhance Summertime Fun for Pets
If you and your pet like to have a good time, you can’t ignore these must-have summertime pet products.
Dog Pool
Any dog that loves water and splashing around deserves a pool. You don’t have to get anything special, although there are doggy pools.
However, in a pinch, a shallow, small kiddie pool works, too. Toss in a few of your pup’s favorite toys, preferably ones that float or at least remain somewhat above the water level.
If you have a cat who’s intrigued by water, they might even like to investigate. However, no matter how used to water your pet is, always supervise them during water play.
Water Toys
Bringing your pup to the lake this summer? Or does your dog like to play in your backyard pool? Get some water toys for your pet. They can have an extra dose of splashtastic fun without worrying about their regular toys sinking and getting lost.
Doggy Life Vest
Since we’re talking about water fun, it’s important to remember safety first! A dog who loves to swim needs a life vest. Let your dog wear the vest around the house for a few days before they need to wear it in the water so they get used to how it fits and feels.
Frozen Treats
Indulge your dog or cat’s taste buds with some delicious frozen treats this summer. Spread some nonfat yogurt or peanut butter on the Neater Pets licking mat and place it in the freezer for a few hours. Or try one of these tasty catsicle recipes for your feline friend, or grab a pint of doggy ice cream from your local pet store.
More Summertime Essentials for Pet Parents
These pet products are non-negotiable when it comes to the ultimate summer with pets.
Pet-Safe Sunscreen
Pets need sun protection, too. Pick up some pet-safe sunscreen and make sure to apply it according to the instructions any time your pet is going to be outdoors for more than a few minutes.
Neater Pets Lift N’ Bag
Summertime usually means spending more time outside. You might host a barbecue or family picnic, or set up the lawn for the ultimate backyard games. No matter what your outdoor plans, if your yard is covered in poop, it brings the fun to a halt.
Make clean-up a breeze with the Neater Pets pooper scooper. The trapdoor design lets you scoop multiple piles of poop within minutes, depositing all the waste directly into the lavender-scented bag. No mess, no hassle, no smelly yard, and no poop-covered shoes.
Flea and Tick Prevention
It’s always important to protect your pet from parasites, no matter what time of year. However, summer often means more time outside for your pets and participating in activities with more exposure to ticks and other pests.
Talk to your vet about extra precautions you might need to take to prevent fleas and ticks during the summer. They may recommend certain medications or treatments that you administer during the summer months.
Pet-Safe Bug Spray
Protect your pet from pesky insects with an animal-safe bug spray. Apply it to your pet before spending time outside.
Sun Shade
Get a pop-up tent or hangable sun shade for your yard to provide extra protection from the heat and glare. It makes your yard more pleasant for you and your pets. Plus, your furry friend will always have a shady spot to rest when they’re outside.
Banish the Summertime Blues With Must-Have Pet Products
Nothing puts a kink in your summertime fun like sunburn, dehydration, bugs, and other hassles. Luckily, with a bit of preparation and the right products, you can keep everything in tip-top shape for the summer.
Stock up on pet-safe sunscreen, bug spray, and other safety essentials like flea and tick prevention. Ramp up the summertime fun with water toys, frozen treats, and a pet-friendly pool. Keep your yard poop-free with a great pooper scooper and primed for outdoor fun with a sun shade, an extra-large water bowl, and a cooling mat for your pet.
If you’re planning any outdoor adventures, a pet water bottle and paw protectors should be on your list. When you focus on preparing with the right products, you’ll make summertime a blast for people and pets.
For more tips on making the most of the summer with your pets, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.