10 Must-Have Dog Items for Summer

Never leave the house without these summer essentials

Every summer, my human and I take as many trips as possible to the beach. I do not know how to swim, but I love going to the beach—getting chased by waves, digging in the sand, and people-watching while I feel the salty breeze in my beard. If you follow me on Instagram @sweetlifeofcalvin, you'll also see me on kayaking and paddle-boarding trips.

So now, how can I do all these summer activities without overheating? Well, it doesn't help that I'm black because it just gets worse for me, but by being proactive and making sure I stay cool and hydrated on these trips, I can have a lot of fun under the sun without worrying my human.

To ensure our safety, here are my 10 must-have summer items for worry-free and fun Dog Days of Summer!

1. Portable Water Bottle and Bowl

Do not allow your humans to leave the house without these, even on short trips to the park or around the neighborhood. It's a practical necessity, to keep us hydrated while we enjoy all our summer activities. While there's plenty of water fountains in the park, please note that these bowls are not regularly cleaned, covered by other dog's saliva and bacteria.

2. Shoes

Yes, they add a cool factor to my walks, but they also provide comfort on hot pavements, preventing paw injuries. Even the sand on the beach or the rocks on our hikes can get too hot, so I always plan these walks early or late in the afternoon to avoid that. If you find yourself in a situation where you'll have to walk midday, shoes are a savior. I have two kinds of shoes: a hiking boot designed for more rugged terrain and jelly shoes for the beach and around the city. 

Grip Trex from Ruffwear (old design)

Wagwear | Use code CALVIN10 to get 10% off

3. Paw balm

If your dog doesn't like wearing shoes, a perfect alternative is a paw balm. This is a summer and winter must-have that can protect your dog's paws in extreme heat and cold. We don't want those cracked paws, so better moisturize. Apply the paw balm to your dog's paws before and after outdoor activities to keep them moisturized and protected.

Note: Always check the ingredients and ensure they are organic and all-natural in case your dog starts licking. 

4. Cooling mat

Our AC will be blasting all summer, but I'm also a nosy dog who loves to hang out on the balcony, so this works well. It keeps me cool while I get all that sunshine. I still have to see how it works at the park, as most of them are supposed to stay cool for a few hours.

5. Cooling vests and shirts

While I rarely use mine, I always see my Frenchie friends use these because they are prone to overheating. It is always great gear to have if you find yourself outdoors in the middle of the day. These vests and shirts are designed to keep your dog cool in hot weather, reducing the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

6. Sunscreen

It is a perfect alternative to cooling vests and shirts. Although this is highly recommended for hairless dogs, furry dogs are still at risk of losing some fur, and as always, it's better to ensure we are always safe when we're romping around this summer. Sunscreen can protect your dog's skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

7. Hats

You've seen me in my Puplid hats in many colors, but did you know they're not only to make me look cool? An engineer and a veterinarian designed these specific trucker hats to help their dog, Buddy, enjoy days at the beach while protecting his eyes. 

Trucker Hat from Puplid

8. Goggles

Speaking of eye protection, goggles are a must for my adventure-seeking friends. These protect their eyes from harmful UV rays, wind, dirt, and debris. I am still waiting for Rex Specs to arrive, so I'll let you guys know how mine works. 

9. Life Vest

When I think of summer, it's hard not to automatically think of all the fun water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding. But I must confess, I cannot swim. But I am not letting that stop me, so I always make sure I wear a vest, even at pools. Some of us don't know how to use our legs, and that's okay. It's also a great way to learn how to swim and gain confidence in the water. 

Note: Always choose a life vest that fits your dog properly and is approved for their weight and size. Shoutout to my friends @therealhousepupsofsandiego who gifted me my life vest.

Paddle boarding with @avatheminischnauzer and @sup_pups

Here's a bonus clip from my last kayaking trip.

10. Frozen treats—yes, they're a must! Nothing is better than enjoying a cool summer treat like doggy ice cream on a warm day. 

Note: If your dog has dietary restrictions, try freezing or making frozen treats. Dr. Becker's The Forever Dog book has plenty of healthy pup-sicle recipes you can try making at home. 

Enjoying my the bear and the rat ice cream at the Schnauzer Summer Meetup

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Have fun and stay safe! ☀️