Summer is around the corner. Hearing about incidents of pets dying in parked cars on the news and social media, I felt it important to create a post to help spread awareness and give pet parents additional ways to keep their pets cool and comfortable this summer.
Speaking of which, did you miss my other post, Tips & tools to keep your dog and cat safe in the summer heat? Check it out and be sure the share to spread pet safety awareness in extreme temperatures.
This post will give you creative ways to keep your furry family members happy and comfortable in the heat. So, based on what is trending online, here are 12 summertime Amazon essentials for you and your pets!
Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the links. It’s my intention to only provide suggestions to you that I personally believe in, have experienced, or find useful.
1) COOLING MAT
Honestly, I had no idea about cooling mats until a few other pet parents brought it to my attention on my Facebook page as a great way to keep their cats and dogs cool. I remember when my cat Dusty was alive, she’d find her way into the tub in the bathroom to stay cool with her long Calico/Siamese fur.
A cooling mat is a much better option. This way, your pets can still hang out amongst family without being isolated. Check out this customer pick from Amazon!
Chaoguang Summer Cooling Soft Mat for Dogs Cats Kennel Mat Breathable Pet Crate Bed Liner Mattress
2) COOLING COLLAR /COOLING BANDANNAS
A cooling bandana or collar is yet another idea I had not heard of until recently. Sure, we know there are plenty of fashionable choices for cats, especially dogs, but cooling bandanas? What will they think of next! They come in various colors, look super cute, and help keep your dog cool this summer.
3) COOLING WATER BOWL/WATER FOUNTAIN
It should go without saying that water is essential for hydration when you are on the go or staying indoors. Keep the water temperature cool and replenish for your pet throughout the day. A few options are available depending on your circumstance. You can go with a traditional simple bowl or look into a water fountain in your home.
I know my cat Dusty was more of a fan of dripping or cascading water than still water. I suppose she was thoroughly entertained by it as well. It was not unusual for me to catch her playing in her water bowl with her paws.
Anyway, if you are on the go, there are options for portable combination water bowls you can store and bring on the road. Here are a few options to consider for your pet.
4) WI-FI PET CAMERA
If you are planning on taking a trip or leaving for an extended period (for work), this Wi-Fi Camera is a great summertime must-have for pet parents. (Honestly, I think it would make for a great holiday gift idea too.) Pet parents that want to keep an extra close eye on their beloved furry friends will love this item.
The Wi-Fi Camera allows you to monitor your pet from your phone while you are away. A bonus feature is that some cameras also have a treat dispenser so you can give treats to your pet. So not only can you rest assured your pet is safe and sound, but you can also reward them for being well-behaved and holding down the fort at home. How cool is that?
5) ELEVATED PET BED
Elevated pet beds are exactly what it sounds like; a bed elevated off the ground. This is an excellent option for pet parents that want to help keep their dog comfortable and off the floor. If you have tile floors or concrete paving around your house, consider how the environmental temperature impacts the floor. In winter, it’s too cold, and in summer, high temperatures can damage your dog’s paws.
So, having an elevated pet bed is a great option to keep them higher off the ground and comfortable. Additionally, the elevated beds are portable and provide good even support. Here is one of many options to consider.
K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Pet Bed Medium Chocolate/Mesh 25″ x 32″ x 7″
6) SUNSCREEN PROTECTION
Having sunscreen protection is a must in the summer for everyone. Both humans and pets need protection from harsh weather elements. Whether that means having an umbrella to produce shade or a sweater for a hairless pet, they need protection from the extreme temperatures.
Luckily, sunscreen protection is not just limited to us humans. Now they have sunscreen for dogs too. Who knew? I know I was unaware but pleasantly surprised. To check out the options of non-toxic sunscreen for your pet, consider these options.
Petkin Doggy Sunwipes – 20 count
Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets
7) PET TRAVEL BAG/ ORGANIZER FOR HUMANS
Get a portable pet organizer. If you are planning a day trip or family vacation with your furry friends, it’s beneficial to have an organizer to pack the essentials you’ll need and store them easily. Don’t ruin your overnight bag with pet hair and odor. This comes in handy when traveling on vacation or a road trip.
Keep all your pets’ toys, grooming tools, water bowls, food, and treats in one place. Having a separate organizer for Fluffy’s essentials will make traveling on the road a little easier. Check out this customer pick!
8) GROOMING
When the weather gets hot or there is a change of season, my cats used to shed, shed, shed, and then shed some more. One important thing to help keep your furry family member comfortable is to stay on top of your grooming routine.
I loved a tool called the Furminator back in the day, and it helped remove several ounces, if not a full pound of hair, from my Dusty. (We used to call her Fluffy butt for a reason! She had that much fur everywhere!)
Removing excess fur is beneficial for you (and your furniture). It helps reduce matting and extra hair or insulation that keeps pets warm. Anything you can do in extreme heat like summer to help them keep cooler and be comfier is beneficial to their health and well-being.
My pick!
Furminator Long Hair deShedding Tool for Cats, Large
9) TRAVEL TOWEL
When you are on the move with your pet, they may get wet at the beach or play in the water. So having a handy towel to help dry them off would be helpful. Consider getting a travel towel designed especially for your pet and keeping it in the car trunk or packing it with your pet’s essentials.
These towels are handy for drying off pets, especially dogs/cats with lots of hair, so drying time is cut in half instead of taking forever. These handy towels work well for drying your cat/dog, absorbing water from outside the tub on the floor, or even using it at the beach after playtime in the water.
They come in all different colors and designs. Here are a few Amazon picks!
10) MOBILE PET BEDS/PET STROLLERS
If you are on the move and traveling but still wish to keep your pets as calm as possible, you may want to consider getting a mobile pet bed as an option. For example, have you heard of Sleepy Pod pet beds? These portable pet beds are designed for small dogs and cats. What makes them so unique? They are intended to be used at home as a regular bed but have a zipper closure, so when it’s time to go to the vet or on the road, you can zip on a cover and go!
Since your pet is already used to their mobile pet ped all the time, they are more relaxed than if you had to go through the whole pre-vet visit and get the carrier out. This makes for a situation that makes them anxious and on edge.
Sleepy pods make for a great option. They also are designed so you can put them in the backseat of your car and strap in your pet safely for that road trip. Additional accessories and attachments are available too.
GET SOME WHEELS
If a mobile pet bed isn’t quite for you and you have an elderly pet, one with mobility issues or a special condition that limits their ability to get outside in the sunshine, consider a pet stroller. Oh yes! If you didn’t already know, pet strollers are growing in popularity. We know time waits for no man, and that includes pets too. However, just because they are getting older or may have a disability does not mean they are doomed to stay indoors 24/7.
Getting a pet stroller is a great way to help assist your pet. This is beneficial because there is no extra effort needed from your pet. As a pet parent, it is more comfortable to get around with your pet by pushing a stroller vs. physically carrying them.
Also, additional benefits of a stroller include a sun guard/visor attachment to keep the hot sun from harming your pet if you are out too long. Also, think about their paws. They don’t have to walk on the hot pavement and burn their paws. Does this sound like a good idea to you? Check out this customer picks!
BestPet Purple Pet Stroller Cat Dog Cage 3 Wheels Stroller Travel Folding Carrier T13
Sleepypod Medium Mobile Pet Bed, Dark Chocolate
11) PAW BALM
It’s extra helpful to be prepared in the summertime, especially knowing extreme temperatures can harm your beloved furry family members. Take heed if you have a dog who loves to spend time outdoors on the pavement or the sand. When the temperature is scorching hot, they can burn and damage their paws.
However, one item I came across with great reviews from dog parents is Paw balm. This product is excellent for keeping paws moisturized, reducing inflammation, and healing and conditioning skin on the paw beds. If your dog has issues with cracking skin, this may help. If this happens, please call and check with your vet first.
Could this product help your dog? Here’s a customer pick!
PIN ME!
12) PORTABLE PET TENT
I remember as a young adult buying a tent for the beach and loved it! My secret hideout, out of the glaring sun, and I could have a picnic unbothered if I wanted to. Now imagine this for your pet. Bring them along on your camping or beach vacation getaway and pack the pet tent.
While sunbathing on the beach, your pet can be safe inside the tent, napping without overheating. Secondly, a pet tent is great for other outdoor activities like camping as well. This is another excellent option for sun protection and protection from those pesky mosquitoes. Your cat or dog can have a space on their own.
Are you looking for options? Take a look at these customer picks!
Those are my top 12 summertime essentials for you and your pet! Would you add anything else? What must-have items do you use that you cannot live without in the summertime? Do you use any special items to keep your pet cool and comfortable this time of year? Share your thoughts and tips below.
Originally published 7/2018. Updated 05/30/2022.