If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, summer is the perfect time to enjoy it with your dog. From running through the sprinklers to lounging in the grass, backyards are a dog’s delight.
Read on for helpful tips and product recommendations to turn your backyard into a doggy paradise this summer.
1. Pull out the kiddie pool
A true summer classic. A simple, small plastic pool is a great way to cool off your dog on a hot day. You can even wade in with them for some fun bonding in the sun.
The FrontPet Foldable pet pool was designed with dogs in mind. It’s made of tough PVC plastic and holds eight inches of water for safe, shallow splashing in the yard.
Even if your dog isn’t a water hound, a kiddie pool serves many purposes. Click here for more ideas on how your dog can have endless fun with a simple plastic pool.
2. Set up some shade
Shade is a must on hot summer days. If your backyard has a covered patio, then you’re all set. But for an extra-special summer treat, give your dog a shady tend of their own!
This simple pop-up tent ($29.99) sets up in seconds and has roll-up window shades and a zipper door. You can add a cooling mat or soft blanket for extra-comfortable lounging.
3. Elevate your dog’s lounging
Summer sun means hot pavement and humid grass. Help your dog stay cool in the yard with a raised pet cot.
Raised cots are perfect for backyard summer fun because they let air circulate on all sides. As a bonus, these dog cots are made of durable, quick-drying fabric. Spray it down with hose water for an extra boost of cool!
The Pawhut Elevated Cooling Dog Bed (from $39.99) is a great choice because it comes complete with a canopy for shade.
4. Keep cool with cooling mats
If your dog isn’t a fan of raised bed, you can still keep them cool in the yard this summer with a cooling mat.
Cooling mats work by drawing heat away from the body. You don’t have to refrigerate them, but you can toss them in the freezer for a few minutes before use for extra cooling power. The Whalek Pet Cooling Mat ($39.99) has a soft gel core that’s comfy and soothing for older dogs.
5. Leave out water (and keep it cold)
FrostyBowlz Chilled Pet Bowls mean your dog’s water will never go warm again!
Cool drinking water is a must on hot summer days. Hydration helps your dog regulate their temperature and prevent heat stroke. You should always have clean, cold water available for your dog.
Of course, you could use any old water dish in the yard. But a chilled pet bowl is even better: the freezable inner core helps keep water cold throughout the day, while the stainless steel exterior bowl provides an easy-to-clean drinking surface. The FrostyBowl ($28.95), pictured above, keeps water cool for hours.
6. Run through the sprinklers
No room for a kiddie pool? Try the other summertime backyard classic: sprinklers! It’s a fun summer cool-down the whole family can enjoy.
Note: not all dogs love water. If your dog is hesitant to run through the sprinklers, never force them to get wet. But you can show them it’s fun by joining them in the spray.
Any sprinkler will do, but for extra doggy fun, check out this cute fire hydrant sprinkler ($19.99). It hooks up directly to the garden hose for easy splashin’.
7. Accessorize for coolness
Help your dog look cool and stay cool all at once with a chilly neck wrap. You can use your favorite bandana: just soak it in water and tie it around your dog’s neck for cool relieve.
In fact, if you plan to be in the backyard with your dog a lot this summer, you can keep a supply of cold, damp neckerchiefs in the freezer. Just pull one out and rinse it under the tap to de-thaw it enough for tying.
You can also get a dog-specific Ice Bandana (starting at $7.99). Just soak it in water, and it will cool your dog off for hours.
8. Pup-sicles, of course!
Nothing says “summer” like popsicles in the backyard. Check out our favorite dog-friendly frozen treat recipes, or pick up some doggy ice cream from your local pet supply store.
If your dog is on a diet, you can still indulge their summertime popsicle needs with a freezable chew toy. The Cool Pup Popsicle Toy ($13.70) can be filled with water and frozen.
9. Stay safe and have fun
via flickr/matshg
You’re all set to enjoy summer days in the backyard with your dog. Just remember to follow hot weather safety tips to keep your best friend happy and healthy all summer long.
Enjoy the dog days of summer!
