15 Pet Essentials for a Hot Summer
- H&H Founder, Alexis
- May 22
- 4 min read
As Professional Pet Sitters in Phoenix, we are no strangers to prepping for our hot summers with pets in mind!
While we humans can regulate our temperature by drinking frozen margaritas and dipping into the pool (of course, between the times where we’re inside under a fan with the curtains closed to the world wondering why we live here in the summer), our pets can’t tell us when they want a cold beverage or need a break. During summer is when our pets rely on us most to care for them and keep them safe from Phoenix weather they normally wouldn’t endure.
Below is a comprehensive list of 15 essentials to help your pets stay cool during a hot summer! Even just having a few of these items on hand before summer begins can bring much-needed relief to your animal families.
An attachment to your car’s AC vents to make sure the coolest air gets to the back seat where your dog or cat are as soon as possible!
Perfect for summer road trips with your pets or even rides to the vet to make sure they don’t overheat.
Cooling Pads
Available in pressure activated, self-cooling options or ones you freeze beforehand, cooling pads are something we love to keep on hand and lay around the house once we start having to use our AC (in Phoenix, that starts around April or May), and let our pets find them in their favorite spots.
Cooling Bandana, Collar, Vest, and Towel
Lots of different options for cooling bandanas, collars, vests, and towels, but we love the matching Swamp Cooler™ combos from Ruffwear! Just some cool water and a snap and most of these cooling accessories are ready to go, making them perfect for being out and about and just utilizing what you have with you.
Shoes
We love shoes here to help cross hot sidewalks or asphalt to go potty, as well as protect generally from hazards on the ground (can't tell you how many times we come across glass, nails, etc. just scattered around). Keep in mind, though, that just because your dog has shoes on does NOT mean they should be walking in the heat! Your pup can still get heat stroke and is not comfortable walking in anything hotter than 85°F-90°F, so please do not do it.
For shoes to help with heat protection, we love these ones from RifRuf that are breathable mesh to help dog paws cool off, and these ones from WagWear that have holes for breathability and are easily cleaned.
Torus Water Bowl
It's no secret we love our Torus Bowl here at Hand and Hound! We think it's the best water bowl option to keep your pets cool over summer. Holding up to 2 liters, just fill with cold water and your dog or cat has access to freshly filtered cool water the rest of the day!
Petralyte Electrolyte Supplement
Your pets suffer from dehydration and lack of proper electrolytes to recover just like we do. Next time you reach for your sports drink after a day out with your dog or cat this summer, let them enjoy their own with you!
Pet Safe Sunscreen
It might surprise some, but your pets can get sun burns and skin cancer, too! I've seen it on horses, dogs, and cats (from lounging in sunny windows). Protect them with this pet-safe sunscreen.
Hats
Your pet's eyes and snout are sensitive to the sun just like ours are, so make sure you give them some shade with hats like these ones!
Dog Sunglasses or Goggles
Another option for protecting pets' eyes from the sun or any debris like sand during the summer, doggies sunglasses or goggles (doggles?) are a great investment. Just make sure what you're getting works for your dog and their activity level. If your pup is a little more adventurous, consider something durable that won't break and cause any injuries to your pet's eyes, like these ones!
Kiddie Pool
A classic summer option for your water-loving dog to beat the heat! Thankfully there are plenty of options more durable to stand up to claws, like this one from Minnidip! Hot tip: convert the pool into a ball pit for your pup after summer
The Pupsicle OR Frozen Churu
Any toys or treats where freezing is involved is perfect for both dogs and cats during the summer heat! Whip up and freeze your own inserts for The Pupsicle and your dog will be having their own popsicle, or freeze some Churu sticks for your kitty to lick during heat waves, and you'll have one ~cool~ house!
Puzzles for Indoor Play
Just like kids need to keep up on reading and math, etc. during summer so they don't fall behind, your pets need daily mental stimulation to keep them happy, energized, and on their best behavior. When it's too hot for consistent walks and prolonged time outside, we love to supplement with puzzles, our favorite being from the Nina Ottosson brand!
Elevated Beds
Necessary for any time spent outside in the heat so your pup doesn't have to lay on the hot ground, elevated beds are the perfect solution. Air flows better underneath your dog, and you can even buy shade covers to go over top of them!
PetPace Health Monitor Collar
A little bit of a deep cut and an investment, but this PetPace collar monitors key vital signs (among many other benefits like location tracking), making it perfect for summer outings. Keep tabs on your dog's health easily. We recommend this especially for senior dogs or dogs with other health problems.
SleekEZ Grooming Tool
Last but certainly not least, maintaining grooming during summer is one of the best things you can do to keep your pet cool. Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn't necessarily shave down your pet for summer; their coat is built to protect them from the elements. Our favorite, all-around grooming tool good for any pet (dogs, cats, horses, etc.), makes it easy to keep up on grooming!
We hope you and your pets have a cool Phoenix summer with these essentials to beat the heat! Remember, any temperature past 85°F-90°F becomes unsafe for your pet, no matter how much they show it! Do not risk walks, runs, or outings for your enjoyment.
-your neighborly Phoenix pet sitters
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