Summer Outfit Ideas for Your Dog

Dog Cooling Bandanas

Quick, simple and stylish, cooling bandanas are available in a nearly limitless array of summertime colors and designs. Just wet them in cool water and they’re ready to wear! Some people like to refrigerate them first for a little extra chill, but the temp from the tap is already cool enough to pull heat away from your dog’s body. Best of all? You can get matching bandanas for you and your pup!

Dog Cooling Vests

Whether they’re on a summer adventure or taking a warm walk, pups can feel as cool as they look in a cooling vest. These vests use evaporative cooling to draw heat away from your dog — first you soak them in water and wring out the excess, then the water that remains cools them off the same way sweat does for you. Exterior designs often employ light colors and reflectivity to further fight the sun’s heat (and look good while doing so).

Lightweight Shirts for Your Dog

Did you know that dogs can get sunburned just like us? Lightweight fabrics are great for protection, and there’s a summer-themed shirt for every occasion from the beach to the BBQ! If you want serious function with your fashion, there are even shirts designed with UV protection built in. Remember not to shave your dog to try and keep them cool — shaving only exposes them to a greater risk of sunburn. Throwing on a cute summer shirt is a much safer option!

Dog Collars and Bowties

Collars offer colorful designs in all things summer: watermelon slices, popsicles, palm trees, fireworks, sand dollars and so on. Some even come with reflective material for added safety on all those summertime walks and romps. Getting ready for a formal affair? You try a bow-wow bowtie with a similar summer theme or craft your own custom dog bowtie.

Dog Swimwear

Your little pal doesn’t need to be an expert paddler to sport the summer’s hottest one-piece suits, bikinis and trunks. They can just lounge poolside with their favorite bark-arita. But when your pup is ready for a dip, stylish swimwear will definitely make a splash.

Life Jackets for Dog Days of Summer

Does your pup want in on all the water action? If your “dog days of summer” involve rafts, rivers, boats, lakes, surfboards and more, you should absolutely give your furry friend some serious flotation assistance. Look for extra safety features such as high-visibility colors and reflective trim — you can even clip on a waterproof LED beacon. No need to rely on the dog paddle when it comes to your pup’s safety!

Paw Booties

Ever kicked off your shoes and walked on hot cement? That’s what your little buddy’s doing every time they go outside in the summer! Paw pads are sensitive and can’t naturally cope with the extreme heat that soaks into concrete and asphalt surfaces. Fortunately, there are many paw-protection options out there designed to insulate their toe beans from hot pavement. And if your dog tends to lose a shoe now and then, you can get booties that stay connected to a set of leggings — it’s a legit style statement that beats the heat.

Dog Cooling Mats

Break time! After a round of fun in the sun your dog needs a chance to chill, and cooling mats work wonders for bringing down their body temperature. As with most cooling vests and bandanas, many mats use evaporation to aid your pup’s natural cooling process. Other mats use a bladder that you fill with cool water, and some high-tech mats contain a pressure-activated non-toxic gel designed to absorb body heat.

New Dog Toys

New toys will make your dog’s summer sizzle! Plush toys come in all shapes and sizes and incorporate features like squeakers and crinkle paper to keep your pup playing for hours. Choose from ice cream cones, beach gear, baseballs, ocean fish — even a cooler complete with soda can, sparkling water and beer bottle! For something even more exciting, try pool toys that squirt water when chewed, or toys that you fill with wet goodies (like yogurt, peanut butter or even homemade dog-friendly ice cream) and store them in the freezer for a chilly treat on steamy summer days.

Dog Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Sunburn and bug bites are always on the fashion don’t list, but it’s hard to celebrate summer and avoid them entirely. The good news is that there are solutions specifically formulated to protect your furry friend — just be sure to read the labels carefully and watch for any adverse skin reactions. Apply sunscreen to vulnerable areas with thin or no fur like the nose, around the lips, the tips of the ears and the underbody. Dog-safe insect repellents use natural ingredients like citronella and lemongrass to deter pests like mosquitoes from pursuing your precious pal.

Additional Dog Accessories

These are the accoutrements that put the “wag” in “swag.” Doggie sunglasses protect eyes from the sun’s rays and from small objects during open-window car trips and fresh-air bike rides (while looking super-slick). Pup-sized sun hats provide shade and protect against sunburn, as do pup-sized umbrellas. And don’t forget a portable water dish — because hydration is always in style.

Summer is the season of fun in the sun, and you want your pal to share the best moments with you without feeling the heat. With so many chill choices, you can keep your favorite little canine in the coolest styles all summer long!