Keep your pup cool, comfortable, and safe—even in the heat
Here in sunny California, it feels strange to say “summer is in full swing” when, truthfully, it always kind of feels like summer. Thanks to the coastline, we’re lucky to enjoy fairly mild, year-round temperatures. But the moment we hit the road and start heading inland? It’s a different story.
We make regular summer trips to Lake Tahoe, and that drive takes us through some scorched-earth stretches of highway—looking at you, Sacramento! While we’ve outfitted our truck with a cap and a solid cooling system for the dogs, I’m not one to leave anything to chance when it comes to their comfort and safety.
Even once we arrive, the sun doesn’t exactly let up so the dogs prefer to stay in the dirt! That’s why we rely on a short list of tried-and-true dog cooling products to help Zeus and Talia stay chill, even when the pavement feels like lava.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
This climate-pledge-friendly mat is hands-down one of our favorite purchases. If you’re traveling with pets this summer, especially in a warm car or trailer, you need something like this in your kit. Made with Arc-Chill fabric, it lowers your dog’s body temperature by 4–6°F and features a waterproof, easy-to-clean surface.
What makes it extra cool (pun fully intended) is that it changes color slightly as it absorbs heat. You can literally see where your dog has been lying and how the mat is working.
Price range: $24.99 – $56.99
Great for: travel days, warm hotel stays, camping, and crate napping
This beach tent was originally purchased to keep my husband from getting his usual sunburn. Instead, Zeus promptly claimed it as his own. While Talia insists on roasting herself like a rotisserie chicken (hence the need for fast-cooling products), Zeus prefers a chiller lifestyle.
After a swim, he trots right over to his shaded oasis and watches everyone else from the comfort of his private cabana. The best part? It pops up in seconds and folds down just as easily. Despite his frumpy face here, he LOVES his tent!
We strap ours to our "doggy cooler" for easy transport.
When a dog overheats, the most effective way to help is to target key areas: neck, armpits, paws, and belly. Most cooling bandanas rely on cold water and only stay cool for a few minutes, but this collar takes it to the next level—with actual ice inserts that stay cold for up to 45 minutes.
It’s a breeze to freeze overnight and toss into your cooler before a hike or beach trip. And if you’re traveling through triple-digit zones, it’s a true lifesaver.
Pro tip: Store it in a Ziploc inside your cooler to avoid soggy surprises.
I’ll admit, I was confused to see this listed as a “frequently returned item” on Amazon—until I realized the complaints were for the hard coolers, not this backpack. Ours has been with us for years, through road trips, hikes, beach days, and park picnics.
What we love:
- Removable side-wall ice packsTypical day contents, just to prove IT FITS ALL: 2 gallons of water, my water bottle, 2 phones, keys, Zeus’s frisbee, dog towel, 2 apples + granola bars, sunscreen, and a chocolate bar (if I packed).
It’s become the MVP of our summer outings.
Summer isn’t summer without a treat. Evan grabs ice cream. I reach for a popsicle. And our dogs? They go wild for their Woof Pupsicles.
These interactive toys hold a frozen center made of healthy, dog-safe ingredients (check out Zeus’s favorite homemade dog treat recipes here). Its outer frame slows them down, keeps them mentally stimulated, and avoids the choking hazard that can come with regular ice cubes.
You can buy just the mold or snag a combo pack. Trust me—it’s worth it.
Bonus: They’re a hit on social media for a reason!
Whether you’re traveling, hiking, or just soaking up the sun in your backyard, keeping your dog cool should be a top priority. These products have helped us through scorching California heatwaves and beyond—and I can’t recommend them enough.
If your dog has a favorite cooling product you swear by, let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram. We’re always looking to upgrade our summer survival kit!