11 Hot Products to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

Safety tips and products to keep your four-legged friends safe in the sun.

July 26, 2012— -- With summer heat in full swing, let water be your dog's best friend. Bring pets along to the beach, the pool, on the boat or just let them bask in the sun at the house, but make sure to take the proper precautions to keep them cool, hydrated and safely enjoying the nice weather. Here are some simple thoughts to keep in mind:

Dogs don't float
Dogs aren't impervious to the sun's rays Dogs can't last all day on one sip of water

Most dogs also love running, splashing, paddling and the feeling of a nice breeze through their coats. We wouldn't count on the ocean, lake or pool to quench our thirst, so don't rely on it to quench your dog's. Bring along plenty of fresh water if outside the house, and make sure to leave them with plenty if they're staying behind. Protect dogs from overexposure to extreme sun and hot sand, pavement or surfaces, make sure they have access to shade, and most importantly enjoy the summer with the most excited companion of all, your dog.

Check out these products that will keep your dog cool, comfortable and safe during the summertime.

1. Kurgo Surf N Turf Coat, $40

Not all dogs can swim, some have short snouts (think of snorkeling with a one-inch snorkel) and many dogs tire easily when swimming and can start sinking. Whether spending time in the water or boat, dogs should be safe in floatation gear, too. Should dogs become exhausted or fall into the water, it's important that pets remain visible at all times. The Kurgo Surf N Turf Coat life vest comfortably fits active dogs in the water, has a reflective trim, and includes two transverse handles should owners need to quickly pull pets out of the water and onto the boat, dock or beach.Click here for more information.

2. Doggles, $19.90

Protect your pup's eyes from sun, sand, water and windblown debris with Doggles, UV protective eyewear. Comfortably fit pets with adjustable straps and a padded, flexible rubber frame. These cool shades are shatterproof and great for jaunts in and out of the water. Click here for more information.

3. Doggles Pet Sunscreen, $9.99

Dogs can sunburn too, expecially light colored, thin haired breeds. Most common areas to burn include the tips of the ears and the bridge of the nose. Keep pets protected from unwanted and painful sunburns and irritations. Designed specifically for pets' skin and coats, Doggles Pet Sunscreen features SPF 15 to keep dogs playing safely and happily beachside this summer. Click here for more information.

4. Safety Turtle's Pool Safety Device, $281.20

Some dogs just can't swim. Your dog or cat may be able to swim, but can drown within minutes if not trained to get out of a pool. The Safety Turtle securely attaches to any pet's collar, harness or life jacket using the supplied Velcro Adaptor and a loud alarm instantly sounds at the Base Station when the pet and device venture into the water. The alarm continues to sound until it is reset so owners know the whereabouts of pets at all times. Click here for more information.

5. WaterDog, $69

The WaterDog is an Automatic Outdoor Pet Fountain, and is the most advanced method of keeping your best friend happy, healthy, secure and hydrated. It is a simple solution to an age-old problem. By using Ultrasonic Sensing Technology to detect the presence of your dog, the WaterDog knows when your dog approaches and immediately turns on a gentle flow of fresh drinking water. When he is finished drinking and leaves, the water turns off. No pans of water to be contaminated, grow hot, go dry and be an attractant to insects and vermin.By attaching the WaterDog to your outdoor hose spigot, you have taken the best step in solving your dog's water needs. Click here for more information.

6. Evaporator Dog Cooling Vest, $39.99

Dogs don't have sweat glands all over their bodies as humans do and they shed heat mostly by panting. Some dogs require help cooling routinely (overweight, old, pushed in/flat faces, heavy coat) and even young, fit animal need help staying cool when temperatures, humidity or activity levels soar. Simply soak the Evaporator Dog Cooling Vest for one to two minutes in water to activate the cooling technology. The Cooling Vest pulls heat out of dogs' bloodstream as it rushes past the veins in the neck. The coolness circulates throughout the dog's whole body and can keep body temperature at a comfortable level all day long. They get cooled from the inside out.Made of 100 percent cotton, the Evaporator Dog Cooling Vest, absorbs 400 times its weight in water and is non-toxic so it will not irritate the skin or be harmful if chewed. Click here for more information

7. Pogo Splash, $19-$21

Keep pets active and entertained while spending time at the beach or poolside this summer. Featuring bright and vibrant colors to easily spot toys on land or in the water, Premier Pogo Splash water toys are made of durable, neoprene material. These buoyant toys are perfect for fetching, tossing and flinging this summer. Click here for more information.

8. Pawz dog boots, $12.99-$17.99

People assume that dogs can walk on any surface with no problems. Not true! Keep your dog's paws safe from sand irritation, hot pavement, or broken glass on the beach with natural rubber dog boots by Pawz. The waterproof, reusable and disposable boots fit paws easily and securely without the hassle of straps or zippers. Click here for more information.

9. Doggy Docks, $345

Allow pets to easily take a refreshing dip in the ocean or lake this summer with the first of its kind floating dog ramp. Doggy Docks are portable, lightweight, and attach to any dock, boat platform or pool deck in seconds and work with any sized dog to help them safety enter and exit the water. Click here for more information.

10. Etna Outdoor Collapsible Pet Bath, $39.98

We used to think that bathing dogs removed their natural oils and dried out the skin. Veterinarians now recommend bathing pets weekly to reduce allergies, infections and smell. The giant, collapsible and pop-up dog bath opens quickly for bathing your dog outdoors where suds, dirt and splashing won't be an issue after a long day in the water and outdoors. Durable design includes waterproof, dual-wall construction reinforced by a powerful spring frame, outer mesh pockets for bathing supplies, a large nozzle for fast draining and built-in carry handle. Click here for more information.

11. Astro Pad

Dogs can rest easy after a long day of sun and water play with the Astro Pad, a dog bed created from excess high-grade buoyant foam and durable fabrics used in life jackets. Each bed is filled with environmentally considerate foam shavings that don't absorb moisture or odors to provide pets with a safe and comfortable place to rest their paws. Click here for more information.