Patio-Worthy Picks to Keep Your Pooch Chill This Summer

(photo credit: Hannamariah / shutterstock.com)

Not much beats lounging around the backyard on a nice sunny day. Right? The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and your pooch is… way over there trying to find a shady spot to relax. It’s not a big deal if you have trees and awnings on your property, but what if your yard is full sun? Or, you just want your little buddy a little closer?

Fear not, because there are a lot of workarounds to ensure your pooch is not only comfortable and close-at-hand, but downright enjoying the patio season as much as you are.

Let’s start with tips from the dog guru – the American Kennel Club (AKC) – who offer up the obvious must-haves including a continual supply of fresh, cold water (no, the swimming pool water doesn’t count) and the need to find a way to provide shade. We’ll throw in some extra including super-cool recipes for frozen cranberry dog treats and frosty watermelon snacks.

But what else can you do to ensure your pooch – and thereby, you – are able to kick back and enjoy the day? Let’s start with creating a little shade. And this pop-up dog cabana from CoolerDog is just the ticket. Not only is it lightweight and easy to move around the yard but it blocks out 98% of those worrisome UV rays and packs flat so you can take it anywhere you and your buddy go. The beach, camping, a friend’s pool party… Velcro tabs make it a snap to roll up and secure the front panel so you can interact with your pet, refresh his water bowl and even share a few of those aforementioned frozen goodies.

Now, many of us have dogs that prefer to roam around in search of a cool place to lie down when they’re hot. In those instances, work with his nomadic style and create a space he’ll organically gravitate to. It starts with this cleverly designed dog cooling mat you can pre-chill, then set down anywhere you want – by your patio chair, in his dog house, under an awning. You see, this patented option is infused with a self-cooling gel and is pressure-activated, meaning that a nice refreshing chill sets in the moment your dog (or cat) lies down on it. That cool comfort lasts for about an hour while your pet is reclining on the pad. To “recharge” it, you simply leave the chill pad in a dry, shady spot for around 15 minutes and voila, you’re ready to provide your pet with relief from the heat, again.

Offering pressure relief for older dogs and those dealing with joint issues is always top-of-mind for the many who live with mobility-challenged pets. And when you can combine a little pain relief in a cooling format, then everyone wins. That’s why an option like this breathable elevated dog bed is such a no-brainer. Elevated dog beds with an open-weave fabric cover not only flex to allow for low-impact reclining but promote 360 degrees of air circulation that includes not only around your pet but underneath a snoozing pooch. This ultra-portable option is constructed using 100% GREENGUARD recycled fabric that’s easy to remove for washing and is resistant to mold and mildew.

A great choice for any outdoor space has to be a sun-blocking cot that keeps your pooch up off hot surfaces while also protected from the sun’s harmful rays. And I think this elevated dog bed with sun canopy ticks those boxes. Made from super-durable and totally breathable Textilene fabric, this dog cot is the one you want whether sitting poolside, relaxing on a patio or camping in inclement weather. Not only is the detachable ray-blocking canopy a perfect foil to UV rays but it’s waterproof for those drizzly days that always seem to happen when we’re camping. Best of all, this lightweight structure is easy to break down and needs no tools to set up. I’m liking that!

Of course, shades and cooling mats aren’t the only things your pet needs when sitting outdoors with his favorite humans. Fresh, cold water is an absolute must and with three dogs I find myself constantly monitoring and replenishing. That’s why having a really great non-slip dog water bowl is such a brilliant choice for those who want to sit back and relax with their pet rather than constantly refilling a spilled water bowl. And this option scores on so many levels. Not only is it double-walled – meaning insulated to keep water cold and fresh – but it’s made from food-grade stainless steel that can stand up to the most boisterous of pooches. A silicone, non-slip pad keeps this dishwasher-safe dog bowl from sliding around or clinking against hard surfaces every time your pet starts to drink. Love it!

For those in warmer climates or with full-sun patios, you want a serious cooling solution that keeps your pooch safe from heatstroke while feeling comfortably chill in the process. This water-cooled dog bed with plush bolster sides may be the way to go. Made from durable, waterproof material, the easy-clean tech fabric surface uses soft, cotton polyfill for a firm yet comfortable bolster that supports your pet’s neck and head. But the intriguing part is that leak-proof base pad that you simply fill with cold water. The liquid helps to dissipate heat away from your lounging dog, making it much more comfortable for him to hang poolside with you. Not only is it lightweight and easy to clean, but it’s ideal for dogs up to 60 pounds.

Who doesn’t love a little waterworks in the yard? Certainly, our dogs do and when it not only keeps them happily busy but also cool, it’s a win-win-win, right? I’ve included you in that. Here’s what I love about this adjustable cooling patio mister: it has a sturdy metal base that dogs and kids will be challenged to knock over. It also includes five misting heads (brass, no less) for every possible angle coverage, and it’s taller than most – almost 4 feet in height. Meaning, that dogs of any size can walk under it without knocking into the heads. Simply hook it up to your hose and let your pooch choose how he wants to cool off – playing in the mist or laying back and enjoying it.