Temperatures are rising and dogs all across the country are whining at the door, eager to go outside; summer's here and the time is right for dancing on a leash. Here are our favorite gadgets, accessories and apps to help keep your pooch cool, happy and well-exercised throughout the heat waves to come.
Dog Park Finder for iPhone
Whether you're looking for a new favorite spot locally, or traveling and need to give your dog's legs a stretch, the Dog Park Finder iOS app (free).
Crate Tools
Keep your dog cool inside its crate with a clip-on cooling fan ($14.52). If you have to spend a lot of time in the sun, consider throwing on a solar canopy ($22 for 6x6); its space-age material will deflect light and heat from the crate below.
Water Fountain
A steady supply of water is essential for keeping your pet happy and healthy in the summer heat. The Pioneer Ceramic Drinking Fountain ($45.95, large) is an attractive way to keep the water flowing. We also love the Drinkwell 360.
Cooling Mat
Thanks to science, we have another space-age material to help make our pets' lives even better. These cooling mats ($30.99) are filled with a material that becomes gel-like when filled with water, which absorbs heat; between that and an electric fan, your dog can withstand just about anything the sun is throwing at it. You can also buy vests full of the same stuff.
ASPCA Weather App for iOS and Android
The ASPCA has released a free app for iOS and Android that gives you a 3-day, pet-specific forecast, so you'll know if Fido can safely walk outside or if you should pack extra water.
(Image: Flickr member keira-anne licensed for use under Creative Commons)
How do you help keep your dog cool during the summer months? Share your tips with Unplggd readers in the comments.
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The Pioneer also has a smaller version, which I was looking into for my 15 pound pup. For some reason, he won't drink water inside, though he loves his outside water. I've tried different bowls, bringing water that's been outside into the house, everything. Maybe moving water will get him to drink more? In addition to worrying about his bathroom breaks, now I worry that he'll dehydrate.
Has anyone tried a water fountain for pets?
This jacket actually works extremely well, basically "sweats" for the dog. My dog loves his.
http://www.ruffwear.com/Swamp-Cooler-Dog-Cooling-Vest-Sun-Protection-Prevents-Canine-Heat-Exhaustion-from-Ruff-Wear?sc=2&category=12
Just bought a fountain for my cat. He's the same, wont drink water from his bowl. Drinks it from the sink if it's dripping, drinks it outside, licks me dry after I shower... but not from his bowl.
He's still unsure of his fountain, but he does use it. Still begs for me to turn on the faucet though, but I think that's just for the attention.
I worked for a family that had one of those fountains and my dog loved drinking from that thing. Everytime I brought him over he would only drink from it. Just make sure that you keep water in it when it's plugged in. We forgot to refill it and the motor burned out. I'm pretty sure it didn't help that my dog emptied out the fountain every time I came over.