Dog Day Afternoons | Pet Lifestyles Magazine

Dog Day Afternoons
Summer Fun With Your Dog

By Lori Zelenko

Wasn’t it Charlie Brown who said, “Happiness is a warm puppy”? OK, so maybe the warmth of a summer day wasn’t quite on his mind but the joy of romping with Fido surfside or splashing in the backyard pool is just about the ultimate when it comes to pet parent happiness.

From pool toys to poolside mocktails, we thought we’d ask our good buddies at Chewy for suggestions when it comes to fun in the sun with Fido. After all, especially in this era of lockdown, online is where we’re at (as pet parents) and where Fido wants to be.

So when the thermometer hits 80+++ degrees, cut-offs may be in for humans but when it comes to pets, could be they’re more likely to wear their Hawaiian shirts indoors in the a/c than at a pool party. But there’s more than one way for them to join in the fun. Check out our “pooch picks” (aka “best bets”) for everything refreshing as the temperature climbs. For the fashionista pup, there’s everything tropical, from palm trees at sunset leashes to shirts that would make Tommy Bahama proud not to mention plush mocktails to seriously help Fido chill.

Of course, summer is not all about fashion, it’s about action too! Wheeeee it’s a frisbee! Frisbees, footballs, and throw toys that sail through the air are tops on Fido’s list. And we’re not waiting for Santa. There is a present in this play though, mental and physical health. Fido’s mind and body are activated with this sort of energizing interaction.

FouFIT Chocolate Popsicle Dessert Chew Dog Toy We all know chocolate and dogs is a no no. But for the pup with a chocolate craving here’s a pet parent approved chew toy. Can you hear the chimes of the Good Humor truck now?

Kumfy Tailz Klimate Cooling Warming Dog Harness For the dog who’s into playing it cool a harness that does double-duty. Keeps Fido chill in the summer and warm in the winter. And it comes in every color under the sun.

DuraForce Boomerang ZigZag Squeaky Dog Toy Fido like to fetch? Bet he’ll love this throw toy. It zig, it zags and it’s waterproof too. Throw it around in your backyard or in the water. For sure it’s fun for all.

Frisco Pineapple Hawaiian Camp Dog & Cat Shirt Party on dude! Forget Bill and Ted (remember that 80s flick?) and their Excellent Adventure, your pup will make a splash in this Tommy Bahama-worthy top.

KONG AirDog Football Dog Toy Party on dude! Forget Bill and Ted (remember that 80s flick?) and their Excellent Adventure, your pup will make a splash in this Tommy Bahama-worthy top.

P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle and You Globetrotter Set Squeaky Plush Dog Toy Are you and your pup are limited to armchair adventures this summer? Good times can still be had together with these travel-themed toys. Plus P.L.A.Y. gives back so pups in need can have fun too.

Outward Hound Floatiez Starfish Squeaky Plush Dog Toy Surfs up! Your pup will be ready to dive in to retrieve this squeaky starfish. Hours of fun for Fido while you relax on your pool float.

Outward Hound Floatiez Starfish Squeaky Plush Dog Toy Mai-Tais? Pina Coladas? A round of mocktails for the mutts! Let Fido channel Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop, your pup will be chillin’ with these cool toys.

Paws Aboard Lazy Dog Water Raft Lazy dog not into paddling? Here is the ultimate pool toy then, a water raft of Fido’s own. Your pup is likely to just float away with joy. Paws down, tails up!

Nerf Dog Nylon Dog Flyer Dog Toy Frisbeee!!!! Jump, twist, turn and repeat, your dog will have a field day with this flying toy. Watch it sail through the air as Fido grabs it with wild anticipation. What a star!

Pooch Creamery Vanilla Flavor Ice Cream Mix Dog Treat Vanilla yes, plain no. Fido’s surely going to enjoy this exceptionally tasty treat. Doesn’t have to a be the 4th of July for Fido to scarf down a cold one.

Frisco Sunset Palm Dog Leash When the sun sets, the partying begins. Your pup will be groovin’ on the poolside scene in this retro surfer-style sunset-colored leash. Endless summer is what he’ll be dreamin’.

Play, play, play for sure. But even if you’re not thirsty when the game is over, don’t assume the same goes for your pup. Hydration is vital. No bones about it. However when it comes to play, play it cool. After all, you can get the coolest (literally)toys, they are freezable, filled with treats. But that’s not to mention innovative vests, accessories, and mats designed with thermal gel to regulate Fido’s body temperature. Is your pup a surfer dude at heart? Together are you channeling Patrick Swayze in “Point Break”? If you haven’t seen the movie, no worries, just a tall tale in SoCal. But water-loving pups who hate to get out of the pool (or the surf!) can find their fun with buoyant toys. We picked our faves but check out the Chewy stash, they’ve got ‘em in all shapes and sizes. We’re talking boomerangs to starfish to shark fins. Of course, if your dog is channeling Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop (i.e. a chill vibe) you can even give them own pool float or best of all, a blow-up pool! We know every dog has its day, but looks like pool pups are covered long before the dog days of August. So we’re ready to jump on in!