Best Summer Pet Products For A First

Sep 12, 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Including a protecting balm to keep their little paws safe from the heat.

BuzzFeed Contributor

It would even be great as a pool for younger kids!

Promising review: "1000000000 STARS! I buy pools for my dogs as I'm in Texas — our heat is ridiculous and the hard plastic pools always crack by the next summer no matter where I store them. This pool is excellent! EXTREMELY easy to fill and let the water out — dries in 10 minutes and folds up so easily. I have a 1-year-old pitbull (50 pounds) who has very sharp teeth and nails. He tries but he cannot destroy this pool. The pool is absolutely PERFECT! Also, it's good for small kids if you don't want to break your back filling an inflatable pool and air it up for hours that inevitably will pop and will not last. THIS is the best pool. I'm VERY happy!! Looks like it will last many years. Highly recommend. I did get a smaller one — it's just perfect for my dogs. LOVE IT!!" —T M

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in seven sizes and three colors).

Promising review: "My dogs have loved this bottle. Their name-brand one gave out and I spotted this one. I’m so glad because this one allows the water to be carried and flows slowly into the bowl, giving the dogs the fountain sound they seem to like. In addition, you don’t lose any water — if they don’t drink it all, you just still have it unlocked and press the button, allowing for flow back into the bottle. This was worth it for my little ones." —Lisa S.

Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in two sizes and three colors).

Promising review: "These are so cute but more importantly they fit well, stay on, and my pup seems to know they help her against the scorching pavement in the Arizona sun. They also protect her against any insects or critters on the ground on the trails. We constantly praise her while putting them on not to mention treats for good behavior getting them on. She’s now trotting and playing in them. The booklet included gives great advice, so read it. I’ve tried other booties but these stay on, just strap them tightly. They won’t hurt the dog. I’m very pleased with them. If there’s a fitting issue, reach out to the customer service they sound very interested in pleasing customers. Getting another pair. Enjoy!" —Deborah Frieze

Get them from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in eight sizes and six colors).

Promising review: "I have had this doggy door for over three years now and what can I say? I can say it's amazing, it has held up as well as it has! I have three ACTIVE dogs who go through this door hundreds of times per day. To the point where they wore out one of the flaps completely! But you can replace them for little more than time and a simple order. This is dramatically useful and will save you loads in opening and closing your main sliding door. Yes, you will have to mess with it to get it right. Yes, you will notice it is not double-paned glass. But, I will attest when my 85-pound dog sees a squirrel on the roof and goes through the door to catch, nothing breaks. And it has been good since I put it up. Highly recommend." —Red Miller

Get it from Amazon for $154.10+ (available in three sizes and three finishes).

Promising review: "I rarely do reviews, however, I have been using this spray for about a month now and had to come back and write an honest review. The ticks have been really bad this time of year at my property, and I go there often with my dogs. I would be there for five minutes and have several ticks already crawling on me and the dogs. I bought this spray with very low expectations but it honestly works SO well. I spray it on my shoes and ankles and all over the dogs. 99% of the time I won’t find any ticks on me or them! I would definitely say reapply if you will be somewhere with ticks for more than an hour. I have had a couple of ticks here and there but that is drastically better compared to finding 10+ on me. I will be buying many more bottles to get through the hot months!" —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three sizes and four scents).

Promising review: "I got the medium Coolaroo and both my not-so-mini Aussies fit on it at the same time. We have not had it too terribly long. But I have noticed as it gets warmer they seem to spend more time on it. The dogs would need a new place to hang out because we were to get new outdoor furniture. Nothing was said or done other than this cot showed up. They are not spending as much time on the couch already. Maybe we need a teenager-sized one?!" —Ryan

Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in four sizes and eight colors).

Promising review: "The back seat extender fits like a charm in my 2020 Nissan Frontier. Unlike the online video, however, it requires a little jockeying to get the plates to lay flat on the seat. Nonetheless, I've installed and removed the extender several times since the purchase and it takes just a few minutes both ways. The back seat straps fit easily around the headrests and the front seat straps are easily clipped around the front headrests. I don't use the door protectors but they fold neatly under the load-bearing plates. The top fabric is a little slick but hasn't been a problem for my 80-pound Lab. I haven't had the extender long enough to fairly rate clean-ability and durability so I rated both as fours based on the first few weeks of use. One funny side benefit of the product is that the mesh barrier between the two front seats is acting as a pet hair filter and providing a nice collection spot for vacuuming the hair flying around the cab. The product is doing exactly what I hoped it would...providing more back-seat space and keeping my dog from falling into the well between seats during a sudden stop or turn." —Norman P

Get it from Amazon for $139.77 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I really like this carrier, I have a smaller cat so she's able to stand in it. I like how you can fold it down making it easy to store. It's great for vet visits or for travel. Mesh is really breathable and it opens from the top and the side making it easy for the cat. I like that it has two strap options and that you can store stuff in the pocket. The bedding in the bottom has a cover that can come off and be washed in case the cat has an accident. There's a clip on the inside that you can hook to a collar or harness if you want to open the top and make it feel more spacious for the cat. I originally bought it because it was on the cheaper side and didn't have big expectations but this is definitely worth the money." —Carol Fredrickson

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

Promising review: "Purchased this for my small pug who has trouble keeping up with my larger dog on walks. She loves cruising along! The basket on the bottom is handy for both hers and my things we may take on a nice walk. It has two cup holders and a tray as well. It has the option of zipping up the front so she is enclosed and kept safe from bugs and such, but also unfolds with an adjustable canopy. It's basically a pet bed on wheels. The zipper is definitely a little more flimsy, but we didn't have any trouble. Will stay gentle with it and hope it lasts. I was going to buy a more expensive stroller but I'm glad I decided on this one. It's absolutely perfect for casual walks through the neighborhood or down the street. If you're planning on rougher terrain, I wouldn't suggest this, as we had a rough time pushing it through any sandy/dirt areas. Assembly was simple, just attach the wheels and tray, and the directions were clear. All in all, 5 stars! It's great for what we needed it for." —Shopperb

Get it from Amazon for $29.97+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "My cat adapted immediately to this harness. Very easy to quickly put it on him and adjust, if needed. He doesn't seem to feel encumbered and can leap up onto surfaces. Well made — I have no worries about it falling apart or him escaping. Leash is a nice length — allows him room to roam independently without me needing to closely shadow him. I just ordered one for my other cat. My cat is almost 16-pounds and the S is the perfect size. He seems to enjoy this new opportunity to safely explore outside." —Amy B

Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in sizes XXS–M and 13 colors).

Promising review: "Set up in the entryway to keep an eye on the new puppy. Works great, easy setup. Just wish it had an on/off button instead of having to open it up and pull the battery. Ordered a second to cover the entire space, but a plug-in this time. Waiting for it to arrive." —D

Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (available in black or white).

Promising review: "Best money I've ever spent on a dog with feet. We have a goldendoodle with curly hair and large paws, and a brand-new yard on the coast that is 95% sand. Our new veterinarian, upon hearing me whine about the situation, recommended I buy this product because she uses it with her own dogs. From the first time I used it I was sold! It looks like one of those oversized water jugs you can get at a convenience store, with a fitted insert for paws and legs. I stuck my hand (and my kids') inside to try it out and the bristles inside are very soft, and will not hurt sensitive paw pads. I wish I'd found this years ago; it would have saved my sanity and my floors many times over. I've already recommended it to my friends and family with dogs who understand the struggle." —Heather

Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in three sizes and four colors).

Some reviewers even use it on their own tattoos to help them heal.

Promising review: "I live in Florida where the pavement gets very hot in the summer. I started to notice my dog’s pads getting chapped and rough. Whenever I would touch them he would recoil, which made me think they were bothering him. I ordered Mushers because I hate when my hands are dry and I couldn’t stand to think my baby might be uncomfortable or even in pain! It was actually difficult to apply at first because my dog's paws were so rough. After the first application, I noticed a difference in the texture of his paws. Not just immediately after application but the following day as well. When I went to apply the next day I noticed it was significantly easier to apply because my dog’s paws were significantly softer. With every subsequent application, I noticed my dog’s paws were softer and less rough. After five days of application, they feel like a baby’s butt! Definitely recommend it and will be repurchasing. This has become part of my pup’s routine." —Lexi Berger

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

Warren London is a small biz making dog grooming products that help with all kinds of skin problems.

Promising review: “This product is so helpful. My poor pup has a white-spotted nose and it gets sunburnt so easily, along with the inside of his ears. So I just spray a little of this when he decides to sunbathe and he hasn’t been burnt since!” —Danielle Fender

Get it on Amazon for $13.99.

Promising review: “This stuff is amazing! I have a few different kinds of sprays and shampoo and this particular actual seems to help my dog instantly! He doesn’t even try to get away when I’m putting it on him unlike other anti-itch or medicated pet sprays!” —Cher/Cheryl Sever

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

Promising review: "The LaRoo dog fitness ring is a great toy to use for playing in the pool; it provides hours of fun and keeps my pups active." —Mrschavez728

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors).

Promising review: "This was perfect for my 3-month-old Samoyed puppy on a hot summer day. He wears it through the day and it’s definitely helped him stay cool (even with all the fluff). We bought two — when one is on him, the other is in the freezer." —S

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "Got this for my 24-pound dog, as he usually lies on the concrete patio when we’re all outside with the sun blazing down on him. Got it set up and didn’t even have to coax him onto it. He loves it! He’s so comfortable, and definitely cooler with that canopy over him. It’s also held up well through the heat, rain, and some surprising strong windstorms. Definitely recommend." —Prairie Dove

Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors).

Get it from Petco for $24.99.

Promising review: "These hats are adorable for taking my dog to the beach! And he actually kept the hat on and liked it, unlike other hats I've tried on him. It definitely blocked the sun for him. And he got SO many compliments!" —Anne Beckerle

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in four sizes and three colors).

BTW: reviewers suggest using this as a sneaky way to get your dog to take their vitamins or medications.

Promising review: "Bought 'birthday cake' doggy ice cream. Ingredients are people-friendly. Difference: lactose-free. Cara just loved it! It’s her after-dinner treat, and judging from the banging bowl as she makes sure not to miss any — it’s 'good to the last drop.' I must say I tried it and it’s not bad! Highly recommend." —Marrianne B.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five flavors).

Promising review: “I absolutely love these. I make homemade frozen treats for my dogs all the time now and these are perfect. They are soft and very easy to remove the treats as well as super easy to clean. I love the variety in shapes and sizes.” —Balanzar5

Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $10.99.

Promising review: "Our dog loves this life jacket! He can swim without it, but just not well or for very long. Now, in the mornings he tries to put it on himself so we can go throw the ball into the lake for him!" —Jessi

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three styles, six sizes, and seven colors).

NKpup is a California-based small business selling unique pet apparel.

Promising review: "High quality, fun patterns, and the fabric does stay cool. Living in Phoenix that is a necessity." —brenda showerman

Get it from NKpup on Etsy for $39.99+ (available in five patterns and two sizes; also available as a mat and pillow set).

This genius product also comes with two types of mats for the inside — a cooling pad for summer, and a fluffy cushion for winter. It also has an extendable, adjustable handle and 360-degree spinning wheels.

See it in action on TikTok here.

Vetreska is a small business creating unique and fun pet products for home and travel.

Promising review: "I got these for my cats. They are inside boys and when I use the harness in the fenced backyard they tend to eat grass. My Ginger is a rotund 19 pounds but this contraption fits his extra large body with room for him to turn around and check out the ladies." —andjas96

Get it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in four styles).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.