Top 10 Summer Must-Haves for Dogs: Keep Your Cream Puff Cool, Safe & Happy
- Megan McLoughlin
- Aug 1
- 6 min read
As the weather heats up, so do our adventures with our beloved pups! But summer brings unique challenges for dogs. Whether you're heading to the beach, hosting a BBQ, or just relaxing in the backyard, there are a few essential items that will make the season safer and more fun for everyone.
In this guide, we’re sharing our top summer must-haves for dogs, with product recommendations from Chewy that are ideal for keeping your Australian Labradoodle comfortable, hydrated, and entertained.
Why Summer Safety Matters for Dogs
Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s talk about why these summer must-haves for dogs are more than just cute accessories.
Dogs don’t sweat like humans. They regulate heat primarily by panting and secondarily through their paw pads, meaning they’re more vulnerable to heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn.
Australian Labradoodles, with their fluffy, allergy-friendly coats, need special attention in warmer weather. That's where the right products come in: cooling pads, fresh water fountains, sun-protective gear, and outdoor play essentials can make a big difference in keeping your Cream Puff healthy and happy, all summer long.
10 Summer Must-Haves for Dogs (Especially Your Cream Puff)
Why we love it: Lightweight, compact, and durable. This is a must for adventures on the go. Whether you’re hitting a hiking trail or strolling through town, it pops open for quick water breaks and folds flat to tuck into your bag.
Cream Puff Tip: Clip it onto your leash or tote with a carabiner and you’re good to go.
Why we love it: Not all Australian Labradoodles are natural swimmers, so a good life vest is key for pool days or boat outings. This one features dual grab handles, adjustable straps, and bright colors for safety and visibility.
Cream Puff Tip: Before heading to the water, let your pup wear the life jacket around the house for short sessions, this helps them get used to the fit and feel. When it’s time to swim, start in shallow water and use the top handle to guide them gently. Always reward with praise.
Why we love it: Dogs are more likely to stay hydrated with fresh, flowing water, and this fountain holds over a gallon! Perfect for multi-pup households or long, hot days.
Cream Puff Tip: Place it where you get the most shade throughout the day so the water does not heat up too much.
Why we love it: Create a safe outdoor hangout for your pup with this easy-to-set-up playpen. It’s sturdy, roomy, and foldable for storage.
Cream Puff Tip: Set it up under a shady tree with a few toys and cooling pads for the ultimate summer lounge zone.
Why we love it: It looks like a popsicle, but it’s even better! This freezable chew toy soothes teething puppies and helps dogs of all ages beat the heat.
Cream Puff Tip: Fill it with broth and freeze for a refreshing, tasty treat.
Why we love it: This vest does double duty, offering sun protection and evaporative cooling. Just wet it, wring it, and your pup’s ready to stay chill during walks or backyard hangs.
Cream Puff Tip: A dog’s coat is their natural sunscreen, so this vest is a great backup on sunny days, especially for pups with shorter summer trims or dark coats that soak up heat more quickly.
Why we love it: This soft rubber toy floats and is perfect for fetch at the beach, by the lake, or by the pool.
Cream Puff Tip: Perfect for doodles who love a game of fetch but don’t love heavy rubber balls. It’s lightweight enough for indoor play on extra hot days and it won’t weigh you down if you’re looking for something fun and lightweight to take to the beach.
Why we love it: Classic fetch gets a summer upgrade! This rubber ball floats on water, making it ideal for the pool, lake, or beach. It’s soft on the teeth, easy to throw, and brightly colored for high visibility during splashy play.
Cream Puff tip: If your doodle loves to chew as much as they love to fetch, this ball might just float their boat all summer long. Reviewers say it holds up to tough chewers and keeps the fun going in the water.
Why we love it: When you wet this bandana, not only does it cool your dog down, it reveals a hidden smiley print! Fun, functional, and adorable.
Cream Puff Tip: Keep one in the fridge or cooler so it’s extra chilly before tying it on. Bonus: the surprise smiley print makes it perfect for summer photo ops!
Summer Tips for Cream Puff Families
Limit midday walks – Go early or late to avoid peak heat.
Test the pavement – If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
Brush regularly – A well-groomed coat helps with airflow.
Don’t leave dogs in cars – Even with windows cracked, it can become deadly within minutes.
Read more about protecting your dog in the summer heat on our How to Spot Heat Stroke in Dogs blog.
Summer Dog FAQs
How hot is too hot for my dog to be outside?
If it's above 85°F (29°C), especially with humidity, you’ll want to limit time outdoors. When in doubt, stay in the shade, go slow, and watch for signs of overheating.
What surfaces can burn my dog’s paws?
Sidewalks, asphalt, metal boat docks, sand, and even artificial turf can get dangerously hot. Try the 7-second rule: if you can’t hold the back of your hand to the surface for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your pup.
Should I give my dog ice cubes or frozen treats?
Yes! Frozen treats, like broth-filled toys or pup-safe “popsicles,” are a fun and safe way to cool your dog down. Just avoid large chunks of ice for dogs that tend to gulp their food.
Do cooling vests and mats actually work?
They do! Cooling gear works through evaporative cooling or pressure-activated gel. They're especially useful for dogs who overheat easily or spend time outdoors. Just be sure to monitor your dog - no gear replaces common sense.
Is it safe for dogs to swim in lakes or pools?
Yes, if supervised! Make sure pools are chemical-balanced, and lakes are free of strong currents, algae blooms, or wildlife. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, so a life jacket like the one mentioned above is a smart idea, especially for first-timers.
Is it okay to shave my dog for summer?
Not for Australian Labradoodles. Their double coat actually insulates against heat and protects skin from sunburn. Instead, keep their coat regularly groomed to a comfortable length, avoid shaving short unless you really have to.
Should I change my dog’s food routine in the heat?
Not necessarily, but your dog might eat a little less when it’s hot. Offer meals during cooler hours and avoid feeding right after heavy exercise. Hydration matters more than calories in extreme heat.
Can dogs get sunburned? How do I protect their skin?
Yes, dogs can get sunburned, especially on sensitive areas like their nose, ears, belly, and any shaved or light-colored spots. Their coat actually serves as a natural sunscreen for most of their skin, but where fur is thin or missing, extra protection is needed. Apply dog-safe sunscreen to these areas, avoid peak sun hours, and consider using UV-blocking gear like cooling vests or bandanas.
FAQs About Cream Puff Labradoodles
What precautions does Cream Puff take to prevent heat-related issues?
We carefully monitor weather conditions. We limit outdoor play to cooler parts of the day and closely monitor puppies to prevent overheating. Frequent water changes and access to shaded, cool areas help keep our dogs comfortable.
Do you introduce puppies to water activities during summer?
Yes! While not every Australian Labradoodle loves water, we encourage pool time as much as possible to help puppies cool down and get comfortable with water. This early exposure helps to build confidence and goes towards keeping them safe around water later.
Are indoor visits and pickups available during the summer?
Absolutely. To avoid heat stress, on hot days we offer indoor visits and pickups, ensuring puppies stay comfortable while families get to meet them.
What summer safety training does Cream Puff Labradoodles provide to its team?
Our team is trained to recognize signs of heat stress, follow safe pool practices, ensure proper hydration, and manage outdoor time during hot weather. We believe a healthy start begins with us, and we take that responsibility seriously. Everyone at Cream Puff is equipped to keep our puppies safe, cool, and thriving throughout the summer.
Wishing You a Safe Rest of Summer Full of Tail Wags and Sunshine
From backyard zoomies to sunset strolls, summer with a Cream Puff is something truly magical. We hope our favorite summer must-haves for dogs help you soak up every sweet, safe, and joy-filled moment with your Australian Labradoodle.
