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    25 Problem-Solving Products That Every Dog Owner Needs This Summer

    From sunscreen to paw balm to portable doggie water bottles, we've got your four-legged bestie covered this summer.

    1. A all-natural dog paw wax that creates a barrier between your dog's paws and the ground so that your four-legged bestie is PAWsitively protected from the hot sand, asphalt, or whatever other rough terrain they may encounter on this summer's outings!

    This paw wax is made from food-safe oils and waxes that both protect and heal dry and cracked paws, so it's A-OK for when your dog decides to lick! No worries if they lick right away — reviewers say this balm is fast-absorbing as well as moisturizing. 

    Musher's Secret is a third generation, family-owned business from Canada. Their recipe was originally developed for Canadian sled dogs, so they knew it needed to be effective.

    Promising review: "I've only been using this for two days and I already see a HUGE difference in my Chihuahua's paws. Sometimes, people forget that pavements can get very hot and don't think twice about their dogs' feet. It's pretty hot here now, so I got this to protect my chihuahua's paws. It's odorless, easy to massage into doggy paws, and my dog isn't even bothered by it at all! He doesn't lick it and only smells it out of curiosity then goes off on his merry way. It doesn't get on furniture, carpet, clothes, etc. It dries very fast. It smoothed out the cracks and dryness on his paws. As a bonus, he also loves being massaged when I'm applying it." —Charmmy

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

    2. Or dog booties with adjustable straps and a rugged anti-slip sole that lets you protect your pup's paws while adding in a touch of fashion. Did somebody say...Vanity Fur?

    Reviewer's pitbull wearing the boots in black on very rocky terrain
    Reviewer's golden retriever wearing the boots in red

    They have two reflective, adjustable straps that can expand to fit their feetsies!

    Promising review: "I have a 95-lb male Labrador-Catahoula mix with big paws! We got the XL boots and they fit perfectly. We’ve had other boots in the past but these are by far the best yet. The ankle cut isn’t too high and allows for great mobility. We buy boots for our dog due to the terribly hot summers here in Florida. We live in a location with little access to large grassy closed-in areas so we have to protect his paws from the hot pavement. Not only did these boots hold up on walks, but we run sprint drills in them too. These suckers didn’t budge! Customer service followed up with us about a week later to make sure everything was up to par and we gave a great report. I love the product and how proactive the service was about making sure we were satisfied. I hope this was helpful for trying to find the best-size boot to protect your pup too!" —Ariel

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

    3. A portable doggie water bottle for those long walks in the sun when your furry friend needs easy access to a water break. Toss it in your bag without fear of any spills or wrap it around your wrist with the attached strap so that your dog can get all the zoomies they want and get re-hydrated on the spot.

    Reviewer dispensing water for dog with the one button release feature
    Reviewer's dog drinking water from the pink bottle on a hike

    You can operate it with one hand by just pressing the water key to dispense water (or recycle it back into the container!) and releasing it to stop. It's made of food-grade material. If you're looking for a collapsible bowl, this is a great one too!

    Promising review: "This is so convenient in the summer on walks and in the dog park. It's relatively lightweight and holds a good amount of water for my 27-lb dog. It's lasted two years and counting. SO much more convenient than carrying a water bottle and bowl, and no leaks!" —Akire

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

    4. A doggie life jacket made of ripstop material for maximum buoyancy so that you can let your pup have their fun in the water while keeping them safe. It also has bright colors and reflective accents so that you can spot them from a distance!

    A reviewer's dog swimming in lake with orange jacket and front neck float keeping his head above water
    A reviewer's Aussie puppy wearing the orange jacket

    This jacket comes with adjustable straps to fit a variety of girths and a top grab handle that makes it easy to restrain and lift your dog out of the water when it's time to re-apply some sunscreen!

    Promising review: "This life jacket was not only incredibly entertaining to see on our dog, but it works great. I ordered Willy a size medium after reading the reviews. He is a mini goldendoodle, 19 weeks and 19 pounds. He was very comfortable moving around in it and LOVED his first time on the lake. He was swimming with us and had no issues staying afloat. I love how securely it wraps around his body while also having the part under the neck that helps keep his head above the water. The handles on top were super helpful getting him in and out of the boat. It gave us peace of mind and he was living his best life! The next morning, he was trying to get his life jacket out so we could go back on the lake. A big win for us!!" —Emily Wheaton

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

    5. And!! A floating raft with puncture-resistant fabric so that your bestie no longer has to longingly watch from afar as you take a refreshing dip in the pool without him.

    Reviewer's two dogs floating comfortably in the raft
    Reviewer's golden retriever sleeping on the raft

    It also folds down flat and includes a reusable carry bag for that next road trip to the lake!

    Promising review: "My two 8-month-old golden retriever puppies LOVE these floats! They both weigh between 60–65 lbs and get on both their floats with ease. Sometimes they are both on one and it still floats comfortably. The reason I bought these was because their nails ripped the other pool floats! Then I found these and thoroughly read the reviews and so I bought them and I have absolutely NO REGRETS!! They are scratch proof, allow water to seep in from the bottom to keep the dogs cool from the summer heat, and you can even try to use it yourself. My fiancé said he fell asleep on it one time too!" —Gina

    Get it from Amazon for $29.83+ (available in 0-65 lbs. and 65+ lbs.).

    6. A vet-developed sunscreen that is water-resistant (perfect for those beach days!) and protects your canine companion from those harsh UV rays because, yes, dogs can get sunburned too!

    Model showing the sunscreen's easy spray application
    A reviewer's before and after of dog's scarring on his snout healing after starting to use the sunscreen

    And bonus! It contains vitamin E and smells like vanilla.

    Epi-Pet is a small business that was founded in 2006 by Dr. Fleck, who served as a vet for almost 40 years.

    Promising review: "I have a light-skinned doxie who tends to burn on his chest and belly where his hair is very sparse. I have used this spray for every outing this summer and he has not burned once. Of course he hates the application, but with this spray it is so quick I can get it on his underside before he starts to struggle. This spray has definitely made for a more comfortable summer for my boy." —Cori

    Get it from Amazon for $17.95.

    7. A waterproof flea and tick topical treatment that claims to kill ticks, chewing lice, and adult fleas (as well as flea eggs and larvae!) so that your canine bestie is protected from those pesky little critters that just love latching themselves onto them, especially as temperatures rise. Sayonara, itch-causing insects! 

    everything that comes in the packaging, including instructions, reminder stickers, and how the doses look
    Reviewer's dogs with flea-free fur after treatment

    According to Frontline, just apply a monthly dose to a single point on your dog (usually between the shoulders) and it will automatically cover their entire body through their sebaceous glands. To best prevent infestations, treat your dog year-round!

    Promising review: "I recently purchased Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for my 13-lb. Chihuahua-pug mix, and I am extremely satisfied with this product. It comes in small, pre-measured vials that are easy to apply directly to my dog's skin. The treatment also dries quickly and is waterproof, so I don't have to worry about it wearing off when my dog goes for a swim or gets caught in the rain. Another great feature of this product is its safety. It is formulated with fipronil and (S)-methoprene, which are both safe and effective ingredients that have been approved by the EPA for use on dogs. Overall, I highly recommend Frontline to any pet owner looking for a safe and effective way to protect their dog from fleas and ticks. It is a high-quality product that delivers real results and gives me peace of mind knowing that my dog is protected from these pests." —Gretchen

    Get it from Amazon for $27.26+ (available four weight ranges and in a three count, six count, and eight count).

    8. An all-natural nose balm with ingredients like shea butter and chamomile that help moisturize and repair dryness on that overexposed part of their snout that is not protected by fur. This is like your dog's equivalent to the Chapstick you just HAVE to carry with you everywhere you go. Your dog will love this if he NOSE what's good for him!

    Reviewer's dog with dryness and cracking on her nose before using the balm
    dog with healed nose after using the balm

    Natural Dog Company is a small, family-run business located in Loveland, Colorado.

    Promising review: "My boxer Nala had typical boxer cracked nose, and it looked like a hedgehog after hot summer! I was ready to cry every time I saw it! Came across this ointment and reviews were very favorable. So all I can say, it does just what it says it will! I noticed changes the next day, and on day five Nala’s nose was completely healed, smooth and moist. I can hardly believe such fast transformation. I applied the ointment just once a day by slightly tapping it onto Nala’s nose. I believe she enjoys her healthy nose!" —Dariya Scherba

    Get it from Amazon for $13.95.

    9. A waterproof car seat cover that can be converted to both hammock style and car bench style with its anti-skid zipper. You'll finally be able to protect your freshly-cleaned seats from your furry friend, who just got done living his best life splashing through salt water and rolling in the sand.

    Reviewer's dog in black cover zipped up to hammock style
    The black seat cover in car bench style

    It also has nonslip backing, adjustable headrest anchors, seat anchors, trunk cargo liner, and two seatbelts openings to keep your pup in place.

    Promising review: "This is a great product. The fit is easily adjustable and I love that it can zip up on the sides to protect the inside of your door if you're worried that your dog is gonna paw at it. My dog is 80 lbs and even with just a dog seat belt, used to rock all over the place and I'd feel terrible when he fell off the seat. Thanks to this, he's perfectly comfortable in a hammock and nice and secured. The dog seat belt gives enough leeway for him to peek his head out the window but keeps him securely inside my car. All the while protecting the material in my 2018 Honda Civic from scratch marks! I also love that there's Velcro for the parts where the belt clicks in so that you can seal it off and prevent his fur from getting inside. I've taken my dog hiking, to the beach, parks, etc. and have found the clean up very easy with a vacuum at your local car wash! Very satisfied with this and will recommend to my other fellow dog owners! Thanks!" —Brianna Golez

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors).

    10. And a backseat dog zipline to keep your energetic pup in place (while still letting them stick their head out the window!) for those of us with dogs that just love to hop up into the front seat with us, as if we're not already distracted enough trying to figure out where the heck we're going.

    Reviewer's Dalmatian attached to zipline
    Reviewer's pitbull attached to zipline

    This zipline works for dogs of all sizes and easily adjusts to fit most cars!

    Promising review: "I loved how my little dog could move left to right to see out either window without harm to himself. I also feel very confident with his safety back there if there is a sudden stop. He really enjoys his ride and I feel great that he is protected. I highly recommend this zipline." —Velma Jones

    Get it from Amazon for $17.95.

    11. An insulated water bowl that will keep your dog's water colder in the midst of the hot day so that they feel extra refreshed after an hour of playing fetch with the same stick they keep bringing for you to throw. It also has a non-slip bottom to reduce that splash zone around their water bowl!

    the bowl in blue
    Dog drinking iced water out of red bowl.

    Promising review: "Yesterday it was 80 degrees outside. I filled this bowl with half ice and half cold water at 10 a.m. for the dogs. I am not sure how fast the ice melted but the water was still very cold at 10 p.m. The dog bowl was in the shade of course. I just started using this bowl but so far it’s great. The pups love cold water especially in the summer." —Stephie

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in five sizes and 22 colors).

    12. Or a Petmate gravity waterer you'll appreciate because it automatically dispenses water and prolongs time between refills for dogs who seem to triple their water intake during the hottest time of year. It also comes with a replaceable charcoal filter that removes impurities to help keep Fido's water nice and clean!

    the waterer in blue
    A reviewer's two huskies drinking from the waterer

    This waterer is made of BPA-free material and even comes with Microban protection that helps prevent the growth of stains and odor-causing bacteria. It could also pair well with this waterproof cushioned mat to keep water off your floor!

    Promising review: "This has been a fantastic addition to our home. This BPA-free waterer ensures my cats and dogs always have access to fresh, clean water, without any need for batteries or electrical outlets. The included charcoal filter is a great feature, helping to remove impurities and improve the taste of the water. It's also easy to clean and refill, thanks to its wide-mouth bottle design and removable bowl. It's an excellent investment for any pet owner seeking a hassle-free hydration solution for their furry friends. Highly recommended!" —Mr Pat

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

    13. An elevated dog bed with a canopy shade and breathable mesh that allows air flow to keep your dog comfy when you don't have much shade in your outdoor space. This way, your furry friend has somewhere cool to rest off the hot floor and protected from those strong sun rays.

    Reviewer's dog lying in the blue bed
    another reviewer's dog lying in gray bed

    Promising review: "Our dog likes to be near us when we're outside but we didn't want her getting hot lying on the ground or grass, and she was warm on any blanket or towel we would put down. Found this awesome tent thingy with a netted base to help with air flow, and it's elevated. She loves it and so do we. Super lightweight so it's easy to put wherever we need it, and the canopy goes off and on easily. Sometimes we will remove the canopy when we're working inside so she can be near us, in her own little spot instead of on the floor or being dangerously underfoot. Perfect!" —Rosslyn Amanda Standingwater

    Get it from Amazon for $56.95+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

    14. A pressure-activated Coleman cooling pad infused with self-cooling gel that claims to keep your pet 5–10 degrees cooler for those extra-hot beach and pool days!

    It is made with puncture-resistant nylon and folds for convenient storage or trips to the beach!

    Promising review: "Took this to the beach to keep my dog cool and it was perfect! He loved it from the minute I set it down, even inside! This kept my furnace of a dog comfortable enough for us to be at the beach (him under shade too of course) for more than four hours without overheating. Only downside is that it can be very heavy while transporting it in a beach bag but totally worth it! I’ve already recommended this to a number of my friends." —MB Gilliam

    Get it from Amazon for $32.96+ (available in two sizes and two colors).

    15. A bag of long-lasting Rachael Ray Nutrish soup bones made of real beef and barley to have with you at the next summer pawty so that your dog stops using those irresistible puppy eyes to beg you for food that Siri says they can't have.

    Reviewer photo of soup bones sliced up in several pieces
    Reviewer giving huskies a soup bone

    These savory, meaty treats are great for dogs of all sizes and have no meat byproducts or artificial flavors. BONE appétit!

    Promising review: "My dog LOVES these treats and that's saying something! My girl is super picky and refuses to eat most of the treats we buy her. Not only does she love these soft chews, they keep her busy while when we put her in the crate and distract her long enough for us to get out of the house. She has loved every flavor we've given her, and she doesn't have any issue chewing on them. They don't last too long with her, but I think that's a good thing especially considering how picky she is. Also, they are recommended by our vet because they're made from real ingredients, so I always recommend them to my friends for their dogs too!" —Rachel

    Get it from Amazon for $6.16+ (available in three sizes).

    16. A plant-based skin balm infused with sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter that help heal and relieve skin irritation so that you can help your pup finally say goodbye to the hot spots brought on by the hot weather.

    the skin balm
    A reviewer's dog with very irritated skin on her belly before using the balm and with noticeably healed skin after using the balm

    This balm is safe for your dog to lick and encouraged to be used one to three times daily for best results. It helps to distract them with a treat or their favorite toy if they tend to get the wiggles when you apply topical creams on them. Or try this one in stick form!

    Promising review: "This is seriously the best stuff I have ever bought for my dog. It will clear up the worst skin irritation I've ever found on my dogs. I cannot get over it! Any time my dog has a hot spot or is licking themselves in an itchy area, I put this on and it's cleared within DAYS. One of my dogs even enjoys when I put it on them because it provides instant relief. Legit miracle cream." —Megan

    Get it from Amazon for $14.95.

    17. Allergy and immune support soft chews that claim to support immune function and combat seasonal allergies caused by those pollen-releasing plants that tend to be low to the ground where your dog loves to walk, lay, and play.

    A reviewer photo of dog with rash on chest
    A reviewer photo of dog with rash healed after eating the chews

    Be sure to talk to your vet before adding a supplement to your dog's routine.

    Promising review: "Absolutely love this supplement!! My two girls are indoor/outdoor fanatics. Unfortunately, they both have allergies that during the summer they were constantly licking their paws. Found this product, and not only did they stop licking after a couple of uses, they love it crumbled up on their breakfast and they stopped being picky about their food! All I have to do is shake the container and they are both there, tails wagging and sitting as good girls to start the day!!! Thank you!!!" —Emily Stuart

    Get it from Amazon for $17.97+ (available in two sizes and three styles).

    18. An odor neutralizing 2-in-1 dog wash your nose will love because it cleans and conditions your dog's coat while balancing out bad odors with a fresh, tropical scent using natural ingredients such as coconut and vitamin E. Have all your aquatic fun in the sun with no wet dog smell!

    Reviewer photo of the dog wash scented with papaya and coconut
    Reviewer photo of four dogs in bath tub after using the dog wash

    This dog wash is paraben-, dye-, soap-, and cruelty free and suitable for use on dogs and cats 12 weeks or older.

    Promising review: "This is a really good product. Leaves the pup smelling great, smooth and lathers up nice and the bonus is it rinses out well! I have a dual coat 50-lb. beach dog and getting the sand out of her coat is a challenge. This product does a great job." —Vicky Lawrence

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 10 scents and styles).

    19. A quick-drying shammy towel that claims to absorb 20 times more water than others. The dual hand pockets also give you a better grip and make your pup feel like they're getting a lil' massage at the end of their beach day or bath. The best part? It reduces the dreaded blow-drying time!

    Model using the dual hand pockets to dry wet dog
    Amazon

    It is machine washable and recommended to be air dried.

    Promising review: "This was a gift for my sister's 75-lb. golden retriever who loves to play and roll around in the mud and puddles. She loves being rubbed and dried off with this shammy. It does a great job getting rid of the mud and drying off her thick fur. We love how we can put our hands in the pockets and rub her all over with this item." —LaLise F.

    Get it from Amazon for $20.77 (available in three colors).

    20. A double-sided brush because it brings twice the convenience. It lets you safely remove knots and tangles in your fur baby's coat with with its sharp, fine-rounded teeth on one side and gently removes loose hair, dander, and dirt with its curved, smooth edge on the other. This will finally let me stop feeling like a bad dog mom when looking at my pup's coat and asking, "How did I let it get this far??"

    Reviewer using brush to de-shed dog
    Reviewer's dog next to a big pile of de-shedded hair

    This other comb is also great for targeting specific tangles and for smaller dogs with no undercoat!

    Promising review: "I never leave reviews but omg this brush!!! I did not believe the reviews when they said this thing works so great, but it does! My dog does not like being brushed and he laid down and let me brush him for one whole hour straight! The brush is gentle enough that it doesn’t hurt them, but it works so incredibly. I just brushed him with my slicker brush less than one week ago and he had no shed left from what I brushed. Or so I thought. This brush worked miracles!! We used it on my car too and it worked great. Not only is it affordable but it actually works! If you are thinking about buying this...do it! You won’t regret it!" —Sherri Kohler

    Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in eight colors).

    21. And a low-noise, low-vibration trimmer to help your pet feel more at ease when it's time for those routine summer shaves that help keep hair matting at bay.

    A reviewer's schnauzer before using the trimmer and completely shaved after
    Reviewer's rottweiler with a bag full of hair after being trimmed

    This trimmer has six guard combs and a built-in rechargeable battery. It can even be used when charging so you don't have to worry that it will stop working when you have a have a half groomed dog. It also has a detachable stainless steel fixed blade and ceramic moving blade that help you get out of your dog's hair faster (literally). Just remember to have your dog's hair cleaned, dried, and brushed before trimming!

    Promising review: "I’m a DIY groomer of my border collie. I wanted n affordable cordless trimmer and I found it!! I read the reviews of a many trimmers but this one had everything I needed at a great price. I use it about once a month to trim her coat and once a week to do touch up on paws. I use it biweekly to trim my Lab’s paw fur as well. Battery life is great!! It run quiet and cool. Blade guards are easy to take on and off. The comb and scissors are great quality." —Walt655

    Get it from Amazon for $27.05+ (available in six colors).

    22. A ChomChom pet hair remover that picks up all your dog's (and your!) hair as you roll it back and forth across any surface. It's a fan fave and requires no adhesives, sticky tape, or batteries to clean up after your furry family member. Seriously, this deserves ALL the rounds of appaws.

    Reviewer's couch full of hair before using the hair remover
    the couch free of hair after using the hair remover
    The hair remover

    When you’re done, press the button, open the remover, empty it out, and it's ready to use again!

    Promising review: "This thing is magic & worth every penny! We have a pit & husky & in the summer our home turns into a hair ball all in itself. No vacuum could handle it but this! THIS RIGHT HERE! This thing takes up every last strand of hair & tucks it neatly behind its little door for an easy clean up. I was amazed & appalled at the same time because I had no idea how little our vacuum was actually doing on our couches until I used this!" —MCash

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    23. A tear-resistant screen door so that you can leave your door open and let that cool summer breeze flow through without having to worry about your four-legged friend ripping a hole through the screen yelling "squirrel!" like Doug from Up.

    Reviewer photo of the thick screen material
    Reviewer photo of how the screen looks on back door

    It's also flame-resistant for bonfire nights!

    Promising review: "Our cats and dogs were making a mess of our old sliding door screen. This stuff is the real deal. No worries now! My razor blade had a hard time cutting this when trimming, so I know the cat's claws will be no match! Due to the thicker material, it is just a bit darker than your standard screen, but nothing extreme or overly noticeable. I was able to use my old spline, but it took some extra effort to get it pushed all the way back in due to the extra screen thickness. Again, nothing to worry about, just be aware. Getting the next size down spline might not be a bad idea for easier replacement." —twin dad

    Get it from Amazon for $16.78+ (available in four sizes).

    24. pet door made for sliding doors that is easy to put up and take down and has a frameless design that makes it effortless for dogs of all ages to step through it. Perfect for when you're working from home or when you literally just want to sleep in and let your pup step out on his own to do his business.

    dogs peeking out of the pet door installed into the sliding door
    Model showing how to install and stow away pet door
    Pop Up Pet Door/Etsy

    It's from a small business based in California!

    Promising review: "Works great, and my dogs love going out when they want or need to. I take it down at night, and put it up in the morning! Being a renter, it's the perfect solution!" —suzanmg11

    Get it from Pop Up Pet Door on Etsy for $74.99+ (available in three sizes).

    25. A cooling gel dog bed with a supportive foam base that wicks away heat and keeps your four-legged bestie cool and comfy through the warm summer nights. Time for a good night's sleep after a RUFF day in the sun!

    Promising review: "Love the size! Plenty of spreading out room. Soft but supportive. She has always been one to prop her head up on things, so the bolsters are perfect. She’s about 55 lbs and quite long but there is plenty of room. Also the surface seems to absorb and adjust to her body temperature which was an important point for me, especially with summer coming." —Travel Fan

    Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in four sizes and 13 colors).

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.