Summer is a time for sunshine, outdoor adventures, and long walks with our beloved pups. But with rising temperatures, it’s crucial for dog owners to take extra steps to keep their four-legged friends cool, comfortable, and safe from heat-related issues. Dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans, making them more vulnerable to overheating. So, where can you find the best cooling products for your dog in Cornwall?
That’s where the right cooling products come in. At Slickers Doghouse, we’ve curated a fantastic range of items designed to help your dog stay chilled no matter how high the mercury rises. Whether you’re planning a beach day, a countryside ramble, or a lazy afternoon in the garden, here are the top cooling products every dog owner should have this summer.
1. Cooling Mats: A Must-Have for Hot Days at Home or Away
A cooling mat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help your dog cool down during hot weather. These mats are usually pressure-activated and filled with a cooling gel that absorbs heat from your dog’s body when they lie down.
Why it’s a summer essential:
Cooling mats provide immediate relief from the heat and don’t require refrigeration or electricity. They’re portable, easy to clean, and perfect for popping into the car, placing in the garden, or using indoors.
Slickers Tip: Choose a mat that fits your dog’s size and always provide a shady spot for extra comfort. We stock a range of high-quality cooling mats in various sizes and colours to suit every pup and every home.
2. Cooling Vests: Stay Cool on the Go
For active dogs or those who love long summer walks, a cooling vest is a game-changer. These vests are soaked in water, wrung out, and then put on your dog. As the water evaporates, it draws heat away from your dog’s body, creating a natural cooling effect.
Why it’s a summer essential:
Cooling vests help regulate your dog’s temperature without restricting movement. They're especially handy during walks, hikes, or days out where there may not be access to shade or cool water.
Slickers Favourite: We stock breathable, lightweight vests that are easy to adjust and quick-drying, making them perfect for everything from beach runs to festivals.
3. Cooling Bandanas: Stylish and Functional
Who says staying cool can’t be fashionable? Cooling bandanas offer a stylish way to beat the heat. Similar to cooling vests, these are dipped in water and then tied around your dog’s neck. They’re particularly useful for short trips, strolls in the park, or lounging in the garden.
Why it’s a summer essential:
They’re lightweight, simple to use, and provide a targeted cooling effect at one of the most important pulse points on your dog’s body—the neck.
Style & Substance: At Slickers, we offer cooling bandanas in a variety of cute patterns and colours, so your dog can stay cool and look the part!
4. Travel Bowls and Portable Water Bottles: Hydration on the Move
Hydration is key in hot weather. Dehydration and heatstroke can come on quickly, so having water readily available at all times is non-negotiable. Portable dog water bottles and collapsible travel bowls are must-haves for walks, car journeys, or days at the beach.
Why it’s a summer essential:
Dogs need more water in hot weather, especially if they’re active. Travel bottles with attached bowls or pop-up bowls make it easy to offer water on the go.
Slickers Recommends: Choose a BPA-free bottle with a secure, leak-proof design. Our range includes bottles that are compact, easy to carry, and designed for one-handed use.
5. Dog-Friendly Ice Lollies & Cooling Treats
What’s better than an ice lolly on a scorching summer day? Dogs love frozen treats just as much as we do—and they can be a great way to keep your pup hydrated and cool.
Why it’s a summer essential:
Frozen dog treats provide a fun, tasty, and refreshing way to cool your pet from the inside out. You can buy pre-made treats or make your own using dog-safe ingredients.
DIY Tip: Use silicone treat moulds and fill them with dog-friendly ingredients like natural yoghurt, pureed fruit, or bone broth. Freeze overnight for a cooling snack your dog will adore.
Find It at Slickers: We offer silicone moulds, treat recipes, and ready-made frozen goodies that are safe, healthy, and tail-waggingly good.
6. Elevated Dog Beds: Keep Off the Hot Ground
Traditional dog beds can retain heat, making them uncomfortable for dogs in warm weather. Elevated dog beds solve this problem by allowing air to circulate beneath your dog as they rest.
Why it’s a summer essential:
They reduce contact with hot floors or surfaces and are ideal for patios, gardens, or conservatories. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to clean.
Perfect for Garden Lounging: Combine an elevated bed with a shady spot and a cooling mat for the ultimate summer chill-out zone.
7. Sun Protection for Pups
While we humans are quick to reach for the sun cream, it’s easy to forget that dogs can get sunburnt too—particularly breeds with short or light-coloured fur, or those with exposed skin on their noses or ears.
Why it’s a summer essential:
Dog-safe sun cream helps protect sensitive areas from harmful UV rays. You can also find UV-protective clothing and sun hats designed especially for dogs.
Safety First: Never use human sun cream on your dog—it can contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. At Slickers, we stock pet-safe options that offer peace of mind on sunny days.
8. Cooling Toys: Keep Them Entertained and Refreshed
Boredom and heat are not a good combo. Cooling toys offer a fun, interactive way for your dog to beat the heat. Many can be frozen or filled with water and popped in the freezer.
Why it’s a summer essential:
They provide mental stimulation while helping to lower body temperature—especially great for teething puppies or dogs who love to chew.
Slickers Picks: Look out for freezable chew toys and fillable rubber toys that you can stuff with frozen treats or peanut butter.
Final Thoughts: A Cool Dog is a Happy Dog
Keeping your dog cool in summer isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety. Heatstroke in dogs can come on fast and be fatal if not treated quickly. Investing in the right cooling products ensures your pup stays safe, happy, and able to enjoy all the joys of summer right alongside you.
At Slickers Doghouse, we’re passionate about helping you care for your dog in every season. That’s why we stock a wide range of summer essentials, from cooling vests and mats to hydration gear and fun frozen treats. Pop in and see us in store or browse our summer cooling collection online—because your dog deserves the best, no matter the weather.
Explore our full summer range at slickersdoghouse.co.uk or visit us in store in Padstow!