Welcome back after what was, hopefully, a fun-filled and restful Memorial Day Weekend. We are in it! It, meaning summer. If today in NYC is any indication, we’re in for a steamy one. Now, I’m not complaining. I couldn’t wait to leave that nasty old winter behind. I’m looking forward to sitting poolside or going for a walk on the beach. I’m sure you are, too. So let’s dive (haha, no pun intended…) right into Part Three of my Fun Ideas for Summer Dog Clothes…the Beach Party.
Dog Trainer,
Colleen Demling
Before we get into the cool suits, trunks, eyewear, and more, I want to briefly address how to keep our dogs safe at the pool, beach, and on the water. Animal trainer, Colleen Demling, has over 9000 hours and 12 years of hands on dog training experience, and is the founder of Pawtopia, a dog training service, based out of San Diego, CA. Colleen is a CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed®), as well as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She’s trained Service Dogs for Canine Companions for several years before starting Pawtopia. She is also a frequent contributor to local and national media on both dog training and dog safety topics. I asked her a few specific questions about our dogs and water, and here’s what she had to say:
* Hanging by a pool:
CD: “We all love a cool dip on a hot day. But, we need to make sure that Fido knows how to get out of the pool. Take him in, show him how to get out, and repeat. Some dogs are sensitive to the chlorine and the other chemicals, so if he loves swimming, rinse him after and make sure he always has access to cool, fresh water. This will make it less likely that your pup will drink the pool water….and throw it up later!”
Sophie loves loves to take a swim in our pool in Florida. She was afraid of it, at first. But her daddy coaxed her in, first on his chest, as he did a back float (yes, pretty cute, right?), and then, just playing with her in the water. But, we did show her where the steps were and practiced her swimming to them and out.
CD: “All pups should be wearing a life preserver when they are on a boat. Boat decks are more slippery for paws than they are for feet, so we want to make sure they are safe, in case they go overboard. Also, give your dog a cool place to go to get out of the sun. Dogs can’t cool themselves as effectively as we can, so Fido is going to need a place to stay cool and safe when the boat is underway.”
CD: “Hairless breeds, short-coated, light-colored and dogs with pink noses are more prone to getting sunburned. You can find sunscreen specifically formulated for pets at most pet stores or online. Make sure not to use sunscreen that contains zinc, as it can be toxic to dogs if ingested. To avoid licking, avoid sunscreens with fragrance. When you re-apply your sunscreen, do the same for your pooch.”
Thank you, Colleen, for that important and useful information! Now….on to some fierce fashion!
Zuma Bikini
Zuma Bikini
This sunny, happy riot of flowers is a bundle of fun, and your small pup will look precious in it. I say small, because this outfit is meant for small dogs. I don’t think we’d want to see a medium or large dog wearing this. It’d be like playing dress up in baby’s clothes. Made from 95% poly/5% spandex, this suit is light, comfortable and will hold its shape. Velcro closures at the chest and waist.
Where to buy: BitchNewYork
Sizing: XXS – XL
Price: $33.00
Sebastian Swim Trunks
Sebastian Swim Trunks
I like the pop of the light blue and yellow in this very trendy floral piece. Florals were all over the runway for both men and women. It has a cute pocket with grommet detail (sometimes, it’s all in the details), and is made from 50% cotton/50% poly. Elastic waistband and a velcro closure make for a comfortable fit. Just make sure you leave a bit of breathing room in sizing. Then, conquer the waves as a stand out surfer or frisbee-playing dude! Here’s a photo of another print on a dog so you can see how cute it is!
Where to buy: PoshPuppyBoutique
Sizing: XXS – XL
Price: $30.00
The Doggy Life Jacket
in Neon Yellow
The Doggy Life Jacket
Just as Colleen Demling emphasized and we already know, putting a life vest on your dog when boating or when the water is a bit rough around beach play, is a super important safety precaution that could save our dog’s lives. This is a relatively new life vest on the market and I like that it has a mesh underbelly for water drainage and breathability. It is also has a secure buckle fastener at the neck and strong velcro closures at the belly. The handle on the back makes for easy pick up and navigating of your dog in water. Reflective strips are great for visibility, and all straps are adjustable. The jacket comes in all sizes, too.
Where to buy: PoshPuppyBoutique
Sizing: XXS – XL
Price: $25.00 – $39.00, depending upon size
Eye Candy cover-up
Eye Candy Cover-Up
I love, love this delicate, lightweight cotton cover up. It has the look of a piece that will become a vintage heirloom. This little, flirty shift is hand-smocked, “popcorn” style and has tiny pearls hand-sewn on the bodice and waistline. A dainty ruffle with just a suggestion of either a pink or lilac slip showing finishes this off in sweet style. Throw on for relaxing after pool or beach play, as you would your own cover up.
Where to buy: BitchNewYork
Sizing: XXS (6-8″)
XS (8-10″)
S (10-12″)
M (12-14″)
L (14-16″)
Price: $72.00
Puppy Angel
Peace Star Bandana
Peace Star Bandana
Puppy Angel, a Japanese company, makes this really adorable, cool-looking bandana. My personal fave is the beige with metallic silver lining and blue crystal peace sign. But, if navy or pink are your fancy, indulge yourself! 🙂 Made from 100% cotton, it is adjustable with a funky silver loop. A great beach accessory!
Where to buy: PoshPuppyBoutique
Sizing: S – XL
Price: $28.00 (add $5.00 for an XL)
Pink Glitter Sandals
Baby Blue Sandals
Pink Glitter and Baby Blues
Sunglasses, please! They can’t help but look when your baby girl goes by, wearing not a raspberry beret, but these dazzling raspberry glitter summer sandals. OK, maybe a bit over the top for the beach, but so what? Would J Lo reconsider? I don’t think so….
For your baby boy, these baby blues are a must have. Both made from soft, comfortable pleather with leather soles. Velcro closures make for easy on, easy off.
Where to buy: PoshPuppyBoutique
Sizing: 2-8
Price: $45.00 – $51.00, depending upon size
Doggles Mesh Eyewear
Doggles Mesh Eyewear
This is a very cool and unusual product. Breathable UV mesh, which filters out 50-60% of all UV rays, and comfortable enough for all day wear. Allows for 270º of vision (apparently, humans have 180º). This is a patent-pending, very innovative design. Also comes in navy.
Where to buy: BitchNewYork
Sizing: XSmall: 1-10 lbs.
Small: 9-25 lbs.
Medium: 20-60 lbs.
Large: 50-100 lbs.
Price: $11.00
PET Sunscreen
PET Sunscreen
An accessory you don’t want to forget for an outing in the summer sun, especially if your pup has areas with pink skin, a pink nose, is hairless or has a light-colored coat. This sunscreen was formulated especially for our pets, with an SPF of 15. It has no silicone, is non-oily, non-irritating and is water soluble. It also comes in a handy 2 oz spray bottle, so you can put it in your carry-on luggage if you’re traveling!
Where to buy: PoshPuppyBoutique
Price: $16.00
Buzz Guard
Bug Deterrent
Buzz Guard
Who wants buzzing around our pooches at the pool, beach, anywhere! This is a product, made by a person and company I love. Earth Heart, founded and run by Vicki Rae Thorne, is a great brand with quality products. Vicki is a master herbalist for both people and pets, so this lady knows her aromatherapy and herbs. Buzz Guard is one of four products she makes for dogs, and this one helps deter bugs from seeking out your pup. With insect repelling ingredients like neem seed oil; pure essential oils of citronella, fir, geranium, rosewood, basil and myrrh, I feel comfortable knowing no harmful chemicals are going on my baby’s skin. These products have been tested for years, so we know they are reliable. And the essential oil concentrations are so diluted, we know they are very safe for our pets.
Where to buy: BitchNewYork
Price: $15.00
Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground for our beach party. It’s been fun taking you on a tour through some items I really like. Have you found this useful? Please tell me in the comments below. If you’d like to see more of something, tell me that, too! 🙂
(Disclosure: Affiliate links included)
