Travel Resort Wear For Your Dog: Must Haves Part I, The Tropics
If you’re lucky enough to be planning a tropical getaway with your dog this winter, you might want to consider the best travel resort wear for him or her. Just like us, your pup will need some cute, summery and, yes, tropical items to strut out in style, be protected from strong UV rays and be safe in or near the water. I’ve found some fashionable and practical pieces that will make a tropical holiday with Fifi or Fido a day at the beach. Here are my must haves for some fun in the sun!
Light Jackets
Even some tropical hideaways get chilly at night. And while your bigger dog may be fine, even welcome that, the little ones may need a light jacket to ward off the cooler ocean breezes.
Cornflower Blue Denim Jacket
The Cornflower Blue Denim Coat
This is a Couture by Sophie lightweight jacket with a nautical feel. Made from cotton/lycra denim, striped jersey lining and sporting nautical-themed silver buttons and a cute patch, this coat has a great fit and offers just enough warmth on a cool evening.
Where to buy: Couture by Sophie
Sizing: (you can also contact me with any sizing questions through the Bark comments or my email)
XS: 9.5″ Length x 15″ Girth x 9″ neck
S: 11.5″ Length x 16.5″ Girth x 11″ neck
M: 15.5″ Length x 19″ Girth x 12″ neck
Price: $68.00
Sailor Day Dress
Can you just picture your little one in this? It’s cuter than cute! I love the rhinestone detailing, the flared tiered skirt and the darling little bow. And it’s 95% cotton; 5% spandex, the best combination for breathability and to hold it’s shape and last.
Where to buy: Puprwear
Sizing: XXS – XL (see sizing chart here) Note in the Small and Medium sizes, they offer a Long option, which is great for those of us whose pups are on the long side.
Price: $31.95
T’s and Tanks
Hawaiian Dog Shirt
Love the colors of this bright and cheerful hawaiian t-shirt. Designed like a men’s hawaiian shirt with a shirt collar and snaps up the chest, your dog will look like one cool dude or gal strutting on the beach or boardwalk in one of these tops. There’s even a small hole for a harness leash. Machine washable. Shades optional but recommended.
Where to buy: Puprwear
Sizing: XXS – XXL (see sizing chart here)
Price: $23.95
Anchor’s Away T
This red, white and blue tank is well made and very cute. For boys or girls, it features a gold rhine-stud anchor rope and a red crystal dog paw. The navy tank is ribbed and made of very soft cotton with lycra for plenty of stretch so it goes on and comes off easily. Machine washable.
Where to buy: Puprwear
Sizing: XS-L (see sizing chart here)
Price: $21.95
This is a Couture by Sophie custom t-shirt, made from high quality yellow cotton/lycra french terry, with tropical
Tropical French T
appliqués embellished with crystals. Because it’s custom, it will fit your dog like a glove. Machine washable on cold cycle and lay flat to dry. Takes 2 weeks to make.
Where to buy: Couture by Sophie
Sizing: Custom
Price: $96.00
Swimwear
Mykonos, Venice & Cancun Swim Trunks
These swim trunks for little guys are really cute. They come in three floral colors – navy, sky blue & lime green – have a little pocket feature with grommets on the leg and have an elastic waist with velcro closure for comfort. 50% cotton; 50% poly.
Cancun Swim Trunks
Machine washable.
Where to buy: Bitch New York
Sizing: XXS-XL (see sizing chart here)
Pricing: $27.00
Tropical Dog Bikini – Many Colors
Tropical Bikini
All that’s missing here is a doggy Mai Tai with a paper umbrella, of course! And shades. This very cute, frilly, tropical floral bikini comes in Fuschia Pink, Peacock Blue, Rose Red and Lime Green. And wait for it…Matching MuuMuu, Beach Hats, Hawaiian Shirts and Swim Trunks also available. Does life get any better than this! Velcro closures at chest and belly. Ties at neck. Machine washable.
Where to buy: Puprwear
Sizing: 00 – 6 (see sizing chart here)
Price: $26.95
Life Preservers
Dogs, big and small, need protection if you’re taking them into the ocean or out on a boat of any kind. Waters can be rough and having a life preserver vest on your
K9 Float Coat
pup is an added insurance policy that he or she will hold its own out on the water. That doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish and safe. Here are a few options I really like.
This great life jacket is from Ruffwear, a company I love. And, it boasts a cool story, to boot. Seems Ruffwear founder, Patrick, is an avid waterman who, before starting the company, was designing whitewater kayaking gear. So he knows his water apparel and what it takes to stay afloat! Using a special layered, closed-cell foam construction to increase flotation while not impeding the natural movement of your dog, the K-9 Float Coat also has a special belly flotation panel, a telescoping collar that keeps the jacket in place all day, and strong buckles and straps that are protected with tail keepers, so there are no dangling bits to get snagged or caught.
Where to buy: Ruffwear
Sizing: XS-XL (see sizing chart here)
Price: $79.95
EZY Dog Flotation Vest
Built from high performance materials with 50% more buoyancy strategically placed throughout the vest to make sure your dog stays afloat. Reflective trim. Ergonomic grab handle to guide your dog or actually lift him out of the water. Easy adjustable and durable nylon webbing straps and a tough nylon D ring so you can attach a leash. Also available in yellow.
Where to buy: Bitch New York
Sizing: XS-XL (see sizing chart here)
Price: $44.00
Angione Pawz Neon Reflecting Life Vest
A very stylish neon pink/green vest made from professional life jacket material with a poly lining. Fun and functional, they have strong velcro closures backed with
Neon Life Vest
tough plastic buckles and a nylon grip to guide your dog or pull her from the water.
Where to buy: Posh Puppy Boutique
Sizing: S-L (see sizing chart here)
Price: $60.00
Sunglasses & Goggles
Protect your dog’s eyes like you would your own. Studies have shown that UV rays and debris can damage ours and our dog’s eyes. Pups who run on the beach, ride in a motorbike sidecar or stick their head out of the window of a moving car all are vulnerable to having damaging debris fly into their eyes. I know how uncomfortable it is when that happens to me. There are even some dogs who have a condition known as Pannus, where they can’t be in direct sunlight, and sunglasses have allowed them to be outdoors. UV ray protection, shatterproof lenses and ease on and off are key. Here are a couple I like.
K9 Optix Sunglasses
K9 Optix Sunglasses in Copper/Gold
These are the only sunglasses made just for dogs. They block out 100% of the harmful UV rays and your dog will look fly in them. Mirrored, rimless, wide nose bridge to fit a dog’s face, easy adjustable straps and shatterproof lenses. They even have little dog paws on the outer edge of the lens. Also available in pink.
Where to buy: Bitch New York
Sizing: XXS – L (see sizing chart here)
Price: $13.00
Doggles Interchangeable Lens Goggles
Doggles Skull Goggles
These cool-looking Doggles block out 100% of the UV rays, have shatterproof and anti-fog lenses, deeper lens cups, a wider nose bridge and a flexible frame, all for maximum protection and comfort for your dog. And the little skull and crossbones on the sides give ‘tude to the dude (or diva). 🙂
And, you can change up the lenses with ease so your dog can always be stylin’. Here’s the link to additional lenses.
Where to buy: Bitch New York
Sizing: XS – L (see sizing chart here)
Price: $20.00; replacement lenses: $10.00
Sunscreen
All pets exposed to the sun need sunscreen, especially if your pooch has thin hair, light-colored hair, pink skin or hairless portions of its body. The trickier part, for me, is finding a sunscreen without the kind of chemicals I’d be uncomfortable using on Sophie. There are a few on the market, from Only Natural Pet Store and baby products that are safe for pets. This is one I recommend.
California Baby Sunscreen
California Baby SPF 30+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen
Provides high-level protection against sunburn. It’s water resistant, fragrance free, PABA free, non-chemical and perfect for skin sensitivities or fragrance allergies.
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $12.20
In Summary
You’ll have what you need here in clothing and accessories for a worry-free tropical holiday with your dog, but there are some tips to still consider before you board the plane:
- get info on a local vet, just in case
- Check out dog-friendly restaurants, beaches and sites
- bring along a good, general pet first aid kit
- make sure your dog has the proper documentation for flying
- make sure you have a great carrier for your dog if he or she is small enough to go on the plane
- look into natural calming sprays, drops or tablets if your dog is anxious about travel
Now, all that’s left is to relax and enjoy. You’ve earned it. And please…have a Mai Tai for me.
Stay tuned for my Must Haves for a Cold Weather Holiday.
Until next time…sharing is caring!
