Big Dog Summer Essentials: What I Actually Buy for My 75-Pound Golden (And What I Skip)

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Every summer, pet stores roll out their “summer essentials” displays and half of it is stuff no one needs. Cooling bandanas that stop working in 15 minutes. Dog sunglasses that fall off during the first head shake. Inflatable pool toys that your dog pops in a day. I’ve wasted money on most of it.

So here’s my actual list — the things I’ve bought, used, and kept for my Golden Retriever during the hot months. No filler. No “cute but useless” items. Just gear that makes summer safer and more comfortable for a big dog, with real prices and honest opinions.

Cooling Mat — Yes, Get One

This is the single best summer purchase I’ve made for my dog. A pressure-activated gel mat that stays 5 to 10 degrees cooler than room temperature. No electricity, no freezing, no setup. She lies on it and it cools her down.

I tested four of them and wrote up the whole experience in my cooling mat review here. The one I kept: The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad (large, about 34 dollars). It’s been on my floor for over a month, used every day, and still works like new.

If your dog is under 50 pounds, the Chillz Gel Mat is 22 dollars and nearly as good.

Travel Water Bottle — Yes, But Pick the Right One

If you walk your dog for more than 20 minutes in the summer, you need a way to give them water. Pouring from your own bottle into your cupped hand wastes most of it and gets your hand freezing cold.

I tested four travel water bottles and wrote about them here. My daily-walk pick: the PORTAL 2-in-1 with collapsible bowl (16 dollars). My hiking pick: the 28-ounce bottle with shoulder strap (22 dollars). The key difference is capacity — big dogs drink a lot, and 12 ounces isn’t enough on a warm hike.

No-Pull Harness That Breathes — Yes

Summer is when pulling on walks becomes unbearable. Your dog is hot, you’re hot, and a thick padded harness traps heat against their body. You need something lightweight that still gives you control.

I reviewed four no-pull harnesses for big dogs here. For summer specifically, look for one with minimal padding and mesh panels. The heavy padded harnesses that are great in December become sauna suits in July.

Paw Balm — Maybe

Hot pavement damages paw pads. If you walk on asphalt or concrete, paw balm creates a barrier that helps prevent cracking and burns. But it only works if you apply it before the walk, not after. And it only works if you also avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.

Musher’s Secret (about 18 dollars) is the one most dog owners I know use. It’s a wax-based barrier that you rub into the paw pads before going out. It doesn’t melt in heat, and a little goes a long way — one container lasts months.

But honestly, the better solution is just walking when the pavement is cool. Test the ground with the back of your hand for 5 seconds. If you can’t hold it there, your dog shouldn’t walk on it. Paw balm is a supplement to good timing, not a replacement for it.

Life Jacket — Only If You’re Near Water

If your dog swims — or you’re near a pool, lake, or beach — a life jacket is non-negotiable, even if your dog “can swim.” Big dogs tire fast in water, and a life jacket keeps their head above water when they do. I reviewed budget life jackets for large breeds here.

If you’re not near water, skip it. Don’t buy gear your dog will never use.

Things I Bought and Regretted

Dog cooling bandana: 15 dollars, lasted 20 minutes, dog hated it. Get a cooling mat instead.

Dog sunscreen: Most dogs don’t need sunscreen. Their fur protects them. The exception is thin-coated or hairless breeds, or dogs with pink skin on their nose and belly. If your dog has a full coat, skip it. If they have thin hair on the belly, just keep them out of direct midday sun.

Dog shoes: I tried them. My dog walked like she was on hot coals — lifting each paw high, refusing to move, looking at me with deep betrayal. Some dogs tolerate boots, but most don’t. Paw balm plus good timing is a better solution for most owners.

Kiddie pool: Great if your dog likes water. Mine doesn’t. Total waste of 12 dollars for me, but your mileage may vary.

The Full Summer Kit (For About 70 Dollars)

If I were starting from scratch, here’s what I’d buy for a large dog:

• Cooling mat — 34 dollars
• Travel water bottle — 16 dollars
• Musher’s Secret paw balm — 18 dollars
• A floor fan — 18 dollars at any hardware store

Total: about 86 dollars. That’s less than the cost of one vet visit for heat exhaustion, and it keeps your dog comfortable all summer. The cooling mat and fan are the two items that make the biggest difference — the rest is situational.

For more budget gear recommendations, browse our crate guide, bed reviews, and deshedding brush guide.

ThriftyPaw is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you buy through one of the links above, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve actually bought and used with my own dog.