Some people have kids with curly brown hair, baby-blue eyes and big smiles. Others have kids with four legs, lots of fur and a tail. But when it comes to outdoor exploration, both need extra protection.
While most parents are great about providing their human children with boots and jackets and mittens, many pet parents sometimes forget their pups need the same treatment.
Before you and Fido head out for your next adventure, consider outfitting him or her with some of these awesome gear options designed to keep your pet safe.
Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat: Whether you and your dog plan to kayak, SUP or just rest by the lake, this durable canine life jacket will give you some peace of mind. While many dog breeds are great swimmers, even the strongest can get fatigued and drown. The float coat not only comes with extra flotation on the underbelly to ensure that never happens, but also features a sturdy handle to help you pull your pet from the water. Though your bestie may look stylish in the red coat, we recommend the yellow option. It’ll make your dog much easier to spot — both for you and passing boaters. $79.95Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat
Whether you and your dog plan to kayak, SUP or just rest by the lake, this durable canine life jacket will give you some peace of mind. While many dog breeds are great swimmers, even the strongest can get fatigued and drown. The float coat not only comes with extra flotation on the underbelly to ensure that never happens, but also features a sturdy handle to help you pull your pet from the water. Though your bestie may look stylish in the red coat, we recommend the yellow option. It’ll make your dog much easier to spot – both for you and passing boaters. $79.95
Mac Sports Pet Sleeping Bag: Campers beware: When the temperature drops at night, a sleeping pad is not enough. Unless you want to wake up to find Rover sneaking into your sleeping bag, you should probably get him one of his own. While Noblecamper’s pricey 2-in-1 bed and bag is by far the warmest option we’ve found, Mac Sports’ thinner option is far more practical for your wallet, and Tennessee’s milder weather. $34.99Mac Sports Pet Sleeping Bag
Campers beware: When the temperature drops at night, a sleeping pad is not enough. Unless you want to wake up to find Rover sneaking into your sleeping bag, you should probably get him one of his own. While Noblecamper’s pricey 2-in-1 bed and bag is by far the warmest option we’ve found, Mac Sports’ thinner option is far more practical for your wallet, and Tennessee’s milder weather. $34.99
BINGPET Dog Cooling Jacket: You wouldn’t send your child to face the sun’s rays without sunscreen, so shouldn’t your dog be rewarded the same protection when it’s hot out? Much like humans, dogs can suffer from heat stroke and heat exhaustion, but vests like this one keep dogs cool through heat reflection and evaporation. While other models require you to soak the vest in cold water, we like BINGPET’s lightweight option because it works best with water from a spray bottle, meaning you and your pet can enjoy the sun with fewer interruptions. $38BINGPET Dog Cooling Jacket
You wouldn’t send your child to face the sun’s rays without sunscreen, so shouldn’t your dog be rewarded the same protection when it’s hot out? Much like humans, dogs can suffer from heat stroke and heat exhaustion, but vests like this one keep dogs cool through heat reflection and evaporation. While other models require you to soak the vest in cold water, we like BINGPET’s lightweight option because it works best with water from a spray bottle, meaning you and your pet can enjoy the sun with fewer interruptions. $38
Ultra Paws Rugged Dog Boot
You may think they look ridiculous, but dog booties like these are your furry hiking companion’s best defense against painful cuts and scratches on the trail. They also keep your pet’s sensitive paws from baking in the Tennessee heat or freezing when snow comes ’round. It may take a few tries to find the perfect boot, but Ultra Paws’ water-resistant footwear comes with the added bonus of a sole made from recycled tire material and adjustable Velcro straps so you and Fido can hit the trail faster. $36.95
Whistle GPS Pet Tracker: Our editor, Jennifer Bardoner, can tell you how frightening it is to lose your pup in the wild. Make sure you know where your four-legged explorer is at all time by investing in a GPS tracker like this one, which sends texts alerts to your phone and has a 10-day battery life. (And just in case you were wondering, Jennifer’s four-legged love made it back safe and sound.) $79.95Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
Our editor, Jennifer Bardoner, can tell you how frightening it is to lose your pup in the wild. Make sure you know where your four-legged explorer is at all time by investing in a GPS tracker like this one, which sends texts alerts to your phone and has a 10-day battery life. (And just in case you were wondering, Jennifer’s four-legged love made it back safe and sound.) $79.95