Archer's Top 5 Summer Must-Haves!
Hey guys,
It has been a slow start to warm weather here in Toronto but hopefully summer is just around the corner. Summers in Toronto can be extremely hot and humid. I don’t like to complain though because we spend 6 months of the year covered in snow and rain. Thus, summer is definitely MY favourite season. We love going to the cottage, going on hikes, swimming, basically anything outdoors. Of course, when you have a frenchie, they look at you with those big sad eyes, and you know you can’t exclude them (though we do when it is really hot outside). I don’t know about your pup, but Archer can’t really handle heat. We would walk outside for about 10 mins and Archer will be panting as if he ran a marathon.
Over the last couple of summers, we have discovered some awesome brands that carry amazing products for your pups for the summer, and we have also found new products that we’re excited to try. We are happy to share Archer’s top 5 must-haves for the summer:
1. Cooling Vest
This is our number one must-have for the summer. Last year we were lucky to have discovered Bark Industry and their awesome cooling vest. It is easy to use and it helps keep Archer cool all summer long. My favourite thing about this cooling vest that I have never seen on other brands is that it has D-rings for your leash. Thus, no need to wear a harness! It acts as both a cooling vest and a harness! This is a hot item and they sell out quite often so I would get your hands on one ASAP. You can use our code “ARCHER10” to save 10% off. Oh and if it helps, Archer is a size small. But feel free to reach out to the team at Bark Industry for sizing. Oh PS., they also carry a collapsible travel bowl, that we attach to our leash, so Archer can stay hydrated at all times!
2. Cooling Bandana
Another great way to keep your pup cool this summer is to use cooling bandanas. And we only know of one brand that has the BEST ones: Frenchie Bulldog. They legit have the best prints! They keep your pup cool AND stylish at the same time. You simply wet them in cold water and wring it out. Or what we usually do is freeze them for a bit so they’re even colder. They have so many unique prints and colors that I can never just pick one! You can use our code “ARCHERTORONTO10” to save 10% off. Oh PS., don’t forget to check out their matching harnesses as well!
3. Cool Snoods
Here is another really cool option to help protect your pup from the heat. A cool snood is similar to a cooling bandana but it features gel packets that you would freeze or refrigerate and insert into the snood. It is pretty neat and we have used ones from Gnocchi & Goma and FrenchieWear. We do have a code for Gnocchi & Goma - “ARCHER10” will save you 10% off. These are a great way to keep them cool all summer long!
4. Life Jacket
We usually go to the cottage once or twice each summer, and we love swimming in the lake. We found out that Archer does indeed know how to swim, but to be safe, we prefer that he uses a life jacket. Last couple of years we have used one that we bought from HomeSense (same as HomeGoods) but recently we upgraded and got one from Bark Industry (they just have all our summer needs) and we can’t wait to use it. Their life jacket features a D-ring and I like that there is no velcro at the neck . Our old one has it and Archer hated it. We can’t wait to take him to the cottage this summer and go swimming! Again, feel free to use our code “ARCHER10” for a discount.
5. Fanny Pack (& Dog Backpack)
Every summer, we try to go on as many outdoor adventures in and out of the city. We love exploring Ontario and finding new hiking spots. This year we are so excited that Canada Pooch has released a fanny pack for hoomans! The fanny pack is a hot item of the season - they have made its’ comeback! At first, I wasn’t so sure about it, but after using it a couple times, I love the compactness and convenience of it. It has all the right pockets that fit everything I need: my wallet, my phone, Archer’s treats (can never forget them), and it can even fit a standard sized water bottle. I no longer have to carry my purse or a chunky backpack. Speaking of backpacks, have you guys seen dog backpacks by none other, Bark Industry? Totally cool to let your dog carry some of his stuff on a hike such as: their treats, toys, and most important, their poop bags! These backpacks have D-rings for your leash so it acts as a harness, perfect for hiking. Now you don’t have to be the only one carrying everything, give some work to the little guys!
I could probably go on and on and on about other things too., but these are our top 5 must-haves for summer and we cannot wait to use everything. For us, it is so important to find the best ways to protect Archer from the heat and to keep him safe all summer long. So now we just have to patiently wait for summer to make its’ way to Toronto!
Do you have any good summer product recommendations? Comment below and share with us what your top items are for the summer!
