Travel Light, Lounge Heavy: The Best Portable Dog Gear for Summer Road Trips

There’s something special about packing up the car, rolling down the windows, and hitting the open road with your best furry friend. But as any seasoned traveler knows, having the right gear can make or break your trip—especially when your travel buddy has four legs and a tail.

This summer, whether you're exploring mountain lakes, ocean beaches, or RV campgrounds, it’s time to upgrade your adventure game with portable, practical, and pup-approved gear. Below, we’ve rounded up the best dog travel products for hitting the road in comfort and style—starting with a float built just for dogs.

1. Lazy Dog Lounger® — Float Anywhere, Nap Everywhere

Let’s face it: long summer days are best spent in the water. And while you’re floating blissfully on the lake or pool, your dog deserves the same luxury.

Why it belongs on your packing list:

• Lightweight and compact—easy to toss in the trunk

• Built to float dogs safely (won’t pop or flip)

• Dries quickly and resists mold, sand, and UV damage

• Ideal for beaches, lakes, and campground creeks

Whether you’re setting up at a lakeside cabin or parked near the beach, the Lazy Dog Lounger® offers a cool, elevated rest spot your pup will actually use.

2. Collapsible Travel Bowls

No more bulky metal bowls or tipping over water cups. Look for BPA-free, silicone collapsible bowls that clip onto your leash or backpack for fast hydration breaks.

Perfect for:

• Roadside pit stops

• Hiking trails

• Campsites with limited gear space

3. Portable Shade Solutions

Dogs can overheat fast, especially during midday stops. A foldable pop-up tent, shade umbrella, or cooling pad offers a safe retreat from direct sun.

Bonus Tip: Combine shade with a Lazy Dog Lounger® to double down on comfort and cooling.

4. Dog Seatbelt Harness or Travel Crate

Safety first! A crash-tested car harness or secure crate protects your dog in case of sudden stops. Many are also lightweight and foldable, making them great for road trips.

Look for:

• Easy installation

• Breathable mesh for airflow

• Lightweight but durable build

5. Dog-Friendly Insect Repellent & Paw Protection

Protect your pup from summer pests and hot pavement. Bring along:

• Natural, dog-safe bug spray (avoid DEET)

• Paw balm or booties to shield from hot sand or sidewalks

These small extras make a huge difference for comfort during active days.

6. Travel-Ready Treat & Toy Bag

Keep the good vibes going with an all-in-one treat, toy, and poop bag kit. Look for compact organizers that easily clip to your pack or backseat.

Pro tip: Bring a floating toy to pair with your Lazy Dog Lounger® for water play breaks.

Final Thoughts

Your dog deserves just as much joy, comfort, and safety on summer road trips as you do. With smart, lightweight gear—and a float like the Lazy Dog Lounger® that keeps them cool and included—you’re all set for an unforgettable adventure.

Ready to hit the road? 📍 Visit www.lazydogloungers.com and gear up for your dog’s dream vacation!

5 Signs Your Dog Is Overheating (And How to Cool Them Down Immediately)

Dogs love the summer sun—but it doesn’t always love them back. While playtime by the pool or lake can be a highlight of your dog’s day, high temperatures can quickly become dangerous if you don’t recognize the early signs of overheating.

In this blog, we’ll cover how to spot the signs of overheating in dogs, what to do if it happens, and how tools like shade, hydration, and the Lazy Dog Lounger® can help prevent heat-related emergencies.

1. Excessive Panting

Panting is normal for dogs, but excessive, rapid, or strained panting—especially when not accompanied by exercise—is an early warning sign of heat exhaustion.

Watch for:

• Tongue hanging out unusually far

• Gasping or wheezing sounds

• Panting while resting

What to do: Move your dog to a shaded or cool area immediately and offer water. Lay them on a cooling float like the Lazy Dog Lounger® to lower body temperature gradually.

2. Bright Red or Pale Gums

Check your dog’s gums—they can be an indicator of internal distress. Bright red gums suggest overheating, while pale or white gums could point to more serious issues like shock or poor circulation.

What to do:

• Offer water

• Dab cool (not ice cold) water on their paw pads, chest, and belly

• Call your vet if color doesn’t normalize within minutes

3. Lethargy or Disorientation

If your pup suddenly becomes sluggish, uncoordinated, or confused, this may be a sign that their body is struggling to regulate temperature.

How to cool them down:

• Get them out of the sun

• Lay them on a dog cooling float in the shade (Lazy Dog Lounger® is ideal)

• Avoid forcing movement—let them rest and recover

4. Vomiting or Diarrhea

Heat exhaustion can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. These are serious indicators of overheating.

If this happens:

• Cool your dog immediately

• Avoid food or treats

• Call your vet or an emergency pet clinic right away

5. Collapse or Seizures

This is a medical emergency. If your dog collapses, trembles, or seizes, it may be suffering from severe heatstroke.

Immediate actions:

• Move to shade

• Begin cooling with water on paws and belly

• Transport to a veterinary clinic urgently

Prevention: How to Keep Dogs Cool and Safe

The best way to treat overheating is to prevent it in the first place. Dogs rely on us to manage their environment, especially during summer.

Top cooling strategies:

• Provide fresh water at all times

• Use shade tents or umbrellas

• Limit outdoor play to mornings or evenings

• Let your dog rest in water using a floating bed like the Lazy Dog Lounger®, which cools their body without requiring them to swim

• Watch high-risk breeds (brachycephalic/snub-nosed, seniors, overweight dogs) extra closely

Final Thoughts

Your dog can’t tell you when they’re too hot—but their body will. By knowing the signs and acting fast, you can prevent serious outcomes and keep summer safe.

Add tools like the Lazy Dog Lounger® to your pet gear list this season to give your pup a relaxing, cooling retreat during every outdoor adventure.

📍 Shop now at www.lazydogloungers.com and protect your pup from the heat.

Adventure Dogs: How to Take Your Pup from Couch Potato to Outdoor Explorer Safely

Not every dog is born an adventurer. Some prefer the comfort of air conditioning, cozy couches, and short walks around the block. But with the right guidance and gear, even the most laid-back pup can transform into a happy, tail-wagging outdoor explorer.

This step-by-step guide is perfect for newer dog parents or city dwellers who want to explore more of the great outdoors with their four-legged friends. From pacing training to the right summer gear like the Lazy Dog Lounger®, we’re covering everything you need to kickstart your dog’s outdoor lifestyle.

1. Start Small, Stay Consistent

Before you head out on a full-day hike or lakeside retreat, ease your dog into outdoor adventures with short, frequent outings.

Intro adventures can include:

• Neighborhood walks with varied terrain

• Visits to local parks or greenways

• Leashed trail walks with water stops

This approach helps build stamina, confidence, and socialization skills gradually.

2. Know Your Dog’s Limits

Every breed and individual dog has different physical needs. A Husky and a French Bulldog have wildly different tolerances for heat, distance, and terrain.

Outdoor readiness checklist:

• Is your dog fully vaccinated and flea/tick protected?

• Can your dog walk continuously for 20+ minutes without panting excessively?

• Is your dog responsive to basic commands like “come” and “leave it”?

Overexertion and overheating are real risks. Keep your adventures fun—not exhausting.

3. Train for Terrain & Water

If your dog has only experienced concrete sidewalks, new surfaces like dirt, gravel, or water may feel overwhelming. Take time to expose them slowly.

Try this progression:

• Walks on trails with dirt and rocks

• Controlled creek crossings

• Introduce floating: use a Lazy Dog Lounger® to ease water hesitation without requiring swimming

Floating tools help pups stay cool and safe, while building positive associations with the water.

4. Pack Dog Travel Essentials

Just like you bring snacks and sunscreen, your dog needs their own gear for a comfortable, safe outing.

Dog adventure kit must-haves:

• Portable water bowl and fresh water

• Dog-friendly trail treats or kibble

• Canine first-aid kit

• Life vest and dog float like the Lazy Dog Lounger®

• Waste bags

• Leash and collar with ID tag

Look for lightweight, packable gear made specifically for pet outdoor lifestyle adventures.

5. Build Positive Outdoor Associations

Dogs learn through repetition and reinforcement. Make every outing a positive experience with praise, treats, and rest breaks.

Ways to reward outdoor behavior:

• Let them sniff and explore freely (on leash where needed)

• Use verbal praise generously

• Bring their favorite toy or float so they associate outings with play

Avoid pushing your dog too hard—they’ll come to love the outdoors when they feel safe and in control.

6. Adventure, Not Agitation

If your dog is anxious, sensitive to noise, or overly reactive, slowly exposing them to nature can reduce stress over time. Bring gear that promotes relaxation, like their own Lazy Dog Lounger®, so they can observe their surroundings without overstimulation.

Outdoor time is a sensory experience. Help your dog manage it with patience, planning, and breaks.

Final Thought: Tail-Wagging Transformation Starts with You

Turning a couch-loving dog into an outdoor enthusiast doesn’t happen overnight. But with consistency, care, and the right tools, you can unlock a world of healthy enrichment and adventure.

Explore water safely, rest often, and always reward progress. And when it’s time to cool off, let your pup enjoy the journey with their own float built for comfort and fun.

📍 Get started with the Lazy Dog Lounger® at www.lazydogloungers.com and make outdoor life easier for your best friend.