Anyone who shares their home with a dog knows they have a way of making ordinary days better. From the excited greeting at the door to the quiet moments curled up on the sofa, dogs become part of the rhythm of our lives.

And summer? Summer just seems to make everything more fun. Longer days, trips to the beach, lazy afternoons in the garden. It’s the season for making memories with our four-legged friends.

I’ve been looking at what’s new in the world of dog toys this season, and honestly, there’s so much to love. I thought I’d share some of my favourite finds and trends that are perfect for summer fun. Rubi has been my little tester for some of these, and let’s just say she’s given them her enthusiastic paw of approval.

Water Toys Are a Summer Essential

If your dog is anything like Rubi, they’ll love any excuse to get wet. This year, there are some brilliant floating toys that make water play even more exciting.

You can toss it for a game of fetch in the pool, or if you don’t have a pool, you can create a fun enrichment activity at home. Simply fill a large bowl with cool water, pop the seahorse in, and let your dog have fun pawing at it or chasing it around the bowl. It’s a simple way to keep them cool and mentally engaged during those scorching afternoons.

For more serious water adventurers, brands like DogTuff recommend looking for toys that float reliably and are easy to spot in the water. The Ruff Dawg Stick is a great option because it floats and comes in highly visible colours, making it a safer alternative to real sticks which can splinter. And if your dog loves to retrieve, the West Paw Drifty is designed specifically for water-loving dogs, floating high in the water so they can spot it easily.

Novelty and Food-Themed Toys: Pure Summer Joy

One trend I’ve really enjoyed seeing this summer is the rise of novelty food-themed toys. They’re just so much fun! It seems like almost every shop has jumped on the bandwagon.

The Boots & Barkley Popsicle Plush Dog Toy from Target is a brilliant example. It’s a two-piece set featuring a red, white and blue popsicle. One looks cheerful and refreshed, while the other has a dramatically melted expression. I couldn’t stop smiling when I saw it. It’s the kind of toy that’s as entertaining for us humans as it is for our dogs.

Aldi also has a fantastic Ice Cream Plush Patriotic Dog Toy, which combines a soft plush ice cream with a rope-style cone. Rubi is a big fan of plush toys, and she absolutely adores carrying this around the house like a prized possession.

And then there’s the Cheeseburger Plush from Aldi’s Heart to Tail range. This one comes with patriotic sunglasses and a squeaker inside. It’s silly, it’s goofy, and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a cuter toy. It taps into that cookout aesthetic perfectly and is great for fetch or just for cuddling.

Don’t Forget the Fun Accessories

The fun doesn’t stop at toys. There’s a whole world of summer accessories that can make your dog’s summer even better and keep them safe.

I’ve been looking at cooling bandanas and vests for Rubi. They use evaporative cooling to help draw heat away from your dog’s body, which is a fantastic idea on hot days. You simply soak them in cool water, wring them out, and they’re ready to go. There are so many summery designs available, from floral prints to Hawaiian patterns.

Another essential is paw protection. We all know that feeling of walking on hot pavement with bare feet. Well, it’s the same for our dogs. Paw booties are a great way to insulate their paws from the hot ground. There are even options that stay connected to leggings if your dog is prone to losing a shoe!

And of course, for any water adventures, a life jacket is an absolute must. Look for one with high-visibility colours and reflective trim to keep your pup safe on boats, at the beach or on the river.

My Top Tips for Summer Play

With all this summer fun, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your dog stays safe and happy.

• Always supervise water play. Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, it’s good to keep an eye on them.
• Provide plenty of fresh water. I always take a portable water bottle and bowl when we’re out and about.
• Avoid hot pavement. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Stick to walks in the early morning or late evening.
• Take breaks during extreme heat. Rest and shade are just as important as exercise.

The best thing about summer toys isn’t just the toys themselves. It’s the memories they help create. Whether it’s watching your dog launch themselves into the water after a floating toy, or seeing them trot around proudly with a squeaky cheeseburger in their mouth, these are the moments that make being a dog owner so special.