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11 products that make being outdoors with your dog easier and more fun

Enjoy outside playtime worry-free.
Enjoy outside playtime worry-free.

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With summer here and warm weather abundant, you no doubt can't wait to get outdoors with your pup. Regardless of whether it’s for a game of fetch in your backyard or a hike on the weekend, you'll need certain things you need to ensure a good, safe time is had by all. While some supplies—like a leash, poop bags, and a travel bowl—are obvious, some activities require more planning to ensure you enjoy every second in the sunshine.

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From dog goggles to an automatic fetch machine, these 11 products make spending time outdoors with your furry friend a worry-free great time.

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1. Outdoor-ready toys

These toys are made for outdoor usage and can be washed easily.
These toys are made for outdoor usage and can be washed easily.

Although you already have a barrage of toys for your pet at home, you may not have as many playthings designed specifically for the outdoors. Toys made of fabric or other materials can get ruined in the dirt, mud, or other gross substances that your dog always seems to get into. Instead of dealing with the hassle of cleaning them, opt for more outdoor-appropriate toys—like those made of plastic or waterproof materials—that are easy to clean and easy to use in your backyard or a trip to the park.

The ChuckIt! Fetch Ball comes with a launcher so you can fling the ball further than you could throw it. Petstages makes a durable "wood-like" stick that will hold up to the weather and make less of a mess. Rubber Kongs can be used indoors or out, as a vehicle for a treat or for a game of fetch.

2. A pair of dog goggles

Keep your dog's eyes protected.
Keep your dog's eyes protected.

In case you didn’t know, your furry friend's eyes can suffer ill effects from the sun as well as dusty and rainy weather just like yours. These UV-protective doggy goggles can withstand any weather conditions and are shatter-proof and fog-resistant. They’re protective and provide endless wearing opportunities—windy outdoor runs, motorcycle rides, or just playing in the sun. The highly-rated “Doggles” are designed with a flexible, comfy foam-lined rubber frame and adjustable elastic straps so your pooch won’t have to sacrifice a single ounce of comfort, though they may look a little funny with them on.

Get the Doggles ILS Dog Goggles from Chewy for $17.99

3. A bowl that’s easy to travel with

Give your pup their food or drink anywhere.
Give your pup their food or drink anywhere.

The custom metal bowl and stand you have at home maybe be adorable, but they’re not practical to lug on your outdoor adventures. That's why you need a travel bowl. This one from Dexas garnered our seal of approval as the best dog travel bowl we’ve ever tested because it contracts easily for storage and is built with extendable legs that allow for feeding in an upright position, rather than having your furry friend having to hunch over. The bowl is also dishwasher-safe, so you can throw it right in when you get home from your adventure.

Get the Dexas Popware Single Elevated Feeder from Amazon for $14.99

4. A durable leash

A durable, sturdy leash is an essential.
A durable, sturdy leash is an essential.

Whether you’re trying to train your pup to walk beside you on the street or are heading on a hike together, having a secure, durable leash makes wrangling them a little easier. According to our experts, it’s the best dog leash as it has an ergonomic grip for optimal comfort, reflective trim on the leash, and is super easy to use. And, we’d be remiss to mention that a portion of the purchase is donated to animal shelters.

Get the Lead Mate and Leash Combo from Lead Mate for $24.95

5. A doggy swimming pool

Splish, splash.
Splish, splash.

Picture this: Scorching hot temperatures, tons of sunshine, and your pup splashing around in a doggy swimming pool to keep cool. Doesn’t that sound like something you’d both enjoy? We think so, which is why you need this one from Frisco in your backyard or balcony this summer. While providing relief from the sweltering heat, this pool also offers your pup endless hours of stimulating exercise and fun playtime. It’s made out of a PVC material and folds easily so you can bring it anywhere, and reviewers love that it’s large enough for bigger dogs to play in, too.

Get the Frisco Outdoor Dog Swimming Pool from Chewy for $58.02

6. A set of dog boots to protect sensitive paws

Prevent your pup's paws from getting injured.
Prevent your pup's paws from getting injured.

Think about this for a moment: Would you want to walk barefoot on the pavement in the dead of summer? Your pup probably doesn't want to, either. To keep your dogs' sensitive paw pads from touching boiling hot pavement, a set of dog booties is the solution. (And also a joy to behold, as your dog gets used to the weird sensation of wearing shoes.)

According to more than 1,800 reviewers, these booties from Bark Brite are a game-changer for protecting your pups' paws in all temperatures, from 90-degree summer days to frigid winter temperatures, and they’re available in five sizes.

Get the Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots from Amazon for $19.99

7. Sunscreen to protect your pooch

SPF is always necessary even for pets.
SPF is always necessary even for pets.

With all the time you're about to spend outdoors, it’s imperative that you apply some SPF not only on yourself but also on your furry friend. Although not commonly known, dogs can get sunburn and sun rashes on their exposed skin, such as their noses, paws, and bellies.

This sunscreen from Epi-Pet has SPF 30, is waterproof, and is made with nontoxic ingredients, so you can ensure it’s safe on your pet. Reviewers claim that it has made a major difference in particular for their hairless pups or those with lighter fur or skin.

Get the Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets from Chewy for $17.95

8. A pack of odor-masking poop bags

Never worry about poop leaking or smelling again.
Never worry about poop leaking or smelling again.

Look, we get it: Nobody likes picking up their dog’s poop. But it’s still part of owning a pup. To ensure your pet’s waste is contained properly, we tested dog poop bags and discovered that Pogi’s bags are the best.

They're extra-roomy (7 inches by 14.5 inches, to be exact), made of biodegradable material, and easy to tie off and carry without concern about any leaks as you go on with your journey. The best part? They have a clean powder scent that masks the dreaded dog poop smell.

Get the Pogi's Poop Bags with Easy-Tie Handles from Amazon for $14.24

9. A poop bag holder that snaps onto the leash

Don't worry about leaving bags at home.
Don't worry about leaving bags at home.

So you always have bathroom supplies handy, get a poop bag holder that easily snaps onto your leash. According to more than 3,000 Amazon reviewers, this one from ZippyPaws attaches seamlessly, feels lightweight, and is machine-washable for easy cleanup.

Get the ZippyPaws Dog Poop Bag Holder Leash Attachment from Amazon for $6.49

10. A super-charged game of fetch

Endless games of fetch are now simple.
Endless games of fetch are now simple.

Are your arms tired after playing endless games of fetch with your pup? Try this GoDogGo fetch machine to keep your pet exercised and entertained with limited effort on your end. We tested the machine and can confirm it's worth the splurge as it's fun for fetch-loving dogs, easy to use, and you can tailor the features to best fit your dogs fetching distance. It’s also small enough to pack with you to bring to the park to play with.

Get the GoDogGo Fetch Machine from Amazon for $149.95

11. A life jacket to help your pup swim

Keeping your pup safe has never been easier.
Keeping your pup safe has never been easier.

Not all dogs can swim on their own easily, which is why having a life jacket can be helpful. Built with dual handles and an adjustable side release buckle, your pup will stay comfortable and can easily be grabbed​ in case of an emergency.

According to more than 600 reviewers, this one from Outward Hound is great for the pool or beach and relieves their worries about their pup in the water. It comes in a bright orange color so it will be easy to spot your pup.

Get the Outward Hound Granby RipStop Dog Life Jacket from Chewy starting at $15.20

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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 11 products make being outdoors with your dog easier