12 Summer Accessories to Keep Your Pets Cool

Jessica Willingham
Jul 15, 2014

Hot days, road trips and plenty of festivities are all a big part of summer. But for those of us with pets, it’s super important to keep them cool when temperatures start to rise. Just because you love basking in the hot summer sun all day doesn’t mean your pet wants to. They’re basically wearing a fur coat, for pete’s sake! Keep your pet cool, entertained and (most importantly) safe with these fun summer accessories.

1. Quick Shade ($40): If you’re headed to the lake or beach, make sure your dog has a cool place to stay. Paws can easily be burned from hot sidewalks and sand, so help a pup out and give them a place to lay off the ground. This bed gives some shade and sunburn protection, too.

2. Pet Floats ($130): Bring your pup to the pool and let him cool off on a pet float. Just don’t forget to watch ’em!

3. Doggie Bow Tie: This step-by-step tutorial can help you turn a few scraps of fabric into a festive summer collar for your pup. (via Stuff Steph Does)

4. Doggie Froyo: Summer isn’t the same without a cool, melting treat in your hand — same goes for your pet. Another dog-safe summer snack you might already have in your cooler is watermelon! (via Wit + Vinegar)

5. Bolt Automatic Laser Toy ($14): It’s very important to keep your pet inside when it’s hot out so that they don’t overheat. Keep your kitty active indoors with this high-tech laser toy.

6. PetChatz ($350): Long, busy days may mean leaving your pet bored and home alone. This device lets you FaceTime with your feline, Skype with your Shar-Pei… you get the picture. But seriously, we’ve been waiting for this.

7. Lui Cat Scratcher ($70): Hot months can mean lots of shedding. Yuck. It’s a hairy situation but this super modern cat scratcher can help your kitty shed easier.

8. Canvas Doggie Tote Bag: Take a simple tote and transform it into a friendly way to let your pet tag along. Side note: It’s only for smaller pets. Duh ;) (via Martha Stewart Living)

9. Collapsible Travel Cup ($10): Running on the beach or hiking the mountains is a great way for you and your furry friend to get some exercise. But just like humans, the more pets exercise the more water they need. This portable water cup will easily allow you to share your H2O.

10. Green Tennisbal ($8): More heat = more panting + drooling. Help their favorite bright ball last longer with this special grip.

11. Nautical Water Dog Toy Sets ($20): Before heading out to the beach, throw these sea-themed toys into the fridge for a few minutes. It’ll keep your pup cooler longer, and they’ll love the cold surprise.

12. Sleepypod Bed Carrier ($167): When taking a summer trip with your little pet, it’s nice to travel in style.

What are some easy ways to keep your pet cool this summer? Do you travel with your pets? Tell us in the comments!

I Tried A Dog DNA Test On My New Puppy, And The Results Were So Surprising!

I adopted my schnauzer-poodle mix two years ago, named her Lucy, and went through the painstaking process of house-training a puppy...my shag rugs are still recovering. Just as I was celebrating the end of the puppy phase and Lucy was becoming a dog we absolutely adore, my boyfriend Dan brought home a 4-month-old pup. While skeptical at first — puppy PTSD is real — I was smitten as soon as I met the little guy. He was super sweet and gentle with the most earnest of puppy eyes.

We named him Diego after Dan’s hometown San Diego. He also has the personality of a chill surfer dog compared to my slightly neurotic Lucy (above left, wishing she had her giant dog bed all to herself). His genetic origins, however, were somewhat vague. The adoption shelter suspected he was a German shepherd mix with maybe a smidge Boxer. We were certain of the shepherd part as he was always trying to herd Lucy into a corner — an action often met with fierce objection, but they've since grown to tolerate (and even sort of like) each other. Side note: Diego broke his leg falling down the stairs soon after we brought him home. Highly recommend pet insurance right after adoption!

Over the weeks and months, as he started to grow into his actual size (50 lbs-ish), we guessed maybe he had some pitbull in his heritage. When strangers inevitably asked what he was, Dan would jokingly reply, “American Fence Jumper.”

Meanwhile, my daughter was in dog heaven and kept declaring that when she gets old enough to have her own dog she is getting a Siberian Husky (she’s in the wolf phase of kid animal obsessions).

We used the at-home dog DNA kit, Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry, to crack Diego's DNA code. The test was pretty simple – easier than a Covid test – and required that we just swab his inner cheek for a saliva sample and mail it off.

We anxiously awaited the results and joked about having a breed reveal party (any excuse to gather, right?). We also wanted to know what we were in for in terms of health and behavior issues. Four weeks later, we received the email that would unlock the mystery.

The test revealed his behavioral traits like willingness to share (yes), separation anxiety (nope), possessiveness (not at all), noise sensitivities (calm), and more, helping us understand him a little better or just confirming what we already knew about him. We even met some of his genetic relatives!

Then of course was the biggest surprise: His breed. Any guesses?

Turns out, Diego is 49 percent Siberian Husky! My daughter was thrilled. His breed mix also included American Pitbull Terrier (26%), American Staffordshire Terrier (19%), and Australian Cattle Dog (6%). He's super social and loves everyone and every dog and is pretty much house-trained...except for the occasional shoe and rug casualty. We're working on it. 😉

You Can Buy The Test Here:

Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry

Have you tested your dog DNA? Find more pet stories on our Pets page!

Header image via Theresa Gonzalez

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This 'Gilmore Girls' Season 1 Moment Proves Rory Really DIDN'T Have What It Takes To Be A Journalist

It was the TV character arc heard round the world: after learning her boyfriend's dad didn't think she had what it takes to be a journalist, Rory Gilmore 1. Dropped out of Yale. 2. Stole a yacht and stopped talking to her mom. 3. Grew into the kind of journalist who didn't have pitches prepared and didn't ask good questions. But, according to one Reddit theory, Gilmore Girls actually hinted Rory wasn't cut out for the career at the very beginning of the series.

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"Do you guys remember how in S1, at Chilton, Rory was given a very mundane journalistic task about the paving of the parking lot, and she wrote a piece on how everything and everyone becomes obsolete?" one Reddit user asks. "Even though the teacher was praising her, I thought it was the weirdest journalistic angle. It's so... literary and philosophical. Then it dawns on me - well, of course! She isn't a journalist. She is a writer."

As a writer myself, I totally relate, understand, and approve this theory. Journalism uses an objective, straightforward part of your brain, while creative writing requires so much creativity and imagination to breathe life into something other people would find obsolete (like that parking lot piece).

Neil Jacobs/Netflix

A Year in the Life shows us that Rory truly shines in the creative writing world because while her story on waiting in lines leaves something to be desired, she comes alive writing a novelized version of her and Lorelai's life. "She really does appear to have so much fun writing Gilmore Girls," the Reddit user continues.

Despite making many mistakes, leaning into her love of writing isn't actually one of them. She just needed to find the right kind of writing to really shine. Because let me tell you, when you do find that sweet spot, where your soul comes alive and your typing can barely keep up with your brain, you truly feel most like yourself.

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TBH, this is just further confirmation that she deserves to be with Jess Mariano. Who pushed her to be the best version of herself? Who wrote a book and came back just to tell her? (That's right — Jess). It's all very Laurie and Little Women to me!!! And the fact that Rory immediately lets her guard down and spills her guts shows just how comfortable she is with him.

"It's the fact that Rory hasn't seen Jess in four years, but within ten seconds of him sitting down — without him even really ASKING her anything — she is sharing all her deepest fears," Facebook user Victoria TP says. "One conversation, and she's more vulnerable and honest with Jess than she is with any other person in her life."

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I mean, just look at that final yearning, longing stare!!! I can hear the wedding bells.

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Check out The Best Fall Gilmore Girls Episodes so you can further analyze all of Rory's decisons.

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What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?

You love your dog. You love them even when they’re stinky, sleepy little freeloaders that ask relentlessly for pets. And while it's super important to remember that dogs have different nutritional needs than humans, sometimes you just can’t resist those puppy eyes – and you have to slip them a tidbit of human food. We advise against sharing without doing your research, though. Here are some human foods that dogs can safely consume in moderation.

1. Lean Meats

Photo by Bethany Ferr / PEXELS

Cooked chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef or pork can be given to dogs, but they should be boneless, skinless, and free from seasonings, butters, oils, or spices.

2. Fruits

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS

Many fruits are safe for dogs, such as apples (without seeds or core), bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon (without seeds or rind). Remember to remove any seeds or pits of fruits, as they can be harmful to your pup.

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Cantaloupes
  • Cranberries
  • Mangoes
  • Oranges
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Pineapple
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Watermelon
🚨 IMPORTANT: Grapes are highly toxic for dogs. It's imperative to avoid ingestion. 🚨

3. Vegetables

Photo by Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Dogs can enjoy a variety of vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet potatoes. Make sure to cook or steam them before feeding to aid in digestion.

  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Green beans
  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sweet potatoes

4. Rice and Pasta

Photo by Samson Katt / PEXELS

Plain, cooked rice or pasta can be given to dogs, but only occasionally. Plain white or brown rice is suitable for dogs, but you should avoid flavored rice mixes or dishes with added spices that can cause harm. It's important to note that rice and pasta is not really nutritionally *necessary* for dogs, as pups primarily require a balanced diet of protein, fats, and carbohydrates that they can get from their regular dog food.

5. Plain Yogurt

Photo by Mikkel Bendix / PEXELS

Small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt without any added flavors, sugars, or artificial sweeteners can provide probiotics and be beneficial for dogs' digestive systems, supporting digestion, aiding in nutrient absorption, and contributing to a healthy immune system. Yogurt also comes in handy for your fur baby when they’re experiencing digestive issues such as diarrhea or an upset stomach. Furthermore, yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth in dogs, while protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair.

6. Eggs

Photo by Olga Burmistrova / PEXELS

Cooked eggs are considered a good source of protein for dogs, helping build and repair tissues, supporting muscle growth, and contributing to a healthy immune system. Cooked eggs also have a good amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium, which all play important roles in supporting overall health and growth of your doggo. When giving your dog eggs, ensure they are fully cooked and avoid using any oils, seasonings, or additives.

If you have any concerns or questions about incorporating these human foods into your dog's diet, do consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog's specific needs. Remember to always introduce new foods gradually and in small portions to monitor your dog's reaction.

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Header photo by Sam Lion / PEXELS

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How To Get Last Minute Taylor Swift Concert Tickets (Yes, Really)

If we learned anything from the Great Ticketmaster Fiasco of 2022 (complete with Senators quoting lyrics to each other during the ticket platform's legal hearing?), is that it's way too hard to get concert tickets these days. For popular artists like Taylor Swift, ticket-selling platforms have so many hoops to jump through and qualifications to meet that it's easy to miss a concert, even if you're a mega-fan.

But thanks to these resell sites, Taylor Swift fans around the country (affectionally called "Swifties") are connecting with one another and making sure that tickets are sold for face value instead of an upcharge — even if it's the day of the show. While you brush up on the latest Taylor Swift theories, and read the Emily Henry book that matches the vibe of your favorite Taylor Swift album, check out these social media accounts that can help you score your own tickets to the Eras Tourin 2024.

How much are Eras Tour tickets normally?

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

While a variety of the resale tickets on larger platforms are in the thousands, there are plenty of fan-to-fan resales for under $1k! But the good news is Rolling Stone reports ticket prices have actually dropped in the last day and you can find some for under $700.

How many dates are left on the Eras tour?

Kate Green/Getty Images

There are 12 Eras Tour concerts left. She'll be at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium from October 18 until the 20, New Orleans' Caesars Superdome from October 25 until the 27, Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium from November 1 until the 3, and BC Place from December 6 until the 8.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Dates For 2024

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

  • Tokyo Dome (Tokyo, Japan); February 7-10
  • MCG (Melbourne, Australia); February 16-18
  • Accor Stadium (Sydney, Australia); February 23-26
  • National Stadium, Singapore (Singapore); March 2-4; March 7-9
  • Paris La Défense Arena (Paris, France); May 9-12
  • Friends Arena (Stockholm, Sweden); May 17-19
  • Estadio da Luz (Lisbon, Portugal); May 24-25
  • Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid, Spain); May 29-30
  • Groupama Stadium (Lyon, France); June 2-3
  • BT Murrayfield Stadium (Edinburgh, UK); June 7-9
  • Anfield Stadium (Liverpool, UK); June 13-15
  • Principality Stadium (Cardiff, UK); June 18
  • Wembley Stadium (London, UK); June 21-23
  • Aviva Stadium (Dublin, Ireland); June 28-30
  • Johan Cruijff Arena (Amsterdam, Netherlands); July 4-6
  • Stadion Letzigrund Zürich (Zürich, Switzerland); July 9-10
  • San Siro Stadium (Milan, Italy); July 13-14
  • Veltins-Arena (Gelsenkirchen, Germany); July 17-19
  • Volksparkstadion (Hamburg, Germany); July 23-24
  • Olumpiastadion (Munich, Germany); July 27-28
  • Pge Narodowy (Warsaw, Poland); August 1-3
  • Ernst-Happel-Stadion (Vienna, Austria); August 8-10
  • Wembley Stadium (London, UK); August 15-17; August 19-20
  • Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL); October 18-20
  • Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA); October 25-27
  • Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN); November 1-3
  • BC Place (Vancouver, BC); December 6-8

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Dates For 2023

John Medina/Getty Images

  • State Farm Stadium (Glendale, AZ); March 17 - 18
  • Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV); March 24 - 25
  • AT&T Stadium, (Arlington, TX); March 31 - April 2
  • Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL); April 13 - 15
  • NRG Stadium (Houston, TX); April 21 - 23
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA); April 28 - 30
  • Nissan Stadium (Nashville, TN); May 5 - 7
  • Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA); May 12 - 14
  • Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA); May 19 - 21
  • MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ); May 26 - 28
  • Soldier Field (Chicago, IL); June 2 - 4
  • Ford Field (Detroit, MI); June 9 - 10
  • Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA); June 16 - 17
  • U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN); June 23 - 24
  • Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati, OH); June 30 - July 1
  • GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MI); July 7 - 8
  • Empower Field at Mile High (Denver, CO); July 14 - 15
  • Lumen Field (Seattle, WA); July 22 - 23
  • Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA); July 28 - 29
  • Sofi Stadium (Los Angeles, CA); August 3 - 5; August 7 - 9
  • Foro Sol (Mexico City, Mexico); August 24-27
  • Estadio River Plate (Buenos Aires, Argentina); November 9-11
  • Estádio Nilton Santos (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil); November 17-19
  • Allianz Parque (So Paulo, Brazil); November 24-26

How long is a Taylor Swift concert?

John Medina/Getty Images

Taylor Swift's portion of an Eras Tour concert is three hours long, but there are openers too! In total, you'll be in the venue for around five hours. For my concert day (the stadium is over an hour from my home), I started getting ready at 10am, and left around noon to accommodate public transportation, traffic, and lines. I was in my seat at exactly 6:30!

Is Taylor Swift having a concert in Miami?

Kate Green/Getty Images

Yes, the final leg of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour kicks off with her Miami shows on October 18! She'll be at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami from October 18 until October 20.

Taylor herself posted a video to Instagram with the caption, "Back in the office… 😎" in honor of the concert. We can't wait to see what tricks she has up her sleeve (maybe a Reputation (Taylor's Version)announcement?)

Who is opening Eras Tour 2024?

Theo Wargo/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

Sabrina Carpenter opened for Taylor Swift at the Australia shows in February and March 2024, then Paramore opened for the summer shows in Europe. Gracie Abrams is the fall opener in Canada and the final US dates!

How to get Taylor Swift tickets 2024?

John Medina/Getty Images

There are a few different ways you can get Taylor Swift tickets in 2024! Your price point, the city you want to go to, and the opener you're hoping to see will determine which route you take. Keep reading for a few routes you can take.

Accounts For Last Minute Taylor Swift Tickets

Eras Tour Resell/Twitter

Eras Tour Resell

This Twitter site is without out a doubt my favorite resell account. They've included guidelines to streamline your Taylor Swift concert ticket process and ensure no one gets scammed. They even push to make sure ADA (accessibility seating) is given to the people that need it. This has quickly become a fan favorite way to grab tickets! Eras Tour Resell will post the ticket info, including pricing, date/location, and the account that you can DM. They also make sure to let their followers know when the ticket has sold.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Concert Tickets Resale Group/Facebook

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Concert Tickets Resale Group

This Facebook group will make sure your tickets are as close to face value as possible. And thanks to the questionnaire and profile requirements, you shouldn't have to worry about scammers.

Ticketmaster

Resell Websites

You can also check sites like Ticketmaster, Stub Hub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats for last-minute tickets — just make sure you double check the authenticity of the tickets before you cash out! (Unfortunately I am speaking from experience here 😬)

Follow us on Twitter for more pop culture updates and best of luck finding your own Taylor Swift concert tickets!

This post has been updated.

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Andrew Garfield’s Chicken Shop Date Is So Freakin’ Flirty We Can’t Look Away

Internet fans rejoice! The one date we've been waiting two years for has finally arrived: Andrew Garfield and Amelia Dimoldenberg's Chicken Shop Date. The two stars first connected in 2022 on the GQ Men of the Year Awards red carpet, which Garfield attended and Dimoldenberg hosted. Fans honed into their chemistry immediately and, just like Dimoldenberg, started begging for the We Live in Time actor to make an appearance on her Chicken Shop Date web series.

And when they ran into each other again on the 2023 Golden Globes carpet? It was rom-com levels of adorable! "We must stop meeting like this," Andrew Garfield joked. And I think Amelia Dimoldenberg — who is the last word in confidence and boldness — clearly made him nervous because it didn't take long for him to start tripping over his words. "I only ever want to see you," he says, then grabs her hand and laughs as he clarifies he wants to see her "in these kinds of situations."

“'I only ever want to see you' would simply make me pass away, she’s so strong," one TikToker said in the comments, while another asks "why did this have ME blushing." Same y'all.

But the plot thickens because during the long-awaited Chicken Shop Date, Andrew Garfield actually tells Amelia Dimoldenberg they could have gone on a real date (you know, without all the lights, camera, action).

“Don't, like, bring out a ring or get down on one knee, I'm not in the mood today," Dimoldenberg jokes at the beginning of the video. "It's been vibey to the point where you've been avoiding me for two years because the vibes were too much for you to handle, so I'm actually surprised you're here."

After playing a game of "Snog, Marry, Avoid" with Tobey Maguire, Tom Holland, and herself (he picked her to avoid), Garfield says, "This is called flirting Amelia. This is actually a first date." Does this prove men never really stop teasing the girls they like?

"I actually believe, maybe, we could've [gone on a real date]," he adds, "without all of this." Um hello?! I need these two to go on a real date ASAP.

The Chicken Shop Date comes after Amelia Dimoldenberg told Drew Barrymore she'd recently kissed someone. "I'm feeling really good about being single at the moment, but that's because I kissed someone recently," she said. When Barrymore presses for more info ("With tongue?"), she adds, "Yeah, with tongue."

Get it girl!

Obsessed with the immaculate combo of chicken and interviews? Check out The Best 'Hot Ones' Episodes To Binge When You're Feeling Spicy!

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