From frozen treats and safety tips to cooling gear and patriotic accessories, this guide covers everything pets need for a safe and fun summer. Whether you’re at home, out and about in Tulsa’s pet-friendly spots or celebrating the Fourth of July, these ideas help keep pets cool, comfortable and enjoying the season.
Pet Safety Tips
Celebrate the Fourth of July without putting pets at risk. These simple precautions can help keep the holiday fun for everyone.
- Keep pets indoors during fireworks. Even calm pets can panic during loud celebrations. Make sure dogs and cats are safely inside before fireworks begin.
- Update ID tags and microchip information. More pets go missing around the Fourth of July than almost any other holiday.
- Create a quiet retreat space. Close curtains, turn on a fan or television, and provide a comfortable area away from windows and noise.
- Avoid sharing holiday foods. Barbecue scraps, alcohol, chocolate, onions, grapes and corn cobs can all be dangerous for pets. Instead, whip up pet-safe treats for your furry friend — like our summer treat recipes!
- Exercise pets before festivities begin. A long walk or active play session earlier in the day may help reduce stress and excess energy.
- Never bring pets to fireworks displays. The noise, crowds and unfamiliar environment can overwhelm even social animals.
- Watch for heat-related illness. July temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Always provide shade and fresh water during outdoor activities.
- Keep glow sticks and sparklers away from pets. These items can cause burns or stomach irritation if chewed.
Red, White & Cool Gear
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with festive pet gear made for summer walks, pool days and Fourth of July fun — ideal for keeping pets comfortable in the heat. Practicality, patriotism and squeaky toys are the essentials of a great season.
1. Springer Classic Travel Bottle (22 oz.) | $26.99 | Southern Agriculture
Keep your pup hydrated on every adventure with this leak-tight travel bottle, designed with a built-in bowl that fills when squeezed and drains back when released. BPA-free, dishwasher safe and equipped with a carabiner, it’s perfect for walks, hikes and travel.
2. Cool Pup Cooling Bowl | $18.99 | Southern Agriculture
Water will stay refreshingly cool during hot weather with this 16 oz. cooling bowl. Simply freeze the insert overnight, then add water for a longer-lasting chill — an easy way to keep pets comfortable on warm summer days.
3. Dog Sunscreen With Aloe Vera | $13.99 | Southern Agriculture
Help protect your pup’s skin from harsh summer sun with Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray. The lightweight formula provides UV protection while infused aloe vera helps condition the coat without leaving behind an oily residue.
4. Swamp Cooler Neck Gaiter | $22 | Fetch
Cool your pup on summer adventures with the Swamp Cooler Neck Gaiter, a lightweight reversible cooling accessory designed for hot, dry weather. Just soak in water to activate Ruffwear’s evaporative cooling technology, then re-soak as needed to recharge.
5. Paw Defense Wax | $15.99 | Southern Agriculture
Protect your pup’s paws from hot pavement and rough summer surfaces with easy-to-apply paw balm. Made with beeswax, Vitamin E, eucalyptus and antioxidants, it helps soothe dry, cracked pads while creating a protective barrier for added comfort on warm-weather walks.
6. Pawprint Stripe Collar and Flag Collar | $16-$28 | Fetch
Bright, durable and built for everyday adventures, Up Country’s collars feature stain-resistant ribbon, strong nylon webbing and cast brass hardware. Available in multiple sizes and widths, it’s machine washable for dogs who treat mud puddles like a constitutional right.
7. American Flag Dog Leash | $15.99 | Southern Agriculture
Show off patriotic style on every walk with this American flag dog leash from Blueberry Pet. Durable and lightweight, it’s designed for everyday use while adding a festive touch perfect for Fourth of July and summer outings.
8. Loofa Patriotic Dog Toy | $6.99 | Southern Agriculture
Perfect for fetching, squeaking or cuddling, Multipet’s classic Loofa Dog toy is a summertime favorite for playful pups. It’s soft, lightweight and made to withstand impressive levels of enthusiastic slobber.
9. Miniz Eagles | $12.99 | Southern Agriculture
Celebrate the 4th of July with your pup with this set of patriotic Miniz Eagles, decked out in stars and stripes. These adorable mini squeaker toys are perfect for replacing or adding to your dog’s Miniz collection for extra festive playtime.
Simple Summer Treats
Patriotic Pup Pops
These frozen treats are a fun, dog-safe twist on a classic summer favorite, made with simple ingredients and no added sugar.
Ingredients
Blue layer:
- ½ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Splash of water (as needed)
White layer:
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
Red layer:
- ½ cup strawberries (hulled)
- ¼ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
Optional:
- Honey (a small drizzle, only if needed and safe for your dog)
Directions
- Blend the blue layer: Blend blueberries, yogurt and a small splash of water until smooth. Spoon into molds, filling about one-third full. Freeze for 30–45 minutes, until slightly set.
- Add the white layer: Spoon plain yogurt over the blue layer to fill the next third. Return to freezer for another 30–45 minutes.
- Blend the red layer: Blend strawberries and yogurt until smooth. Spoon over the white layer to fill molds.
- Insert sticks: Add a dog treat stick, carrot stick or straw as a handle.
- Freeze until solid: Freeze for at least 3–4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Remove from molds and serve on a hot day. Expect immediate, enthusiastic approval.
Tips
- Silicone molds or small paper cups work well.
- Always use plain yogurt with no xylitol or artificial sweeteners.
- Introduce slowly if your dog isn’t used to dairy.
Purr-fect Summer Freezer Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain canned chicken or tuna in water, drained
- 2 tablespoons plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon finely mashed blueberries
- 1 tablespoon finely mashed strawberries
- 1 tablespoon water or low-sodium chicken broth
Directions
- Blend the chicken or tuna with yogurt and water or broth until mostly smooth.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Swirl small amounts of mashed blueberries and strawberries into each mold for a red, white and blue effect.
- Freeze for 3 to 4 hours.
- Serve cold as an occasional summer treat.
Safety Note
Always introduce new treats gradually and avoid ingredients containing added sugar, artificial sweeteners or xylitol.
‘Get Out!’ (with your dog)
Tulsa’s pet-friendly summer spots
Summer in Tulsa is better shared, especially with a dog by your side. Across the city, pet-friendly outings range from parks and walking trails to ballgames and open-air spaces.
Dog Days at Tulsa Botanic Garden
Saturday, July 11; Saturday, Aug. 8
Bring your pup out for Second Saturday Dog Day at the Tulsa Botanic Garden, a monthly event where dogs are welcome to stroll the gardens alongside their humans. Expect plenty of sniff stops, scenic paths and a few bonus perks — like free pup cups and treats available in the Visitor Center.
Dogs must remain on a non-retractable leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleanup.
Tickets: Free for Garden members Ages 16 and older: $10 Ages 3–15: $5 Ages 2 and under: free Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Two dogs per household are permitted.)
Dog Play Days at the Gathering Place
Every Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
Tulsa’s Gathering Place, named USA Today’s Best Public Playground for 2026 and recipient of the 2025 American Architecture Award, offers one of the city’s best spots to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. Leashed dogs are welcome on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, making the park an easy outing for the whole family. Pups can explore walking trails and open green spaces, though dogs are not permitted inside buildings or on children’s play areas.
Don’t forget water, waste bags and a leash before heading out.
Bark in the Park at ONEOK Field
July 8, July 29, Aug. 12 and Aug. 19
Baseball season goes to the dogs during Bark in the Park nights with the Tulsa Drillers. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at select Wednesday home games, making it a fun midweek outing for baseball fans and four-legged companions alike.
Bonus for the humans:$3 White Claws are also part of the evening specials.
