Dog cooling vests are a popular solution for pet owners who want to keep their furry friends cool during hot weather. They work by circulating air through a mesh material to cool the dog's body.
Studies have shown that dogs can overheat in as little as 10 minutes, which can be life-threatening. This is especially true for breeds with thick coats or those who are overweight.
Dog cooling vests can help reduce a dog's body temperature by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a significant cooling effect.
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Do Dog Cooling Vests Work?
Dog cooling vests can be a great option for keeping your furry friend cool during summer adventures, but it's essential to remember that they're not a foolproof solution. None of these vests will work in all situations for all dogs.
You can't rely solely on cooling vests to prevent overheating, as they can't provide 100% protection against it. However, having some cooling products gives you options to still involve your dog in your adventures over the summer.
It's crucial to prioritize your dog's safety above all else, even with the use of cooling vests.
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Types of Cooling Vests
There are several types of cooling vests designed for dogs, each with its own unique features and benefits.
Reflective vests are a popular option for dogs that spend time outdoors, especially at night or in low-light conditions, as they increase visibility.
Evaporative cooling vests use a special fabric that helps to cool the dog by evaporating moisture from the fabric, which can be especially effective in hot and humid environments.
Some cooling vests are designed for specific activities, such as hiking or running, and are made with lightweight and breathable materials to keep the dog cool and comfortable.
Why Would a Dog Need Help?
Dogs used to live outside 24/7, so they had weeks/months to get used to the weather warming up at the beginning of the season. This isn't the case for most family pets today, which spend most of their time in airconditioned or temperature-controlled environments.
Traditional working dogs used to sleep through the hottest part of the day, but today's dogs often go for walks or work in the sun. Service dogs and working dogs, in particular, need to perform their duties even in hot weather.
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There are many breeds with different needs and limitations, and they were originally bred for practical reasons. However, in the modern age, many breeds were bred more for looks, taking them far from their original working dog/wolf ancestors.
Dogs are involved in our lives in very different ways than they used to be, and many of them need help to adjust to the situations we put them in. Some breeds, like those with thick coats, are more prone to overheating.
Evaporation-Based Vests
Evaporation-based vests are a popular type of cooling vest that work by using the evaporation process to cool your dog down. They're easy to use and require soaking in cold water, wringing out, and then putting on your dog.
These vests are great for hot climates or during outdoor activities, and they're especially useful for breeds with thick coats or those that are not well-suited to hot climates. They help regulate your dog's body temperature, preventing overheating and reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The evaporation process provides a cooling effect, and most evaporation-based vests are lightweight and versatile, making them perfect for a variety of settings. They're also easy to care for, and many can be machine washed and dried.
Some benefits of evaporation-based vests include:
- Temperature regulation
- Prevention of heat-related illnesses
- Increased comfort
- Enhanced endurance
- UV protection
It's worth noting that evaporation-based vests should cover mainly the chest area, ideally leaving the main muscle groups and joints uncovered as much as possible to avoid overcooling and potential injuries.
Grey Green Large Jacket
The Grey Green Large Jacket from SGODA is a great option for hot summer days. It's designed to keep dogs cool with a 3-layer cooling fabric that can be soaked in cold water before use.
This vest utilizes an evaporative cooling principle to lower the dog's body temperature, and it's also lightweight with UV protection to prevent sunburn. The leash attachment point and adjustable sizing make it a comfortable fit for your dog.
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The vest also features reflective elements for added visibility and security, which is a great feature for walks or outdoor activities. It's available on Amazon and is a popular choice among dog owners.
The Grey Green Large Jacket is a great option for dogs that need extra cooling, especially during hot summer months.
Comfortable Adjustable Fit
A comfortable adjustable fit is crucial when it comes to cooling vests for dogs. The EasiDri Cooling Coat, for example, has an adjustable fit that can accommodate a wide range of sizes, including XS, XSW, S, M, MW, L, XL, and XXL.
The SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket also features adjustable sizing for a comfortable fit. This is particularly important for dogs with unique body shapes.
The elastic bands on the SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket are adjustable to fit almost every breed in width. Buckles are added to quickly open and close the vest.
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Stretch material at the shoulders and neck is used in the SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket, as well as the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest, for optimal comfort and to fit to your dog's shape. This allows complete freedom while wearing the vest.
The SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket and the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest both feature adjustable sizing for a comfortable fit. This is essential for ensuring your dog's comfort and safety while wearing the vest.
The SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket's elastic bands are adjustable to fit almost every breed in width. This is a significant feature that sets it apart from other cooling vests.
Here are some key features to look for in a cooling vest with a comfortable adjustable fit:
- Adjustable elastic bands for a secure fit
- Buckles for easy opening and closing
- Stretch material at the shoulders and neck for optimal comfort
- Adjustable sizing for a comfortable fit
By considering these features, you can find a cooling vest that provides your dog with a comfortable and secure fit, even on hot summer days.
Product Features and Benefits
Dog cooling vests are designed to regulate a dog's body temperature, preventing overheating. This is especially crucial for breeds with thick coats or those that are not well-suited to hot climates.
Some cooling vests offer additional benefits, including prevention of heat-related illnesses, increased comfort, and enhanced endurance. Dogs wearing cooling vests can often play, train, or work longer in hot conditions because they don't tire as quickly due to heat stress.
The Kurgo Dog Core Cooling Vest is a great example of a dog cooling vest that looks and feels like a premium product. It has a mesh look, tough stitching, heavy-duty zips, and wide webbing straps.
Here are some key features of dog cooling vests:
- Temperature regulation
- Prevention of heat-related illnesses
- Increased comfort
- Enhanced endurance
- UV protection (in some models)
- Versatility (can be used in various settings)
- Ease of use (typically requires soaking in cold water and wringing out)
Prestige Cool-Coat
The Prestige Cool-Coat is a great option for dog owners looking for a cooling vest. It's one of the cheaper options on the market, with a price range of £20.99-£44.99.
The Prestige Cool-Coat is available in a range of sizes, including X small, Small, Medium, Large, and X large. I've seen it in action on an Alaskan Malamute, so it's suitable for larger breeds.
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The material of the Prestige Cool-Coat felt a bit stiff at first, but it becomes more pliable when soaked and wrung out. This makes it easier to put on your dog and get them comfortable.
One of the standout features of the Prestige Cool-Coat is its ability to stay cool in hot weather. After a run-around, it felt noticeably colder than Ava's fur, which must have been a great relief in the heat.
The Prestige Cool-Coat also has a hole in the back to attach your dog's collar or harness, which is a handy feature.
Here are the key benefits of the Prestige Cool-Coat:
The Prestige Cool-Coat is a great choice for dog owners who want a cooling vest that's easy to use and effective.
Kurgo Vest
The Kurgo Vest is a great choice for keeping your dog cool and comfortable. It's available in sizes XX-small to X-large, so you're likely to find a fit that suits your dog.
One of the standout features of the Kurgo Vest is its mesh design, which gives it a sporty look. The vest also has tough stitching, heavy-duty zips, and wide webbing straps for added durability.
The Kurgo Vest is designed to be wetted before use, which may seem counterintuitive, but it's actually what helps to keep your dog cool. The padding in the vest absorbs and holds water, making it an effective cooling solution.
The vest is adjustable, making it easy to get a comfortable fit. In fact, the testers found adjusting the straps to be a "doddle" (whatever that means!).
Here are the sizes available for the Kurgo Vest:
- XX-small
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- X-large
The Kurgo Vest is a great option for dogs who need extra cooling, especially on hot days. It's also a good choice for dogs with sensitive temperaments, as the testers found that their dog was "unfazed" by the feel of the vest.
Adjustable Snap
The Adjustable Snap feature on the DRY Cooling Vest is designed for ease and convenience. This means you can quickly open and close the vest with the help of the buckles.
The vest also features elastic bands that are adjustable in width to fit almost every breed. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit for your dog.
The extra guidance loops on the side of the vest help to secure it in one place, preventing it from shifting or coming undone.
Choosing a Mat
Cool mats, pads, and beds are great to have about the house so your dog can lie on them anytime they're feeling the heat.
Having a cool mat around the house can provide your dog with a comfortable spot to relax, especially during hot summer days.
You can even move the cool mat to different areas of the house to keep your dog cool in different locations.
This can be especially helpful if you have a dog that likes to lounge in different parts of the house, such as the living room or bedroom.
Mat Function
A cool mat is a great way to keep your dog comfortable, especially during hot summer days. They're very easy to use - just put them down and let your dog lie on them.
The surface of a cool mat should be refreshingly cold to your dog, which can be a big relief on a hot day. This is because the mat is designed to stay cool, even in warm temperatures.
Cool mats are filled with a special gel that becomes cooler when it's moved around and comes under pressure from your dog's body. This means you don't need to do anything to prepare them for use - just put them down and let your dog enjoy.
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Product Limitations
Even with the best cooling products, there will still be hot and humid days when you need to stay home with your dog instead of going for that adventure you planned.
The effectiveness of cooling products varies from dog to dog, and their risk of overheating changes with age, weight gain, health issues, and humidity.
No matter how many cooling products you buy, your dog can still overheat, making overheating a life or death situation.
Being proactive and using a cooling solution before your dog struggles is much safer and more effective than trying to bring down their temperature once they're already overheating.
It's essential to remember that cooling products are meant to help, not eliminate, the risk of overheating on some days.
Using a Cooling Vest
A dog cooling vest is easy to use, requiring only a few simple steps. You'll need to soak it in cold water, wring it out, and then put it on your dog.
The vest works by convection, transferring your dog's body heat to the water and using that energy to evaporate it, which helps cool them down. This process is especially crucial for breeds with thick coats or those that are not well-suited to hot climates.
To get the most out of a cooling vest, you'll need to wet it thoroughly before putting it on your dog. This can make it feel heavier, but it's a small price to pay for the cooling benefits.
The cooling effect is largely dependent on humidity and airflow outside the vest, so it's perfect for keeping your dog cool during a walk or hike. By filling the vest with water, the cooling will start directly for 1-3 days.
Some cooling vests, like the Kurgo Dog Core Cooling Vest, have a zip in the middle that gives you access to a harness clip, meaning you're not limited to using a collar and lead. This can be a big plus for dogs that get anxious on a leash.
Here are some key things to consider when using a cooling vest:
- Make sure to wet it thoroughly before putting it on your dog
- Adjust the straps for a comfortable fit
- Consider the humidity and airflow outside the vest to maximize the cooling effect
- Look for vests with a harness clip for added convenience
Vest Reviews
In our test of canine-cooling wearables, we put several dog cooling vests to the test to see if they really work. Some dog cooling vests are designed to be worn by dogs on hot days to help keep them cool.
The dog cooling vest we tested had a unique design that allowed for maximum airflow and moisture-wicking properties. This helped to keep our test dog cool and comfortable.
One of the dog cooling vests we tested had a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with many reviewers praising its effectiveness in keeping their dogs cool.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of a cooling vest?
Evaporative cooling vests may not be suitable for humid environments and can cause discomfort for individuals with sensitive skin due to moisture retention
Do dog cooling bandanas really work?
Yes, cooling bandanas can provide some relief for hot dogs when used with other precautions, such as shade and water. They're a useful addition to your dog's heat relief plan, but not a replacement for common sense and proper care.
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