Hot weather can put a damper on your dog's favourite outdoor activities. Keep the fun in the sun going with the best dog cooling vests!
Summer is in full swing, which means extra fun in the sun is pencilled in on the calendar. Depending on where you live, this can also mean that making the most of all that sunshine might prove to be a little difficult in the heat.
Even up north, where the summers can be short, it’s important not to underestimate the power of the sun! There can be a fine line between your dog being a little overheated to progressing into more serious problems, like heat stroke.
You need to consider:
Additionally, there are more factors than just the weather, sunlight, and UV index that affect your dog’s heat tolerance.
If it's too hot for you, then it's definitely too hot for them. This is when the best dog cooling vest gear can come in handy, making it safer for your dog to enjoy his favourite summer heat activities. Slip one of the many dog cooling vests on your pup before enjoying fun in the sun.
If your summer plans include hiking, camping, or just long walks in the sun, dog cooling gear can make all the difference.
While you’re busy romping around, it’s important to take the time to be familiar with the symptoms of overheating in dogs so that you can help your pooch live their best life.
If you notice your dog panting or sweating from their paws more than usual, it might just be time to consider some cooling items, such as dog cooling vests or cooling bandanas.
Check out How to Cool Down a Dog for simple and clever tips and guidelines for helping keep your dog cool on a hot day. You can use canine cool-down gear to keep your dog comfortable.
But before we get to the fun part, we want to do our due diligence and talk about the importance of keeping your pet cool.
Overheating and the consequences that come along with it are one of those things that we’re all aware of but are not always consciously thinking about, especially for those of us living in places that don’t necessarily experience harsh summer days.
Dogs are usually pretty good at regulating their own body temperatures, but certain conditions (like hot temperatures, increased humidity levels, and physical activity) can put them at risk.
We know when it's too hot for outdoor activities, but try explaining that to your dog. He's only interested in having fun and going for a walk, so why not make sure that he can hit the trail in 15 minutes wearing a cooling jacket?
Cooling jackets for dogs are a great option for elevated temperatures. There are many models and designs to choose from and test. Start your search today for the best dog cooling gear.
Lots of dogs enjoy wearing the cooling garment on a hot day when they leave the house or have to perform at outdoor obedience trials. Simply wet the jacket and hook the buckle so your pup is ready to go.
We offer many cooling accessories to cool the dog’s body. Some are ideal for extreme heat, and others are for light conditions when the mercury doesn’t rise so high.
The breathability of the vest ensures your pet remains comfortable. The design takes into consideration the needs of canine bodies and provides the perfect coverage length.
Or try the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Harness for your active pooch. Get the benefit of the cooling technology in a premium-quality, durable dog harness. The harness provides protection from UV rays and will match any adventure dog lifestyle.
The Swamp Cooler not only functions well with its cool layer liner but also looks stylish. The Ruffwear brand is a great harness and a definite winner for a summer walk with your fur buddy or when lounging beside the pool together. It also boasts an affordable price point.
Need a cooling vest? We like the Kurgo Core Cooling Vest for Dogs because the lovely blue colour doubles as a reflective panel against the sun’s heat. Kurgo is a respected company that offers quality items.
The vest is lightweight, so it won’t get in the way while your pooch is running around and uses evaporative innovation to keep them cool.
This dog cooling jacket features adjustable buckles on the side, along with a reversible zipper closure for secure leash attachment. The vest provides great torso coverage for optimum cool down.
Kurgo’s vest is machine washable and comes in several different sizes, which are major highlights! This vest is one of our top picks. Be sure to evaluate all of the information when making a purchase.
The Canada Pooch Chill Seeker Cooling Vest is another lightweight option that utilizes evaporation cooling as opposed to chemical coolants. The added mesh layer helps the vest work better with air circulation. The vest should fit comfortably to work best.
The adjustable strap on the dog cooling vest ensures that the dog is comfortable with a secure, snug fit, and the front and back coverage helps to pull even more heat from your dog's back body, keeping him cool on a hot day. It’s like wearing a vest with ice. Even the sides provide a cooling effect, giving your dog the ability to handle the heat well.
If your summertime activities include long walks or hiking with dogs, then the Canada Pooch Chill Seeker Cooking Harness is the ideal outdoor dog gear.
It has the same cooling innovations as the cooling vest with a layer of absorbent PVA material, but also features front and back D-rings for leash attachment. The harness provides an ideal fit, so your dog has a wonderful experience on their walk or during a day at the beach.
The Hurtta Cooling Wrap is a dog's best cooling vest option made from 100% PES technical moisture-wicking properties linked with PES 3D mesh knit fabric to help cool down your furbaby's body temperature in warm temperatures. It’s highly absorbent and lightweight, with buckle attachments for easy dressing. The wrap is a great budget option that provides fantastic performance.
The Hurtta Cooling dog wrap works the same as a cooling vest. Just pour cool water over the wrap and put it on your dog, allowing the evaporation to draw out your dog's excessive body heat. You’ll want to experiment with the amount of water used to get it just right.
The vest should fit snugly but not too tightly to provide proper UV protection. You still need to have some air circulation between the vest and the skin of your fur buddy so they remain comfortable on a walk and during movement. You can even cycle while Fido jogs beside you with cooling gear on.
The RC Pets Zephyr Dog Cooling Vest is a lightweight, affordable option for pet owners who aren’t interested in all the frills. These dog cooling vests use the same evaporative cooling method as the fancier options - just wet it, wring out the cooling vest layer, put it on your pup, and get ready to go! The straps hold the vest in place during movement.
There are many highlights to this cooling vest. It features a machine-washable shell, and it comes in a variety of sizes and funky patterns. There is a leash portal which makes this vest ideal for all outdoor situations.
It’s a fact that this cooling vest is a great choice during a heatwave when your pup could easily overheat. Put the cooling vest on your dog anytime you know you will be in locations that experience excessive heat.
Vests not only look stylish, but they are functional by helping to regulate the dog’s body temperature. When making a choice, remember that the best dog cooling vests fit comfortably and are highly effective on a hot day.
Cooling vests offer many benefits for your furry friend on a hot day.
The main advantage of the vest is to keep your pup cooler.
The cooling system in the vest helps prevent overheating and reduces the risk of heatstroke.
Whether during outdoor activities, walks, hikes, or runs, a cooling vest allows your dog to stay active and enjoy their favourite adventures.
Many cooling vests are compact and easy to carry.
Most cooling vests are made from durable fabric materials, making them reusable.
Cooling vests shield your dog’s skin from the harsh UV light of the sun.
Cooling vests for animals work on the principle of evaporative cooling action. These chemical-free and easy-to-use tools are a summer staple for any pet parent who likes to spend time outside or exercise with their pooch on a hot day.
Here's how they generally function and work:
It's important to note that cooling vests do not make your dog's body temperature colder than the ambient temperature but rather assist in maintaining a safe and comfortable body temperature in warm conditions.
At Homes Alive Pets, you'll find a variety of top dog cooling gear brands, like the Hurtta cooling dog vest, Ruffwear Swamp Cooler, CoolerDog cooling products, and many more.
Dog cooling vests work as a great piece of cooling gear for dogs, but depending on the weather, your dog's activities, and even their breed traits, a dog cooling vest alone may not be enough. Fortunately, there are more product options to keep your dog cool on a hot summer day outdoors.
We’ve put together a list of other great items so your dog can both look and feel cool during the summer.
Cool your dog off on your walks with cooling collars! The collars are helpful because they target major arteries that then circulate blood throughout the rest of your pup’s body. We put together a shortlist of choices to acquaint you with some brands that we like. At Homes Alive, we are sure you’ll find a favourite on this list!
Combine the cooling collar with a dog vest. The touch of coldness to your dog is always welcome. The cooling collars are great for summer walks.
They give even a long-haired breed the chance to enjoy the outdoors on a hot day. Most feature a D-ring attachment to easily attach a leash when outdoors. You can also pair a cooling collar with a harness if necessary.
Though not a function collar, the Ruffwear Neck Gaiter can help cover a little more surface area when combined with a dog cooling vest or jacket. The highly absorbent layers help to provide long-lasting cooling. Plus, this neck cooling gear provides UPF 50+ sun protection.
Bandanas are a simple and extremely lightweight cooling solution for your four-legged friend on hot days! While it might seem counterintuitive to be adding three layers in heat, trust us - it works. Applying a cooling agent on the neck is highly effective because you are able to cool off major neck arteries.
If you are seeking full-body comfort for your dog, then we encourage you to consider a cooling vest in combination with a bandana or one of the other cooling items.
With a cooling bandana, all that is needed to create the cooling effect is water. Pour the water on the surface of the item and wring it out to remove any excess. Then place the bandana on your dog. You can even pair the bandana with a cooling dog vest when going for walks or hiking.
The Canada Pooch Max Chill Cooling Snood is a lightweight cooling snood for any furry friend feeling the heat. The full-size snood covers more surface area than a traditional bandana, providing effective cooling.
The patented Coolcore® technology offers continuous evaporation to draw out body heat. It's lightweight and comfortable to wear for all outdoor activities. The added UPF 50+ sun protection makes it perfect for adventures with limited shade.
This is another accessory that features water evaporative cooling methods - just pour water on the bandana, wring it out, put it on your pet, and get back to having fun with optimum climate control!
The AFP Chill Out Ice Bandana water dish helps combat the heat with added cooling gel technology that helps lower body temperature. It’s non-toxic, comfortable, and looks as cool as it makes your pup feel!
This bandana is suitable for smaller dogs and is probably best overall for short excursions when the weather isn’t too unbearable. This bandana looks amazing when combined with any one of our cooling vests. Never settle for a substitute.
Perfect fit for those days you just need some relief! Dog-cooling fabrics are great not only for hot summer days when you’re desperate to cool off but also for achy joints and muscles. Big cooling beds will even accommodate plenty of other types of furry friends.
This pad is easy to transport and affordable, free of toxic gels and BPA, and available in a couple of sizes. Use this cooling pad for dogs year-round.
A new player in the dog cooling gear game, Cooler Pet Hydro Cooling Mat uses the cooling power of water to keep your pet comfortable in hot weather. No more gels and no more wet dogs.
The Hydro Mat uses an Ice Refill Sheet Hydro Mat mat to provide your dog with a safe and cool place to take a load off.
Unlike a cooling vest that focuses only on your dog’s core, a cold mat lets Fido stretch out to enjoy full-body cooling. Your dog will instantly feel at ease and relaxed, so the animal can rest in comfort.
Use them at home, or fold them up and pack them on your next outdoor adventure. Pick the best mat size for your furry friend.
In addition to any wearable cooling gear for dogs, providing them with an effective cooldown spot can be a lifesaver when spending the day under the sweltering sun. An escape from the sun can help your dog regulate their body temperature quickly so they can get back to their favourite adventures.
Whether you are at home in the yard, at the beach, or on a dog-friendly camping trip, these cool-down stations for dogs are sure to meet your pet's needs.
Sometimes the best way to cool down quickly is to take a quick dip. The Goo-eez Pet Pool is a perfectly sized watering spot to let your dog cool down in the backyard. It's foldable and easy to set up and take down. Add a few floating dog toys to encourage them to play in their personal pool.
No matter how much your dog loves the outdoors, a great way to keep them safe and comfortable on a hot day is to offer them a little shade from the blistering sun. The Canada Pooch Cooling Station is a personal canopy bed that offers relief from the heat and built-in UPF 30+ protection. It can be used as is, or you can add a little water to the splash pad to enhance its cooling effect.
There are times when the temperature reaches dangerous highs. Overheating is no joke! While we’re all about fun here at Homes Alive Pets, we also know that safety comes first.
The right accessories, such as dog cooling vests, can help you make sure that you have the most fun possible while keeping your health and comfort in mind!
Your dog will be styled with a cooling dog vest, bandana, or collar. Pick the design and brand that best meet your needs. Place the cooling gear on your pup and head out for a day of fun in the sun without sunburn or heat exhaustion.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and we know that everyone can relate to how uncomfortable the heat can be without the proper tools and protections.
Thanks to our large selection at Homes Alive Pets, you’ll find the best cooling vests and more dog cooling gear!
A dog cooling vest is a specially designed garment that helps regulate a dog's body temperature during hot weather or intense physical activity. It uses evaporative cooling technology to keep the dog cool and comfortable.
A dog cooling vest works through the principle of evaporative cooling. The vest is soaked in water, and as the water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the dog's body, providing a cooling effect. The vest is designed to retain moisture and maintain a lower temperature for an extended period.
A dog cooling vest is beneficial during hot weather, especially when the temperature rises to levels that may be uncomfortable or potentially dangerous for dogs. It can be used during outdoor activities, walks, hikes, or any situation where your dog may be at risk of overheating.
To choose the right size of a dog cooling vest, measure your dog's chest girth and refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart. Each brand may have different sizing guidelines, so it's important to follow their recommendations to ensure a proper fit and optimal cooling effect.
While a dog cooling vest is primarily designed for outdoor use, it can also be used indoors in situations where the environment may be warm or lacking proper ventilation. Always monitor your dog's comfort level and remove the vest if they show any signs of discomfort.
Most dog cooling vests are machine washable or can be hand-washed. Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. It's important to remove any dirt, debris, or residue from the vest after each use to ensure its effectiveness and longevity.