Updated August 8, 2024
Hot, summer days are approaching and our dogs like to be outside just as much as we do. But as that heat builds, it gets harder for our pups to be able to tolerate it. Some can even overheat. Dog cooling vests can help your dog withstand those warm to hot temperatures for longer periods of time while outdoors.
This post will look at what cooling vests for dog are, why your dog should wear one, what to look for when choosing a cooling vest for your dog, how to find the right sized cooling vest for your pup, and an example of some cooling vests available for your dog.
Table of Contents:
Related: Best Dog Cooling Mat To Beat The Heat
What Is A Dog Cooling Vest?
A dog cooling vest is a vest made of material that is designed to keep your dog cool. This can be done in several ways.
Evaporation
Cooling vests that use evaporation to cool off your pup is the most common type of vest. This style cooling vest uses the natural process of evaporation to keep your dog cool. With these vests, you soak them in water, wring out the excess water, and put on your dog. As the water evaporates, it creates a cooling effect. This is similar to human cooling towels that work the same way.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- No chemicals are used to create the cooling effect.
- This can be used without storing it in the freezer.
- Can re- wet them while your dog is wearing the vest.
Cons:
- In very hot temperatures, it can dry out quickly.
- If your dog has long hair, it may stay wet for a while after you take off the vest.
- Can drip water if not wrung out enough.
- Does not work well in humid conditions.
Ice Pack
Another way to keep your dog is a cooling vest that uses an ice pack instead of relying on evaporation. This is literally just a vest made of breathable material with a place to put ice packs in.
Pros:
- Do not need to wet the vest.
- Will not drip on the floor.
- Can be used in humid conditions.
- Dog’s hair won’t be wet when you take the vest off.
Cons:
- You have to store the ice packs in the freezer for use.
- Cannot refreeze the ice packs while out on a hike.
- Need to buy extra ice packs to swap out and you may not be able to find the right size ice packs to fit into the vest if you don’t buy from the manufacturer.
Why Should My Dog Use A Cooling Vest?
A cooling vest is a great way to keep your dog cool and comfortable in the hot weather. Some reasons you may want to invest in a cooling vest include:
- You have a brachycephalic breed and they overheat quickly.
- Your dog likes to be outside with you no matter how hot it is.
- Hiking is you and your dog’s favorite activity.
- Your dog likes to take long walks no matter the weather.
- Laying in the sun is your dog’s favorite pastime.
A dog cooling vest can allow your dog to be outside for longer without overheating. If you are on a long walk or hike, they may be able to walk longer or hike farther with less rest breaks. It may also enable your dog to recover from the heat quicker.
Do Dog Cooling Vests Really Work?
The answer is yes. Just like a cooling towel will help you keep cool on a hot day, so does a cooling vest.
The issue becomes, for how long will it work? This depends on the type of dog you have and their coat, and how hot the temperature is outside. In very hot temperatures, the cooling vest will not last as long as it would if it was less hot outside. In this case, you can always pour water over it while it is on your dog to start the evaporation cooling process again.
Do Dog Cooling Vests Work In Humidity?
This depends on how humid it is outside. In high humid conditions, an evaporation type of cooling vest would not work well.
If the air is saturated with water, there is no place for the water on the vest to evaporate to. Thus, the higher the humidity, the less evaporation that can occur.
As the humidity lowers and the air is drier, there is less water in the air, allowing for the water on the vest to evaporate.
If you live in a climate with high humidity, you will probably be better off with a cooling vest that uses cold packs to keep your dog cool.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Dog Cooling Vest?
When choosing a cooling vest for your dog, you will want to look for a few things.
Cooling Mechanism
Does the vest cool through evaporation or a cold pack? Which is better for the climate you will be in?
Fastener
Some vests use a buckle, some zippers, and others use Velcro. If you have a long haired dog, their hair may get caught in the zippers or the Velcro. Some dogs are scared by the sound of Velcro. Choose a vest that will secure the best way for your dog.
Easy On/Off
Do they have to step through the arm holes? Is it placed over their head? Choose a vest that you can easily get on and off your dog.
Time Outside
How long will your dog be outside with the cooling vest on? Pick a vest that will stay cool for longer if your dog will be spending more time outdoors.
Activity
What activity will you be using the vest for? A short or long walk? Going out on a hike? Playing outside? Going swimming? Playing with other dogs? Choose a vest with material and fit that will enable your dog to move easily when doing their favorite activities.
Size
Always measure your dog to choose the right size vest and order according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Leash Opening
Pick a cooling vest with a leash opening if you plan on having your dog wear it while using a leash or harness. You can also choose a vest that doubles as a harness and has a D ring attached to it.
How Do I Find The Right Size Dog Cooling Vest?
It is important to always measure your dog before purchasing your cooling vest.
Use a paper tape measure to take your measurements. If you don’t have a paper tape measure, you can take a piece of string and then measure the string with a regular tape measure.
- Length. To measure the length of your dog, start at the base of your dog’s neck and end at the base of the tail.
- Girth. Measure your dog’s girth, or chest circumference, by bringing the tape measure around the thickest part of your dog’s chest. This is right behind the front legs.
- Neck. Measure around the base of your dog’s neck and leave room for two fingers.
After you have gotten your measurements, compare them to the manufacturer’s. Some may use the girth as their primary measurement for the correct size and others may use the neck size.
If your dog is between sizes, check the manufacturer’s recommendation if you should size up or down.
What Is The 3-Layer Cooling System?
Some dog cooling vests use a 3 layer cooling system to keep your dog cool in the heat.
This means the vest is made of 3 layers of material.
- Outer Layer: Reflects heat.
- Middle Layer: Absorbs and stores water.
- Inner Layer: Usually a mesh liner to keep your dog cool and dry.
The Best Dog Cooling Vests
The following are the top rated dog cooling vests according to users. All of them keep dogs cool during their outdoor activities. All of the product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best Overall Dog Cooling Vest
Canada Pooch Dog Cooling Vest
This vest stays cool for a long time and is easy to get on and off.
- Available in 3 colors: Rainbow, Aqua, and Tie Dye.
- Comes in 11 sizes.
- Does not contain chemical coolant.
- Retains cool water.
- Evaporative cooling.
- Has breathable mesh.
- Slips over your dog’s head.
- Fastens with a buckle.
- Made of polyester and rayon.
- Reflective lining.
Best Dog Cooling Vest For Hiking
Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest
- Updated from their previous version.
- Available in 5 sizes.
- Comes in 2 colors.
- 3 layer cooling system.
- Reflects heat.
- Evaporates water.
- Updated middle layer absorbs more water to keep your dog cooler longer.
- Inner mesh lining.
- Side release buckles.
- Leash portal for harness.
- UPF 50+.
- Select size based on your dog’s girth measurement.
Best Dog Cooling Vest / Harness Combo
SGODA Dog Cooling Vest
- Available in 2 colors: Grey with Green and Grey with Orange.
- Comes in 7 sizes.
- 3 layer cooling fabric.
- Evaporative cooling.
- 1 inch of extra room at the neck and chest to adjust the size.
- 2 zippers.
- 2 D rings on the back for leash attachment.
- Reflective stitching.
- Adjustable rope for better belly fit.
- Made of nylon.
- Size up if between sizes.
Best Dog Cooling Vest / Shirt
Coppthinktu Dog Cooling Vest /Shirt
- Available in 6 sizes.
- Machine washable.
- Breathable cooling fabric.
- Elastic trim.
- Go up if between sizes.
Best Dog Cooling Vest For Large Breed Dogs
Derby Originals Hydro Cooling Dog Jacket
- Available in 5 colors.
- Comes in 9 sizes.
- Shields and reflects UV rays.
- 3 layer cooling technology.
- Keeps dogs cool for up to 10 hours.
- Built in slot for harness or collar.
- Fold down collar.
- Made of polyester.
Best Dual Layer Dog Cooling Vest
LUCOLOVE Dog Cooling Vest
- Available in 3 colors.
- Comes in 6 sizes.
- Dual layer cooling: Draws heat from the body and evaporates moisture.
- Made of microfiber fabric.
- UPF 50+.
- Velcro chest straps.
- Machine washable.
Best Dog Cooling Vest With Elastic
GF Pet Elastofit Ice Dog Vest
- Available in 8 sizes.
- 2 adjustable Velcro closures.
- Anti-microbial.
- Made of PVC material.
- Can fit dogs up to 140 lbs.
- Order up if between sizes.
Best Dog Cooling Vest With A Buckle Closure
LEMPEFE Dog Cooling Vest
- Available in 3 colors: Mint Green, Deep Sea Blue, and Sunshine Orange.
- Comes in 4 sizes.
- 3 layer cooling.
- Reflective stitching.
- Adjustable buckle closure.
- Mesh interior.
- Size up if between sizes.
Best Dog Cooling Vest For Chest Cooling
Kurgo Core Cooling Vest
- Comes in 4 sizes.
- 3 layer cooling.
- Evaporative cooling.
- Zipper opening for leash attachment.
- Secured with buckles.
- Reflective material.
- Mesh liner.
- Made of polyester.
Best Dog Cooling Vest With Ice Packs
HORAY WORLD Cooling Vest For Dogs
- Available in 5 sizes.
- Contains 2 cooling packs.
- Separate belts for neck and torso.
- Lead hole for harness.
- Maintains coolness from 1.5 to 4 hours.
- Extra ice packs sold separately.
Dog cooling vests give our dogs the opportunity to stay outside in the heat for longer periods of time without overheating. Always keep an eye on your dog, especially when they are out in the heat to make sure they are safe.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.