- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
Summer is upon us and that means spending a lot of time outdoors with your dog. Whether you’re headed to the mountains for a hiking adventure or to the beach for some relaxation, make sure you have all the right summer gear so you and your dog are prepared to beat the heat. That includes dog cooling vests.
Dogs aren’t equipped with the same internal cooling mechanisms that we have, so they’re more at risk of overheating. Big dogs, long-haired dogs, and brachycephalic breeds are especially susceptible. Dog cooling vests are designed to trap cool air close to your dog’s body and keep warm air out. There are a few different types of cooling vests: Some work like ice packs, where you fill them with water and freeze before putting them on your dog; with others, you simply wet and wring them out. The fabric manages the moisture to cool your dog and, in most cases, keep them dry.
The 10 Best Dog Cooling Vests
There are many different dog cooling vests on the market; fortunately, we’ve done the homework to find the best dog cooling vests for 2020. They’ll keep your dog safe and comfortable this summer.
Note: Don’t forget to measure your dog to ensure the best fit.
1. Ruffwear Jet Stream Vest
The lightweight Ruffwear Jet Stream Vest is designed with zippered closures and three-layer construction to help heat evaporate from an active dog. Its outer layer reflects heat, while the inner layer wicks off moisture. It even provides UPF 50+ protection to provide your dog with some protection from UV exposure.
Find on Amazon2. Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Cooling Vest
Ruffwear has cooling vests down—this model, the Swamp Cooler, is harness-compatible and uses side buckles instead of a zipper to close. The three-layered cooling construction includes UPF 50+ protection. Made with reflective trim for low-light use, it even has a loop to add a beacon light (not included). The mesh interior helps to keep your dog cool and comfortable. This vest goes up to size extra large, which is really helpful since bigger dogs tend to be more susceptible to overheating.
3. Canada Pooch Dog Cooling Vest
This vest’s mesh, breathable layers help cool down a hot puppers. Made without chemical coolants, just add water to kick in the cooling effects through evaporation. It’s available in several sizes, and you can fine-tune the fit with the adjustable, buckled chest strap. There’s also a convenient portal to attach a leash.
Shop on Chewy4. Selmai Dog Evaporative Vest
This affordable option is designed for lighter use and for dog owners who don’t need the whiz-bang features designed for intense hikes. It cools through natural evaporation—just add water and wring out—is easy to use, and made from a safe, washable material.
Find on Amazon5. Suitical Dry Cooling Vest for Dogs
Fill this vest with fresh water to initiate the cooling down process for your doggo. The effects can last from one to three days, so there’s no need to constantly refill. Best of all, this cool option is designed to be dry, instead of wet, which may be comfier for your dog. Simply fit the vest with the two easy-to-adjust straps and chill.
Shop on Chewy6. CoolerDog Vest and Collar Combo
This dog cooling vest and collar basically applies ice packs under the neck and chest to cool them down. The vest/collar is designed for everyday use—walks, outdoor play, or simply for those dogs that are prone to overheating. Made of neoprene and nylon, with no buckles or latches, it fits up to a medium-sized dog. The frozen packs last about 20–30 minutes and vest/collar is machine washable
Find on Amazon7. Kurgo Cooling Vest
This vest is lightweight and designed for prolonged evaporation to help keep your doggo’s core cool. It’s easy to use; just wet the vest with water and give it a good squeeze before fitting it on your dog using the adjustable belly strap.
Shop on Chewy8. TechNiche International Evaporative Cooling Coat
A good option for bigger dogs, TechNiche’s coat can lower your dog’s temperature up to 15 degrees and lasts between five to 10 hours. The coat slowly releases water through evaporation and has a waterproof liner built in to keep the dogs themselves dry. To use, soak the coat and wring out before putting it on your dog.
Shop on Chewy9. Hurtta Collection Dog Cooling Vest
This super absorbent vest helps cool down your hot dog on sweltering days, protecting circulation in the chest area. Sizes range from teeny tiny to Great Dane. Immerse the vest in cool water, squeeze, and zip onto your pup. This one also comes with loops to attach a leash.
Shop on Amazon10. Derby Originals Hydro Cooling Dog Jacket
The lightweight Derby Hydro Cooling vest is designed to be comfortable for long wear—up to 10 hours, according to the manufacturer. The lightweight design packs a lot in: the top layer reflects heat away from your dog, the middle layer retains water, and the innermost layer repels water to keep your pup dry. As with most vests, it also provides some protection from UV rays.
Find on AmazonWhether you have an active pet or a couch potato, there’s a dog cooling vest out there to help your dog enjoy the warmer months while staying safe and comfortable.
