Do dog coolers really work to keep dogs cool? Weighing experts

Cooling dog coats have been getting a lot of press lately as an easy way to help puppies beat the summer heat—but it’s hard to know how well they do. Can all those fancy nets really provide lasting comfort in hot weather, or would your child be better off with a plain old t-shirt and an ice cube snack? Rebecca Greenstein offers some balanced advice for dog parents.

How does a dog cooling vest work?

Cooling jacket for dogs are mesh tops designed to keep your puppy’s core cool. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most use one of two methods to lower the temperature around a dog’s body: evaporation or ice application.

Most clothes on the market rely on evaporation: you wet your vest in the sink or with a hose, squeeze out excess water, then put it on. Evaporation is a loss of heat — meaning that as warmer water evaporates from the upper mesh layers of the vest, the lightweight fabric around your dog’s skin remains cool. It mimics a familiar cooling mechanism to humans: sweat.

The advantage of the evaporative pattern is that it’s easy to refresh your puppy’s vest—all with a little water. The downside, however, is that since they get wet, they’re not great for use around the house; a cooling mat is a better indoor option.

Then there’s the ice pack model, which involves threading a pre-frozen pack into a padded fabric vest. It works like a cold compress and can stay cold for hours. Cooling vests with ice packs offer a deeper chill but are a bit less flexible, as they require several hours in the freezer and cannot be refreshed on the go.

Popular dog cooling vest

SGODA dog cooling jacket is a good example of the evaporation model. It features three layers of lightweight fabric, flexibility to accommodate your puppy’s full range of motion, and size adjustment with dual zippers so you can customize the fit even in size. Like many other coats, it has UV protection—a necessity for pink-skinned puppies with particularly sparse or light coats. A harness and reflective stripe attachment for visibility in low light rounds things off.

We love the vest when we tested it on Rubya Bernese mountain dog with a love for all things cold.

Ruby modeled the SGODA dog thermal coat.

The Horay World Cooling Vest is one of the most popular shaved ice models. Two packs of frozen gel slide into a padded bra and rest against the dog’s back. They can stay cool for 1.5 to 4 hours (depending on ambient temperature). Pet parents favor this vest because of the humid climate and shorter outing time, although some noise-sensitive pups find the Velcro closing sound a bit intimidating.

The CoolerDog vest and collar combo is another freezer option — albeit with some interesting differences from the standard design. It relies on two packs of “Freezer” to shape your dog in two locations: around the body and around the neck. Two separate layers of nylon and neoprene have no buckles or latches, and both are machine washable. It’s a versatile option, although frozen packs have a slightly less lifespan than traditional options like Horay.

Finally, for the little mice who can’t stand the thought of a vest, there are Cooling towels like All For Paws. These are the most versatile coolers, as you can wet them and use them as an evaporator or put them in the freezer for a few minutes for a deeper chill.

Bernedoodle Sabine tries on a cooling bandana.

What the experts say about dog coolers

There are two questions when it comes to dog coolers: First, do dogs really need help cooling down? And second, can a cooling jacket get the job done?

The answer to the first question is Yes, our baby mice need help keeping cool. While it’s easy to think that dogs must be almost as hardy as their wild ancestors, modern life and breeding have shifted the score quite dramatically, especially for brachycephalic breeds. .

Dogs sweat—But not much and not enough to be an effective cooling mechanism on its own. Instead, they pant, a process of evaporative cooling that can be disrupted in flat-faced and older dogs.

But even the strongest dogs can need help when the temperature is high. Wolves don’t hunt in the heat of the day; they hide in cool nests. A dog made for exercise or in a warm room is prone to heat exhaustion or hot drunk—A fatal condition requiring immediate medical intervention.

So what about dog coolers? Can they really help lower a dog’s body temperature?

Despite a lot of anecdotal evidence from happy pet parents, scientific trials are still limited. One Research by the University of Florida suggested vests may make a modest difference in helping dogs cool down after exercise — but further investigation is needed.

Dr. Rebecca Greenstein thinks dog coolers are a good topic for further research. A cooler can be a tool in the belt that helps keep dogs comfortable when warmed, but she says it should be part of a balanced approach that considers climate and dog activity.

Vicakorn via iStock

After all, there’s no substitute for a cool indoor space, and a vest shouldn’t replace common sense precautions when it comes to protecting your pet from the heat. Certain dogs — especially older, overweight, and arthritic dogs — may need more than a cooling jacket to keep them comfortable in heat and humidity. Sometimes the best solution is simply to leave your dog indoors with the AC on, save for exercise during the coolest times of the day.

For pups who like to wear cooling jackets, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. First, applying a cooler — especially a freezer bag — to an overheated dog can be counterproductive and even dangerous, as a study of racing Greyhounds suggestions. Dog shows symptoms of overheating The surroundings should be cool, not cold and should see a veterinarian immediately.

A less serious problem to watch out for is chafing. You’ll want to choose a cooling jacket that fits well, as wet cloth rubbing under the armpits can be irritating to the baby mouse and to everyone else. Soft mesh and adjustable buckles or zippers are great for keeping things comfortable.

Verdict: Does Your Dog Need a Cooler?

While they shouldn’t be your only plan on hot days, the evidence shows cooling jacket and bandana can help reduce the sensation of heat for a hot dog, especially when used in conjunction with the usual precautions (think shade, water, responsible activity levels, and good old fashioned AC) .

Rover tests baby mice have put their cooling jackets on four feet and seem pleased with their new outfits. For dogs who like to go without clothes, cooling mat very handy, especially for relaxing indoors. We also found Dog pool in the backyard a surprisingly fun and practical way to beat the heat as well as frozen toys and snacks can be a great opportunity for mental stimulation if warm weather makes your dog irritable or drowsy.

druvo via iStock

Then there’s the water supply: increasing your dog’s water intake can greatly improve their comfort, or when traveling with dog water bottle or with a splashy indoor fountain Remind pets to drink.

How do we choose?

We have selected the products featured here based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, surveying customer reviews across multiple retail sites, and consultations with Dog People Panelist and DVM Rebecca. Greenstein. Our picks prioritize adjustable fit, cooling capacity, ease of use, and UV protection. We are also guided by our own experience of living and playing with our own much-loved and steadfast pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Want to learn more about how to keep your dog happy and cool this summer? Continue reading!

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