The best dog cooling vests are essential for keeping your furry friend comfortable and safe during the hot summer months. We humans may enjoy the feel of the sun’s hot rays beating down on our skin and soaking up that sweet, sweet vitamin D as we work on our tans, but it’s difficult being a canine in summer. Our four-legged friends are wearing the equivalent of a big fur coat all year round so just think how uncomfortable that would be for you in temperatures of 20°C+!
You can do everything possible to get your hound in the house where it’s a little bit cooler in the high temperatures but dogs also enjoy basking in the warm temperatures when they can. You do need to keep in mind that dogs are not very well equipped to deal with hot temperatures and can easily overheat in warm weather, which can make them seriously poorly. Larger dogs, dogs with thick fur or dogs with breathing difficulties are more susceptible to suffering from heatstroke so it’s important to invest in dog cooling products, such as dog cooling vests, that will help keep their core temperature down.
Best cooling dog vests at a glance:
• Best overall: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best for size range: Sunny Daze Elastofit Dog Cooling Vest – Buy now on Pets at Home
• Best for breathability: POPETPOP Dog Cooling Vest – Buy now on Amazon UK
Your pup’s usual favourite activities of walkies will need to be put on hold during the day but your dog will still need exercise, even when it’s hot. Advice from the RSPCA states to save your daily walkies in the morning or evening when it’s cooler to reduce the chance of heatstroke and you’ll avoid the risk of your pup burning their delicate paws on hot pavements. To keep their temperature as low as can be, you can pop a cooling vest on your pooch to wear during the walk to prevent them from overheating. If you’d rather avoid the walks, you could get a pup paddling pool where your pooch can practice their doggy paddle which will help them burn off a bit of energy while staying cool.
Whether your pup loves lounging in the garden with you or playing in the park, dog cooling vests offer a fantastic way to give your pooch relief from the scorching summer sun. They work by using evaporative cooling to draw heat away from your dog's body, keeping them comfortable and preventing overheating, so with the right cooling vest, your dog can enjoy the summer safely and happily.
The best cooling dog vests
Best overall
Ruffwear/AmazonYour pooch will still be able to enjoy days out with you in the sunshine when wearing the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest. It has a three-layer construction, with the outer layer designed to reflect heat and wick moisture away from your pooch’s body, an absorbent middle layer that stores the cold water you need to add to this vest to activate its cooling powers and a mesh lining that keeps your pup nice and dry even after it’s been covered in water.
Customers on Amazon appreciate this vest has added UV protection of SPF 50+ to keep their pooch safe from the harmful effects of UV rays. There’s no denying that this vest is a more premium option for keeping your doggy nice and cool but reviewers on Amazon feel that you definitely get what you pay for. They found the cooling effect of the vest and water combined lasted for a good couple of hours and it kept their pooch nice and cool but also dry.
Pros
- Three layer construction, with each layer playing its part to keep your pooch cool but dry
- Has added UV protection of SPF 50+
Cons
- A more premium option but reviewers on Amazon feel that you get what you pay for
| Sizes available: | XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large |
Best for size range
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
It doesn't matter whether you've got a pint-sized pup or a gentle giant, the Sunny Daze Elastofit Dog Cooling Vest is available in eight different sizes so you can keep dogs of all sizes nice and cool. As well as having a wide size range, each vest is expandable and has a bit of stretch to help you get the perfect fit for your pup.
After soaking it in water and giving it a good squeeze to get rid of the excess, Pets at Home claim this vest should stay cool for up to six hours but there are no customer reviews to back this up. We love that it's nice and lightweight so you may find that your pooch doesn't even notice they're wearing it. Another thing to note is that the vest is designed to be hand-washed only so you'll have to give it a good scrub in the sink to get it clean if it becomes dirty.
Pros
- Comes in a wide range of sizes to fit a variety of different dog breeds
- Each vest is expandable to help you get the perfect fit for your pooch
Cons
- It's hand wash only so you won't be able to chuck it in the washing machine to get clean if it gets dirty
| Sizes available: | X Small, Small, Medium, Large, X Large, XX Large, XXX Large, Giant |
Best for breathability
POPETPOP/AmazonPrevent strong sunlight and hot weather from bothering your pup with the POPETPOP Dog Cooling Vest. It protects against UV rays by reflecting heat away from your pooch and it uses cooling fabric and evaporation technology within the vest itself to ensure your dog doesn't overheat. Plus as it's mostly made from mesh, it'll keep air flowing around your pooch for added breathability. It's designed with an adjustable buckle so not only can you use it to get the right fit but it also makes it easy to take on and off.
Unlike the dog cooling vests we've featured so far, this one doesn't have such a wide size range so it's important to double-check the dimensions of the size guide before you order to make sure it'll accommodate the size of your dog. Customers found it worked pretty well in keeping their dogs cool on hot days and thought it was very comfortable for them to wear.
Pros
- Made using mesh for additional air flow around your dog
- Reflects heat away from your pooch to stop them from getting too warm while also offering protection from UV rays
Cons
- Not as many sizes so be sure to consult the size guide before buying to ensure you get the right fit
| Sizes available: | S, M, L |
Best for a visability
Hurtta/AmazonThe Hurtta Cooling Dog Wrap is designed to provide comfort to your hot dog even in the warmest of weather. With its wrap-style design, it will cover areas of your dog's body that will help the rest of their body get cooler quicker, such as their chest, large blood vessels and lungs. Obviously, you'll only want to take your dog out for a walk on hot days when the temperature has significantly dropped, such as early morning or late at night, but when you do go out for walkies, this wrap will keep your pup safe as it has reflective strips that increase visibility during low light conditions.
As we've mentioned above, this jacket has a wrap design, which some customers have said makes it difficult to put on their pooch when it's wet. The wrap design provides a tighter fit too, which while it will ensure the cooling effects are more targeted, it may bother your pooch having something with a snug fit that close to their body.
Pros
- Covers areas of your dog's body that will help the rest of their body get cooler quicker, such as their chest
- Reflective strips that increase visibility during low light conditions
Cons
- Offers a tighter fit which may bother some pups
| Sizes available: | 34-38cm, 40-50cm, 45-55cm, 55-65cm, 65-75cm, 75-85cm |
Best for puppies
Pecute/AmazonAs puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature as well as adult dogs, they will feel the effects of heat more. To keep your young pup safe in the sun, consider the Pecute Dog Cooling Coat. The fabric it’s made from has a seven-layer design, with each one playing its part to keep your puppy cool, drawing excess heat from their little body through evaporative cooling. As little dogs love to always be on the move, whether they’re running around, playing or causing mischief, this vest is designed with an adjustable Velcro chest strap to ensure the fit isn’t restrictive while also being secure and comfortable.
Some customers found that water evaporated really quickly from this vest and it dried fast, while this does mean that your pup shouldn’t get too wet while wearing it, reviewers questioned whether it still did its job of keeping their pooch cool. However, customers are impressed with the sun protection this vest provides, as it claims to offer UPF 50+ protection, saying it did a good job of reflecting the sun away from their hound.
Pros
- Designed to be non-restrictive with its adjustable Velcro fastening
- Made from a material that has a seven-layered design, with each one offering different effects to keep your pup cool
Cons
- Some reviewers found that it dries very quickly, so some customers questioned whether it still did its job of keeping their pooch cool
| Sizes available: | S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL |
Best lightweight cooling vest
Prestige/AmazonActing like a second skin to your pup, the Prestige Cool-Coat offers a lightweight, cooling layer for your dog that will allow them to feel cool but not wet and cold. While wet, the coat will mould seamlessly to your canine companion but will begin to become stiff as it dries. You’ll just need to put the coat back into water to re-activate the cooling technology and your pooch will be as cool as a cucumber.
Customers felt the quality of the Velcro fastening could be better as some dog owners found it to be too long and others thought it didn’t fit quite as well as it could and made the coat fit looser than they would have liked. That being said, overall, they thought it was good value and a comfortable and soft option for their pooch to wear.
Pros
- Lightweight and soft, according to customer reviews
- As it's so lightweight, it acts as a second skin for your dog
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the Velcro fastening could be better
| Sizes available: | M - one size |
Best for walks
Bamda/AmazonAs we’ve already mentioned, you shouldn’t walk your dog when it’s too hot and should save it for when the temperatures are lower, like early mornings and late nights. Even then though, it’s still particularly warm for your dog but thanks to the Bamda Dog Cooling Vest, they can enjoy a walk while staying nice and cool. It’s made of breathable mesh and offers good water absorption and comfort. In fact, the brand claims that your dog’s body temperature can be lowered by between 5 and 13 degrees while wearing this vest after it’s been soaked in water. What makes it good for walking is that it has adjustable straps to tighten the fit to ensure your dog can’t slip out of it and there are two D-rings at the top that you can attach a lead to.
Customers appreciate the quality of this vest with many reviews stating that it is well made and they also thought the vest should score some points in the style stakes too. Some reviewers have found that although it’s lightweight, it may feel a little on the bulky side and it can become quite heavy when wet so this may not be the best option for smaller pups.
Pros
- Has two D-rings at the top so you can easily attach a lead for walks
- Made of breathable mesh to keep your pooch nice and cool
Cons
- Some reviewers felt this vest was a little on the bulky side so may not be the best option for smaller dogs
| Sizes available: | S, M, L, XL, XXL |
Dog cooling vest FAQs
What are cooling dog vests?
Dog cooling vests work by keeping cool air close to your dog's body and letting the warm air out. There are a few different types. Some work like ice packs, where you fill them with water and freeze before putting them on your dog and others you soak in water, wring them out and then pop on your pooch.
How do I know what size cooling vest to get my dog?
It is crucial for your dog's comfort that you correctly measure their size and buy accordingly. Each vest will have a size specification guide so you know which size to purchase.
Before checking the size guide of your chosen dog cooling vest, you’ll want to measure your pup. Start by getting a measurement around the widest part of your hound’s chest, which is typically just behind the front legs. Next, take a measuring tape and jot down the length of your dog from the base of their neck (where the collar sits) to the base of their tail. You’ll also want to measure around the thickest part of your dog’s neck. Then compare your dog’s measurements against the size guide before you buy and you’ll have the paw-fect fit.
FAQs on summer dog care
As much as dogs love spending time in the sunshine with us, too much sun exposure can be dangerous. We put some questions to Sue Ketland, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity, all about summer dog care so you'll know exactly what signs to look for if your pooch is getting too hot.
What happens when dogs get too hot?
"When dogs get too hot they may suffer from heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Our canine friends aren’t as good as humans at dealing with high temperatures, as they can only sweat to cool down in areas not covered by fur. As their body temperature rises, it can damage a dog’s tissues and organs, making them unwell.
"Overweight dogs, young puppies and elderly dogs are particularly at risk as they can’t regulate their body temperature. Certain dog breeds, such as short-nosed breeds like Bulldog types, can struggle even in mild temperatures."
What are the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs?
"Heatstroke is a real risk for all dogs in hot weather, so it’s important to get clued up on the symptoms. These can include excessive panting, dribbling, confusion, unsteadiness, bright red gums, collapsing and even seizures.
"Heatstroke can develop quickly so if you think your dog has overheated, take them into the shade and cool them down gently with tepid water (it’s important not to cool them down too quickly with cold water), particularly around their neck, head and groin. Then call your vet as soon as possible. If you suspect your dog has overheated and needs veterinary attention, cool them down first before putting them in a vehicle or back home."
How to prevent heatstroke in dogs:
Here are some of Sue's top tips for keeping your pooch nice and cool in warmer weather:
• Avoid walking your dog during hot weather
"Dogs may suffer heat-related illnesses after exercising, walking or playing. Our four-legged friends can overheat simply by being in the garden, resting in a hot room or while visiting the beach. Instead, take your dog out for their walk early in the morning and late in the evening, and choose shaded areas like woodland. The most important thing to remember is if in doubt, don’t go out!"
• DON'T leave your dog in a hot car
"Extra care should also be taken if you’re dashing off on holiday and taking your dog with you. Dogs die in hot cars, so they should never be left in a vehicle during hot weather, as the temperature can rise to a scorching 47 degrees very quickly. If you’re unable to cope in the heat, neither will your dog!"
• Keep doors and windows closed
"Contrary to popular belief, it’s important to keep doors and windows closed during the day to protect your pet. You want to keep the heat out, not let it in! Keep all curtains closed, only opening them first thing in the morning and in the evening. Glass acts as a radiator and the sunshine bursting through your house will quickly hot up a room. It’s also a good idea to switch on a fan to circulate as much cool air as possible."
This article contains expert advice from Sue Ketland, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity. Sue has worked at Woodgreen for more than three decades and has an impressive list of dog-related qualifications, including a Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training. You might also recognise her as one of the stars of Channel 4’s ‘The Dog House’.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.