Do Cooling Vests Work For Dogs
With spring just around the corner, hot weather is not far away. You may already be thinking about how you plan on keeping your dog cool when those scorching days roll around. Perhaps someone has recommended dog cooling vests to you, and you might be curious. So, what are dog cooling vests, and how do they work?
Key Takeaways
Dog cooling vests can help dogs avoid heatstroke by using evaporation or other methods to remove heat. Dog vests work, but you may need to include other solutions depending on your circumstances.
Table of Contents
How Dogs Regulate Their Body Temperature
Dogs are mammals, like us, so they have a hot core body temperature. They cannot sweat like humans, so they tend to pant or release heat through their paws to cool themselves down.
In the past, most dogs would have time to acclimate their body temperature as the weather gradually warmed up in the spring. However, most modern dogs tend to stay inside temperature-controlled homes and are less able to adapt to sudden temperature changes when you take them outside.
Wild dogs and dogs in the past would also go and sleep in burrows during the hottest parts of the day during hot weather. Modern dogs may not always be able to do that, and are therefore more at risk of overheating.
Some dogs may also struggle to adapt because of breed issues or health problems. Overexposure to sunlight, exertion in hot weather, lack of water, or being stuck in warm spaces can also lead to overheating and heat-related illnesses like heatstroke.
If you have some fun activities planned for this summer, then you need to be ready, such as using cooling vests..
How Do Dog Cooling Vests Work?
There are three main kinds of cooling vests.
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Evaporative cooling vests
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PCM cooling vests
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Reflective/Shield cooling Vests
Reflective vests are the most basic and lightest vests. These cooling vests are made from light-colored and reflective material that reflects the sun’s UV rays away from the dog's body. These are very basic and do not protect dogs from heat as well as specialized vests.
PCM (Phase Change Material) cooling vests have a layer of special material that removes heat from the body as it changes from a solid to a liquid. They are long-lasting and can maintain a cool temperature for a long time without wetting your dog. However, they can be more expensive than standard cooling vests. They can also be heavier than normal vests.
Evaporative cooling vests are the most widely available. They contain a spongy material that holds moisture above the dog’s skin; airflow passing through the vest causes evaporation, which has a cooling effect[1] without becoming too cold. These vests need to be wet periodically for effective evaporative cooling, but are still the most practical in most cases.
If you would like to see some evaporative cooling vests, feel free to check out Sparkpaws’ Cooling Collection or the Sunblock T-shirt Collection for cover-up options.
Will Evaporative Cooling Work in my Area?
If you want to make sure your dog's cooling vests are going to work, you will need to check the relative humidity and temperature in your area. Evaporative cooling coats will become less effective at around 50-60% humidity, and lose all cooling power over 70%. So you may need to look into other dog cooling solutions as well.
Which Dogs Need Dog Cooling Vests?
Just about all dogs can benefit from dog cooling vests during hot temperatures, but certain dogs may be more at risk than others of overheating or getting heat-related illnesses.
Breed
Brachycephalic dog breeds, such as French Bulldogs and pugs, have short skulls. This means that they can’t stick their tongues out to pant effectively and may struggle a lot in warm weather to stay cool.
Very small dog breeds may also be very close to the ground and in danger of surface heat. Heat from sidewalks and the ground is closer to their core and can cause them to overheat without protection.[2]
Very active breeds or working dogs may also overwork themselves outdoors without realizing they are overheating.
Coat Type and Color
Double-coated dogs, as well as dogs with thick or long coats, can be more susceptible to heat stroke, as airflow cannot get close to their skin to cool them down. Cooling vests may also be less effective for the same reason. You may have to consider cutting or thinning their coats.
Dogs with dark fur are more likely to absorb heat than lighter colored breeds. The surface temperature of their fur may be very hot and take longer to cool down without interference. Cooling gear that focuses on redirecting UV may be useful for these dogs.
General Health
Dogs that suffer from obesity or have a lot of muscle may also struggle to cool themselves naturally and have a low heat tolerance. Older dogs, as well as young puppies, have a harder time regulating body temperature.
Carefully watch dogs who are pregnant, have thyroid issues, suffer from diabetes, or have heart problems, as they may suffer from circulation problems that make it harder to stay cool. Never take a dog outside in extreme weather who has been sick or had surgery without it being okayed by your vet.
Signs Your Dog is Getting Too Hot
Heatstroke can creep up on your dog, and it may not even be that hot. Temperatures as mild as 77°F (25°C) can put more susceptible breeds at risk. Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) are considered particularly dangerous.
Look out for signs such as excessive panting, drooling, confusion, vomiting, or bright red gums, as these are all symptoms of heatstroke. This is considered a medical emergency and should be handled by a vet. Short-coated breeds may also be at risk of sunburn.
Managing Hot Weather
Start implementing cooling strategies before it gets to an unhealthy point by trying to keep your dog out of the sun’s UV rays, providing lots of cool water and wet food, and providing ways for them to cool down, such as a shady area, a dog cooling vest, a cooling mat, or a place to swim.
Try to avoid extended walks on very hot days, especially in direct sunlight. Additional protection can include dog cooling vests, as well as protective dog shoes to keep them safe from hot surfaces.
Dog Cooling Vest Tropical Storm
What to Look for in a Good Dog Cooling Vest
Type
You need to find the perfect cooling vest for your circumstances. It is a good idea to do some research on your dog type, as well as how long and what activities you intend to use your cooling vests for. For example, lighter shirts are better for strenuous play, while vests with greater cooling capacity are better for lounging in a heatwave.
Material
You want a good quality material for dog cooling vests. It should be able to withstand some tough play without the lining tearing. Most vests have an inner layer that is vital to their cooling capacity, so you want to make sure it's not likely to get damaged.
Breathable, lighter colored materials also retain less heat than dark, thick materials.
Good Fit
Good cooling vests should fit relatively snugly around your dog’s chest without being too tight. They shouldn’t cause chafing, but still be snug enough to be effective.
Like most dog clothing, adjustable straps are your friend. You should be able to strap it tight to your dog’s core for maximum cooling, but still be able to fit a finger or two comfortably between the dog and the vest.
Maintenance of Dog Cooling Products
A cool dog is a happy dog, but most cooling products need more maintenance than average dog clothes and often require some type of activation.
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Follow cleaning instructions carefully. Most cooling vests cannot be machine-washed and need spot treatments to stay clean.
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Regularly check for wear and tear. Rips and worn patches will reduce sun protection and compromise the effectiveness of most vests.
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Use the vest as intended. Pet parents may need to pay careful attention to ensure the vest is properly activated before placing it on. An improperly activated vest might just trap heat against the body instead of removing it.
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Evaporative vests need to be replenished regularly with cool water to function.
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PCM vests need to be prepared ahead of time and stored in cool conditions.
Conclusion
Dog cooling vests do work. However, their effectiveness depends on the type of vest and the climate.
Evaporative dog cooling vests are the most effective option, using water and evaporation to safely lower a dog’s body temperature. They work best in hot, dry climates and are less effective in high humidity.
Cooling vests are especially helpful for brachycephalic breeds, small dogs, active dogs, and dogs with thick or dark coats. When properly fitted and regularly re-wetted, dog cooling vests are an effective way to help prevent overheating and heatstroke during warm weather.
To see a collection of colorful and cooling dog vests, check out Sparkpaws’ Dog Cooling Vest Collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cooling vests stay cold?
Depending on the type, cooling method, and how hot it is, it can typically stay cool for around 2 to 6 hours before needing to be reactivated.
Do dog cooling vests work in high humidity?
No, vests that rely on evaporation to cool down tend to be less effective in high humidity levels over 70%, and become less efficient after 50% humidity.
What is the quickest way to cool a dog down?
If you need to cool a dog rapidly, then spraying them with cool water, giving them a refreshing drink, or allowing them to rest in the shade are all methods to cool them. Do not pour cold water on them if you suspect heatstroke.
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