COOL CANINES: 10 Best Cooling Vests for Dogs

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Dogs don’t sweat the same way humans do to cool down, instead, they rely mainly on panting to control temperature regulation. 

During hot weather, relying on panting alone can sometimes be a struggle, especially for brachycephalic breeds, like bulldogs and pugs. Fortunately for our furry friends though, there are products available that can help – enter, the doggy cooling vest!

Today we’ll be taking a look at how these types of vests work, features to look for when shopping for a dog cooling vest, as well as our top 10 picks for best cooling vests for dogs – let’s get into it!

What are cooling vests for dogs and how do they work?

As the name suggests, a dog cooling vest is a piece of doggy clothing that is worn to help keep a dog cool during hot weather. 

Most dog cooling vests work via evaporative cooling, keeping cool air close to the body while reflecting heat away. To use an evaporative cooling vest, simply wet it under cool running water, wring it out, and fit it to your dog. 

The water ‘activates’ the vest and keeps the dog cool until it drys out.

For extra cooling on very hot days, most evaporative cooling vests can also be stored in the freezer for several minutes prior to being put on your dog (although it’s not actually needed in order for the vest to work).

Features to look for in a dog cooling vest:

  • Proper fit and adjustability for max. cooling with no chafing
  • Long-lasting cooling effect with heat-reflecting properties
  • Max. coverage for added UV sun protection
  • Comfortable, breathable fabric for max. air flow
  • Compatible with your dog’s harness/leash configuration

Our top picks for best cooling vests for dogs:

1. RUFFWEAR
Swamp Cooler

Image via Ruffwear

Key Features:

  • Reflects heat, stores, and evaporates water to cool dog
  • Vest style for max. coverage and UPF 50+ protection
  • Side-release buckles for easy on/off + reflective trim
  • Leash portal on the back for access to most harnesses
  • 6 sizes available

2. CANADA POOCH
Cooling Dog Vest

Image via Canada Pooch

Key Features:

  • Evaporative cooling effect with mesh layers for fluid air circulation
  • Buckle closure with adjustable chest girth
  • Leash slit on the back for access to most harnesses
  • 2 colors/patterns to choose from
  • 11 sizes available

3. DOGZSTUFF
Dog Cooling Vest

Image via Dogzstuff

Key Features:

  • Triple-layer evaporative cooling
  • Full coverage UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Adjustable velcro chest straps
  • Lightweight enough to comfortably fit a walking harness over the top
  • 2 colors to choose from
  • 5 sizes available

4. LUCOLOVE
Dog Cooling Vest

Image via Lucolove

Key Features:

  • Lightweight evaporative cooling
  • Dual-layer system with breathable, moisture-retaining fabric
  • Full-coverage UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Adjustable velcro chest straps
  • 3 colors/patterns to choose from
  • 6 sizes available

5. RUFFWEAR
Jet Stream Vest

Image via Ruffwear

Key Features:

  • Triple-layer evaporative cooling
  • Full-coverage style offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun
  • Step-in, zippered closure for a high-performance fit without restricting movement
  • 2 colors to choose from
  • 6 sizes available

6. KURGO
Dog Core Cooling Vest

Image via Kurgo

Key Features:

  • Heat reflecting outer with multi-layer evaporative cooling
  • Full coverage for maximum protection from the sun
  • Easy on/off quick release buckles
  • 2-way zipper for leash attachment
  • 4 sizes available

7. HURTTA
Cooling Dog Vest

Image via Hurtta

Key Features:

  • Cools and protects heart and chest region via evaporative cooling (cooling region covers approx. 30% of the dog)
  • Breathable, comfortable mesh fabric with zipper closure
  • 20% adjustability with 1 point of adjustment
  • Sizes XXS-S have attachment loops for leash
  • 3M reflective piping
  • Available in 2 colors and 7 sizes

8. HURTTA
Cooling Wrap

Image via Hurtta

Key Features:

  • New release
  • Cools and protects heart and chest region via evaporative cooling (cooling region covers approx. 30% of the dog)
  • Three-dimensional, breathable, comfortable mesh fabric
  • 30% adjustability with 1-2 points of adjustment (waist and chest)
  • 3M reflective piping
  • 2 colors to choose from
  • 6 sizes available

9. SGODA
Dog Cooling Vest

Image via Sgoda

Key Features:

  • Triple-layer evaporative cooling
  • Double zipper and adjustable velcro closure
  • Full coverage UV protection
  • Zinc-alloy D-ring leash attachment point
  • 3M reflective strip for visibility
  • Available in 2 colors and 7 sizes

10. GF PET
Elastofit Ice Dog Vest

Image via GF Pet

Key Features:

  • Lightweight antimicrobial fabric with evaporative cooling technology
  • Two adjustable velcro closures and elastofit technology for a snug, comfortable fit
  • Full coverage UV protection
  • 8 sizes available

Pin for later:

10 Best Cooling Vests for Dogs feat. brands such as Kurgo, Ruffwear, Hurtta, Canada Pooch and more. Keep your dog cool in Summer. Dog cooling vests #dogcoolingvests #summerdog