Dogs don't sweat as humans do; they have to work hard panting to keep themselves cool, which can be quite uncomfortable in the midday summer sun. So help your furry friend out by getting them a cooling vest, coat or jacket. From pugs to greyhounds, they help all breeds and sizes stay cool, preventing the risk of heat stroke, sunburn and dehydration.
If you've never brought a cooling vest before, you're in luck! We've put together this handy buying guide explaining exactly what a cooling vest is and how to use them. You'll also find some helpful tips for shopping, plus, we've included a ranking of the 10 best cooling vests for dogs in the UK. You'll be spoilt for choice with our top picks from popular brands such as Crufts, Ruffwear, Hurtta and Ancol.
Quick List - Top Cooling Vests for Dogs
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Cooling vests by design are made from perforated, breathable fabrics with a fibre layer that helps absorb moisture. There are many options to choose from when it comes to cooling materials, but PVA is one of the most popular.
Commonly called vinylon, PVA is lightweight, tear-proof and long-lasting. Nylon is also a popular choice because it's stretchy, meaning that it can comfortably fit your dog's size and help it stay securely in place.
However, if your dog is a bit more boisterous, a polyester material is probably a better bet as it's a much stronger, durable fabric that's designed to withstand rough play. It's less prone to tears and abrasions, which if you've got an energetic dog, you'll know all about!
Getting a cooling vest on and off your dog can be a tricky process, especially if your pet is uncooperative. If you've got a particularly wriggly pup, vests with velcro are quick to attach and easily adjustable so that you can comfortably fit it around your dog.
If that wasn't simple enough, you can even slip some vests over your pups head, like putting on a jumper. These are a little more secure than velcro, as there's absolutely no chance of the vest coming loose while your pup is moving around.
Some vests take a little longer to get on and off due to their zips and buckles. Although these methods take a bit of extra time, they offer much better security. Zips can be a bit fiddly, but the secure fastening is unlikely to come loose, which is the main thing.
On the other hand, buckles are both secure and adjustable, allowing you to alter the jacket to fit comfortably around your dog. However, if your dog isn't that good at sitting still, the buckles might be a bit difficult to adjust, so it's best to pick these one's only if you have a very patient pup.
Some cooling vests come in bright colours with reflective bands that help your dog to remain visible at night. The bands bounce light back from its source, illuminating the reflective strip. It sounds great, but remember there has to be some kind of light source, such as headlights or a torch, for the jacket to be visible.
The reflective bands will allow your dog to stay visible at all times, making it an especially useful feature for camping trips or evening walks. They also allow drivers to easily see your dog when you're crossing roads, preventing any nasty accidents!
Remember to also make use of cooling mats and pet water fountains to keep them healthy.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ruffwear Jet Stream™ Dog Cooling Vest | ![]() | A Streamline Design With Three Layers of Absorption | |
2 | Ancol Cooling Coat | ![]() | Prevent Illness With Anti-Bacterial Fabric | |
3 | Petface Summer Dog Coat | ![]() | Guaranteed Cooling for Your Furry Friend | |
4 | MOKCCI Cooler Jacket | ![]() | A Cooling Vest Featuring a Leash Attachment | |
5 | Crufts Cooling Vest | ![]() | A Vest for a Prize-Winning Pooch | |
6 | KIPETTO Cooling Coat | ![]() | Embrace the Summer With a Watermelon Design | |
7 | Toulifly Dog Cooling Vest | ![]() | Top UV Protection to Put a Stop to Sunburn | |
8 | Petsking Dog Cooling Vest | ![]() | Featuring Reflective Bands for Night Visibility | |
9 | Hurtta Cooling Vest | ![]() | Twice the Absorption to Keep Your Pooch Cool | |
10 | Lautus Pets Lightweight Dog Cooling Jacket | ![]() | Easy to Attach With a Neckline Zipper |
The Ruffwear Jet Stream dog cooling vest is the best and most popular cooling vest in the UK, featuring a streamlined design for high-energy activities such as hiking and biking. It also benefits from three layers, making it excellent for cooling and absorption.
The vest also has a stretchy nylon outer layer, so you can easily get it on and off, not to mention it has a wealth of features like a reflective band for nighttime walks and a loop for attaching a safety light. Your dog can now accompany you on your next adventure!
Keeping your pooch healthy and safe is a top priority. Bacteria can cause nasty infections that lead to vomiting and diarrhoea, which is definitely something you want to avoid! This cooling vest is anti-bacterial, which helps keep bacteria, mould and mildew at bay, preventing your dog from getting sick.
It's lightweight and comfortable with velcro fastenings that help you adjust the size so that it perfectly fits your dog. The vest is also made from polyester, a super-durable material that is perfect for boisterous pups!
Making sure it works is one of the most important things to consider when buying a cooling jacket for your dog. According to the reviews of many happy dog owners, this one does reap results, keeping their dogs cool and pant-free. The vest is also easy to take on and off due to the velcro straps around the middle and side.
The material is soft, so it will feel nice and comfortable against your dog's skin, which will hopefully mean that they'll happily put it on when temperatures start to rise! It even comes in a range of lengths so you can find the best size for your dog.
This vest is one of the few designs to include a leash attachment. It features a D-ring on the back to easily clip a leash onto, so your dog won't have to wear a collar, improving overall comfort. The fabric is also a light grey colour, which reflects sunlight, creating extra protection from the heat.
The material features a stretchy nylon webbing so that it will mould to your dog's shape and size and fit them comfortably. It also has reflective bands, which will help you to spot your dog during nighttime walks. An all-round great product!
Crufts is one of the most well-known dog shows in the UK, but did you know they also make cooling vests? Your dog will feel like a prize-winning pooch wearing this jacket! It also has a velcro closing along the back, so it's quick and easy to get on and off.
It's quick to re-activate, so you can re-soak it pretty soon after the cooling effects have worn off, which is handy if your dog will be out in the sun multiple times a day. It also has an outer layer that features excellent breathability.
We couldn't resist adding this to the list as its quirky watermelon pattern makes it the cutest cooling vest by far! It's remarkably eye-catching compared to the standard blue design you so often see. The vest is easy to take on and off, as it can be quickly slipped over your dog's head - there's no messing around with zips or buckles with this one!
Plus, it's a lightweight design that won't weigh down your dog. Being less bulky than others, this vest also won't restrict movement or feel uncomfortable. It even comes in a portable carry case so that you can use it on the go!
The advanced technology included in this vest offers UV protection to keep any sunburn at bay. It's also ultra-absorbent, making it easier to keep your dog cooler for longer. Once it's soaked in water, the cooling vest will last for hours, making this an ideal choice for long walks and exercise.
The two velcro straps around the waist are ideal for small dogs, however, it could be a little tight for some. That said, the design makes it quick and easy to get on and off without your pup feeling too distressed.
If you're looking for a night vest, here's a cooling jacket that comes in bright orange with reflective bands. Your dog will be visible and easy to spot, stopping them from getting lost or put in danger. It has a mesh lining that works alongside the absorbent middle layer to transfer the cooling effect to your dog.
The jacket gets warm when it's dry, which will be uncomfortable on hot days, although that does mean that it can double up as a coat in winter - such a versatile product! It also has a side buckle that's easy to get on and can be adjusted to fit your dog.
The Hurtta cooling vest has twice the absorption, so it'll be able to hold much more water than some of the other options. This will keep your dog cooler for longer, so you won't have to keep re-soaking the vest. The material will also remain soft when it's wet or dry, which is much better for the comfort of your pup.
The material is soft, but the coat is very bulky, so some dogs may find it a little irritating. On a positive note, It's designed to cool the most important areas: the chest and heart, which, as these are are vital for circulation, require the most attention.
Not only does this cooling jacket feature double velcro straps, but it also includes a neck zipper. It can be tricky getting stiff fabric around your pup's neck, but the zipper makes securing this vest a breeze! It's lightweight and portable, so you can easily store it for holidays or overnight stays.
However, the jacket does dry out quickly, so it's not the best choice for long walks. It's also best to wring it out a little, so your dog can stay cooler for longer. The sizing is really accurate, and the brand list a full sizing chart if you're unsure, making choosing the right one simple.
Summer can be a difficult time for dogs as they're prone to sunburn, dehydration and heatstroke. Because they don't sweat, they pant to cool down, which is hard work in the blistering heat. Luckily, there's a simple solution: cooling vests! Cooling vests are lightweight, breathable covers that cool dogs and protect against sunburn.
These vests use advanced technology and evaporation techniques to help keep them cool - similar to gym clothes that we humans wear when sweating. They lock in water which evaporates over time, removing any excess body heat.
Ultimately, cooling vests keep your dogs safe on hot days, but they're also quick and easy to prepare. Simply soak the vest in cool water for one to three minutes, wring it out, then pop it on your pooch. It's as easy as that!
No. 1: Ruffwear|Jet Stream™ Dog Cooling Vest
No. 2: Ancol|Cooling Coat
No. 3: Petface|Summer Dog Coat
No. 4: MOKCCI|Cooler Jacket
No. 5: Crufts|Cooling Vest
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