With the weather being so warm here lately I bet you’ve been looking for the best cooling solution for your dog?
Is it the cooling mat or a cooling coat? Which does your dog prefer?
And do either of them even work?
My dog hates cooling mats and even if he didn’t he definitely doesn’t stay still long enough for it to work! Anyone else have a crazy collie that won’t keep still? But enough about me and Jack let’s take a look at the best cooling solutions for your dog.
Dog cool coats come in many different styles and forms working-dog cooling coats, dog cooling vests and chamois dog cooling coats are the most common and some of the best dog cooling coats you’ll find in the UK so let’s take a look at their pros and cons.
Working dog cooling coats:
Pros- Working dog cooling coats are typically made of a lightweight reflective material designed to reflect the suns heat off of your dog. SO the aim of these coats is to fit as a waterproof or winter dog coat would but unlike winter dog coats they don’t commonly have legs.
Great for dogs who don’t like the feel of cool surfaces or water on their skin.
Perfect for dogs with skin conditions aggravated by water.
Cons- Need to be careful that the coat fits correctly so that full range of motion of the shoulders is possible.
The coat will only reflect sunlight so it isn’t ideal for the UK climate where humidity and heat can be high but sunlight low.
Dog cooling vests:
Pros- Fit just like a Y-fronted harness and therefore allow full range of motion so are perfect for use when doing light exercise such as a cool down post-training.
Can be easily used with a harness.
Uses most commonly a wet chamois type material that mimics sweating as a method of cooling so is still effective even if the heat is humid or there is no sunlight.
Cons- Covers only the chest of your dog so doesn’t give as much coverage as a full chamois dog cooling coat.
Has to be rewetted often to continue to be effective.
Not suitable for dogs with skin conditions sensitive to water.
Can cause rubbing if used under a harness.
Chamois dog cooling coats:
Pros- similar to the cooling vests but in more traditional winter coat shapes.
Give a greater coverage than cooling vests so are more effective at cooling larger dogs.
Uses most commonly a wet chamois type material that mimics sweating as a method of cooling so is still effective even if the heat is humid or there is no sunlight.
Cons- Hard to use with a harness.
Need to be careful with fit in order to ensure full range of motion.
A close fit is needed for it to be effective so depending on your dog’s shape this can restrict movement.
Needs to be rewetted frequently to be effective.
Not suitable for dogs with skin conditions affected by water.
So which is best for your dog?
And remember using a cooling coat or vest won’t stop your dog from overheating you need to adjust their exercise and restrict their time out in the warmest parts of the day.
Be sure you know the signs of heatstroke (below) and contact your vet immediately if you notice your dog getting too warm.
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