With summer fast approaching, your Doodle might find himself overheating quickly. With their thick fur and inability to sweat, you should do all you can to keep your dog cool. So besides keeping their hair groomed short and giving water, what else can we do? Let’s look at the 8 top cooling vests and bandanas for your dog. These products are a serious game-changer.
Do Cooling Bandanas for dogs work?
Before beginning the 8 top cooling vests and bandanas for your dog, let’s talk about technology. The way these vests and bandanas work is by first wetting them down with cool water. As the water evaporates, it pulls the body heat away from your dog and cools. Most of them are reflective to deflect harmful sun rays that heat your dogs unnecessarily. And some of the best have ice packs for longer-lasting effects.
Bandanas are an easy fix because they sit right on your dog’s most sensitive arteries. When you cool this area, it quickly spreads throughout the body. However, a vest might be more beneficial for dogs who are highly active for yours at a time. And the best part is that they are reusable for years to come.
So do cooling vests really work? With simple technology and placement at your dog’s most sensitive areas, the science says yes. So your dog can go out hiking or take a quick jog around the block without a problem.
Signs Of Heat Exhaustion
In the summer months, heatstroke is very common in dogs. It’s essential to know and recognize the signs and symptoms before things get out of hand. Some of the most common signs of heat exhaustion are:
- excessive panting
- Abnormal drooling
- Lethargy
- Poor muscle coordination
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting
- And uncontrollable diarrhea
Most people notice increased and labored panting as the first sign. If you notice this in your dogs at all, it’s time to take action. When possible, bring your pup inside to cool off. If air conditioning isn’t available, find a cool shaded area. Pouring cool, but not ice-cold, water over your dog’s body will also help them reduce body temperature. And, of course, let your dog drink small amounts of water to chill them internally. If your dog doesn’t start to cool off soon, a vet visit is in order.
When Does Heat Exhaustion Begin?
If you are an outdoorsy family, you obviously will want to take your dog along for fun. And your dogs appreciate the bonding and activities. But did you know that most dogs start to overheat in 90-degree weather? And if the humidity is high, your dog will have a hard time keeping cool. That is why we recommend always having cooling vests for dogs. You never know when you might need it.
1. Ultra Paws Cool Coat
So we love that these coats wick away moisture and body heat. But what is the best cooling vest? We believe it’s the Ultra Paws Cool Coat. Not only does this coat work in the traditional ways, but it also uses ice packs! This vest comes with four ice packs and superior wicking material. Simply wet and freeze the packs for hours more cool time outside.
With a sleek design and reflective material, you will wonder why you should look at anything else. This vest is also adjustable and comes with an easy-to-read size chart. So there is no guesswork or returns when it comes to these cooling vests for dogs.
2. Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest
Another excellent quality vest is the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler. This cooling vest consists of three polyester layers that you soak in cool water. Then you lightly wring it out for maximum use. And the lightweight materials won’t weigh down your dog at all. They will be just as cheerful and energetic with the vest on as if it were a perfect 70 degrees. Plus, this vest is UPF 50, so your dog’s delicate skin is always protected.
3. Popetpop Dog Cooling Vest
Next on our list is the Popetpop Dog Cooling Vest. This reflective three-layer vest is perfect for dogs of all sizes. Not only is it adjustable around the stomach, but also the neck. But what makes this vest so unique is its mesh design.
Having a breathable material allows for airflow that cools the vest even more. So as your dog is running around enjoying life, the breeze chills the vest naturally. And when you combine that with heat transfer technology, you will have one cool pup.
4. Coolerdog Dog Cooling Vest And Cooling Collar
Science proves that the places where a dog produces the most heat are around their necks and chest. That is why Coolerdog has created a unique vest with the help of certified vets. With ice packs in these sensitive areas, you will know your dog is staying safe from the heat.
When you get the Coolerdog Dog Cooling Vest And Collar, you get an utterly adjustable set. Each part of this vest adjusts to your dog’s needs. That means around the neck, chest, and the connector in between. So if your dog is abnormally long for other vests, this one will fit like a glove.
5. Suitical Dry Cooling Vest Dog
Some of these cooling vests for dogs are great, but they leave your dog smelling and wet. So what’s the best solution for that? You need the Suitical Dry Cooling Vest. You fill this vest with cool water instead of soaking it, and it keeps working for up to three days.
And while this vest is on the pricer side, it is highly effective. The same technology used for the Suitical Dry Cooling Vest is the same used for people. Athletes, physical therapists, doctors, and our soldiers all use the same technology to stay cold. If it’s good enough for them, it’s perfect for your dog.
6. All For Paws Chill Out Dog Ice Bandana
The first cooling bandanas for dogs is the Chill Out Ice Bandana. Who says you can’t be practical and stylish at the same time? Dip this sleek bandana into cool water and put it in the fridge. After a few minutes, it’s ready to go. And what makes it even better is that the materials resist heat. So long after the bandana has thawed out, it will keep on chilling. No one will know that your fashionable dog is actually keeping cool in the summer heat.
7. Cheeseandu Dog Cooling Bandana
If you thought the last cooling bandanas for dogs were smart, wait until you see this one by Cheeseandu. This bandana has removable packs that you stick in the fridge. The cool packs stay close to your dog while still providing breathable material. And the best part is that these bandanas are dry, so your pup won’t have a wet ring around their necks. With two adorable patterns, your dog will feel as bright as she looks.
8. Scirokko Dog Instant Cooling Bandana
Last on our 8 top cooling vests and bandanas for your dog are these cute ones by Scirokko. These bandanas come in four vibrant colors and are made from high-quality and durable materials. In fact, most human cooling bandanas are the same materials for extended wear. All you have to do is soak it in cool water and partially squeeze it out. You can even place them in the fridge for extra cooling powers. What more can you ask for in a cooling bandana.
How Do You Make A Cooling Bandana For A Dog?
The No-Sew Method
These 8 top cooling bandanas for dogs are great. But what if you are in a pinch and need to make one fast? Don’t fear, because it’s easier than you think. No sewing and no unusual materials are required.
First, find a bandana or strip of cloth large enough to fold and tie around your pet’s neck. Ideally, you want a fabric made of cotton, but polyester or microfiber works well too. Soak this fabric in cool water to create the heat transfer evaporation you need. Next, fold a few ice cubes into the layers of wet fabric to tie around your dog’s neck. It’s simple and can save any pet in an emergency.
Sewing Method
If you are sewing savvy, you might even want to sew your own bandanas. Using a square bandana, first, fold it in half to create a triangle. Sew a pouch along the folded edge three inches wide. You can then fill long and thin sandwich baggies with crushed ice and place them inside this pouch. Tie this around your dog, and you have a personalized cooling bandana.
We always recommend using crushed ice for safety reasons. You might see other DIY ice packs online, but most of these homemade packs are toxic. Ice is the safest to use on your pet. However, these bandanas should always be in use while supervised.
That’s A Wrap
By using these 8 top cooling vests and bandanas for your dog, your dog will be in heaven. They can enjoy all of their favorite activities without overheating. And you will rest assured that they will never get too hot again.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!
