Published on: 11/02/2019, updated on: 10/14/2021

The Best Dog Cooling Vest: Help Your Pup Beat the Heat Like a Boss

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The summers are getting hotter, and it’s no fun for my dog.

While searching for options to keep him cool while he plays on hot days, I found out about dog cooling vests. This vest type keeps things cool by cooling the air around your dog’s body as he romps around.

Top Pick

To get the best results from a dog cooling vest, though, you need a top-quality one. The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler is the best dog cooling vest because it uses evaporation technology and a mesh interior to keep your dog chill.

Of course, the Swamp Cooler isn’t the only cooling vest that’s great at what it does. In our dog cooling vests review below, you’ll find all the best dog cooling vests. By the end, you’ll be able to pick the perfect one for your pup.

Here are some other great options:

  1. Kurgo Dog Core Cooling Vest
  2. Hurtta Cooling Dog Vest
  3. Canada Pooch Chill Seeker Cooling Vest
  4. CoolerDog Dog Cooling Vest and Cooling Collar
  5. SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket
  6. Ruffwear – Jet Stream High-Performance Cooling Vest

The Top Cooling Vests for Dogs Reviewed

Ruffwear Swamp Cooler – Best Overall

RUFFWEAR - Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest, Compatible with Harnesses, Graphite Gray (2017), Medium

Check out dog cooling vest reviews online, and you’ll find they all agree that the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler is the best when it comes to keeping dogs cool and happy on a hot day.

Key Features

  • Three layers of material – 100 percent polyester mesh on the bottom, stretchy spandex on the top, and an absorbent middle layer that holds water
  • Side-release buckles for easy removal
  • A snug fit that doesn’t impede your dog’s freedom of movement
  • Reflective trim for optimal visibility in low lighting conditions
  • Available in various sizes, ranging from XXS to XL

The Ruffwear Cooling Vest uses double action to keep things cool. First, it shades your dog from the heat of the sun. Second, it uses evaporated water to cool him down.

The best part about its water-cooling feature is it doesn’t get your dog wet. This way, you won’t have to worry about yeast infections or wet dog odors. The adjustable straps also make sure your dog gets a perfect fit.

Keep in mind, though, while this is the best of the best, it also comes with a premium price tag.

Pros

  • Durable materials
  • Won’t get your dog wet
  • Available in a variety of sizes
  • Cooling action lasts for three to five hours
  • Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit
  • Machine washable and easy to clean
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Only available in one color
  • The price is pretty high

The Verdict

If you can afford it, the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler is the perfect cooling vest for most dogs. Plus, its durable design means you and your dog can enjoy it for years without problems.

Overall Rating - 4.8 stars out of 5

All About: Cooling Gear

Kurgo Dog Core Cooling Vest

Kurgo Dog Core Cooling Vest | Cooling Jacket for Dogs | Evaporation Cooler Coat for Pets | Reflective Material | Adjustable Straps | Works with Harnesses & Collars | Heat Reflective (Small)

This heat reflective cooling vest bounces heat away from your dog. It also keeps your dog cool by sheltering him in a lightweight nylon shell with a close-knit mesh for optimal comfort.

Key Features

  • Available in various sizes ranging from small to extra-large
  • Made with a reflective material that deflects external heat
  • Adjustable straps for a secure fit
  • Wearable over a harness

The Kurgo Dog Cooling Vest is easy to put on your dog and effective for long periods. It works by storing water and using evaporation technology to keep your dog cool as the water evaporates. None of the water touches your dog’s body, keeping him dry and comfortable.

Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t come in a suitable size for very small dogs.

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Three to five hours of cooling action
  • Machine washable and easy to clean
  • Adjustable straps for the perfect fit
  • Made with durable materials
  • It effectively cools the back of the neck and chest of dogs.
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Cons

  • Only available in one color
  • Expensive
  • No size option for very small dogs

The Verdict

Dog vest cooling reviews consider this a top choice for most dog breeds. As long as you can afford it, you should consider giving it a try.

Overall Rating - 4.7 stars out of 5

Hurtta Cooling Dog Vest – Most Affordable

Hurtta Pet Collection Cooling Coat, 10-Inch Length, 13-Inch Neck, 12-19-Inch Chest, Blue

If you’re trying to save money but want a quality cooling vest for your dog, the Hurtta Cooling Vest might be exactly what you need.

Key Features

  • Made in the US
  • Zinc-alloy leash attachment ring
  • Variety of different colors and sizes
  • Chew-resistant rip-stop nylon
  • Adjustable lightweight neoprene straps for the perfect fit
  • Utilizes patented FlexiFreeze frozen water packs for keeping cool
  • Includes two extra water packs

The Hurtta cooler is an affordable option made with durable materials. It uses frozen water to keep your dog cool and can hold double the moisture of a towel. With this cooling vest, your dog can play for an hour in the sun without you worrying about him overheating.

However, at just an hour of cooling time, it won’t keep your dog cool for as long as most of the other options in our dog cooling vests review. This makes it unsuitable for long walks or long hours of play on a hot day.

Pros

  • Vest material can hold twice as much water as a regular towel
  • Vet approved
  • Keeps your dog’s chest and neck cool with frozen water
  • Chew-resistant material means your dog won’t be ruining the vest anytime soon
  • 90-day warranty

Cons

  • Getting the perfect size for your dog may be tricky unless you try it out in a store
  • Keeps your dog cool for less than an hour

The Verdict

If you want to save money and prefer short walks on hot days, this vest makes for a great choice.

Overall Rating - 4.6 stars out of 5

Canada Pooch Chill Seeker Cooling Vest

Canada Pooch Chill Seeker Cooling Vest - Aqua - 14

Here’s another affordable yet reliable cooling vest for your best friend. Simply add water to the body, and your dog can start enjoying the cooling evaporative effect generated by the vest.

Key Features

  • Polyester shell, Rayon-Polyester interior, and polyester lining
  • Made in Canada
  • Easy to wear and has adjustable straps to achieve the perfect fit
  • Available in more than eight sizes and is suitable for all dog breeds

The Canada Pooch Chill Seeker Cooling vest is affordably priced and has a simple, attractive design. There are mesh layers at the bottom of the vest to provide optimal air circulation to keep your dog cool and calm, too.

Unlike other options in our dog cooling vest review, though, this vest may get your dog a little wet since you soak it in cool water, then put it on your dog. It’s also only available in one color.

Pros

  • Opening on the back for attaching a leash
  • Two to six hours of cooling power
  • Durable
  • No chemical coolants to keep your dog cool—just water
  • 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed commitment

Cons

  • Not machine washable
  • Some of the moisture can get to your dog’s fur

The Verdict

The Chill Seeker is a lovely product at an affordable price, so long as you don’t mind your dog getting a wee bit wet.

Overall Rating - 4.5 stars out of 5

CoolerDog Dog Cooling Vest and Cooling Collar

CoolerDog Dog Cooling Vest and Cooling Collar - Ice Vest for Dogs Medium (22" to 27" Girth)

Another low-cost cooling vest that uses ice to keep your dog’s temp under check on hot days, the CoolerDog system comes in two parts – a collar for keeping your dog’s neck cool and a vest for keeping his chest cool.

Key Features

  • Chew-resistant nylon
  • Adjustable neoprene straps for customizing the vest’s fit
  • High-quality, zinc-alloy ring on the back for attaching a leash
  • Zippered collar for a customized fit
  • Made in the US
  • Utilizes FlexiFreeze frozen water packs to keep your dog cool
  • Includes two extra packs
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The CoolerDog Vest and Collar comes in at an affordable price and is made from durable American-made components. The zippered collar and adjustable straps also ensure you can achieve a nice snug fit.

However, like many icepack-based cooling vests, the cooling power of this option maxes out at about an hour. Though, the extra packs do make quick switch-outs easy if you’re at home.

You also might have trouble finding a fitting size if you have a large breed dog.

Pros

  • Affordable for most dog parents
  • Vet-approved and doesn’t use any harmful chemicals or gels for cooling
  • Chew-resistant rip-stop nylon means your dog won’t be able to ruin this vest easily
  • Machine washable and easy to clean
  • 90-day warranty

Cons

  • Cooling lasts for less than an hour
  • Not available in sizes for all dog breeds

The Verdict

This vest’s ice cooling feature will definitely keep your dog cool on a hot day, just not for very long.

Overall Rating - 4.5 stars out of 5

How to put on a Cooler Dog Cooling Vest and Collar

SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket

SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket Grey Orange Large

This highly-rated product will keep your dog cool under three layers of cooling fabric. Simply soak the jacket in some water, squeeze out the excess water, then put the harness on your dog. As the water evaporates, it’ll keep your dog cool while he plays in the sun.

Key Features

  • Available in a wide variety of sizes
  • Lightweight material that doesn’t impede your dog’s movements
  • Deflects heat and UV rays
  • Adjustable around the neck, belly, and chest
  • Two zinc-alloy D-rings for leash attachment
  • Reflective trimming for optimal visibility

The price of this cooling vest is reasonable, and the vest’s breathable inner fabric keeps your dog comfy and cool while they play. It’s also nice that it can double up as a harness—you don’t want to have to layer a vest over a harness for walks in the heat.

Due to its wet-and-wear design, though, your dog may get wet while wearing the vest, and it will only provide cooling until it dries out. It tends to get dirty fast too.

Pros

  • Soft and lightweight
  • Adjustable in various areas for the optimal comfort of your dog
  • Evenly distributes cooling across your dog’s body
  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Can serve as a dog harness
  • Available in different sizes for different dog breeds

Cons

  • Your dog can get wet while wearing this vest
  • Its material can easily pick up dirt

The Verdict

The SGODA Cooling Vest features a simple design that does a great job keeping dogs cool, albeit a bit soggy.

Overall Rating - 4.5 stars out of 5

Ruffwear – Jet Stream High-Performance Cooling Vest

RUFFWEAR Dog New Jet Stream ♦ HIGH Performance Cooling Vest Jacket and Colors (Large, Salamander Orange)

Many dog cooling vest reviews Consider the Jetstream the best dog cooling vest, but its high price may be off-putting to many dog parents.

Key Features

  • Athletic design that makes it ideal for high-intensity activities
  • Spandex back deflects sun rays and heat
  • Zippers facilitate adjustments for a customized fit
  • Available six sizes and two colors

Price aside, the Jet Stream is a good-looking vest that’s comfortable and effective at keeping your dog cool. Its three-layer design keeps your dog’s temperature down without stifling him or getting him wet.

The level of freedom of movement it offers makes it ideal for dogs that are either going for a brief walk or a long outdoor adventure. The material used in this vest is also highly durable, so you’re sure to get years of use out of it.

Pros

  • Suitable for dogs that engage in high-intensity activities
  • Available in various sizes for small and large dogs
  • Attractive design
  • Hours of cooling action
  • Machine washable and easy to clean
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Cons

  • High price
  • Some customers have complained about having issues with the zippers

The Verdict

All in all, this Ruffwear vest is a top-quality product but also very pricey. If you and your dog are going to be doing a lot of high-intensity activities outside on hot days, though, the Jet Stream will be a good investment.

Overall Rating - 4.5 stars out of 5

Dog Cooling Vest Buying Guide

How Dog Cooling Vests Work

The purpose of a dog cooling vest is keeping your dog’s temperature low and preventing overheating. The best cooling vests accomplish this through the process of evaporative cooling.

Evaporative cooling works the same way your sweat does – it dampens your skin to keep you cool. You could wet your dog to keep him cool, but this would lead to your dog developing an unpleasant odor. With a cooling vest, your dog can stay cool without getting wet.

The special materials of the vest facilitate the evaporation of water from the vest. The evaporation process keeps the air around your dog’s body cool, which in turn keeps him cool. To use a cooling vest, simply wet it then wring out the excess water before putting it on your dog.

You can optimize the effect of the vest by putting it in a freezer before putting it on your dog. Some cooling vest models also use icepacks to directly remove heat from your dog’s body and keep him cool.

How to Find the Best Dog Cooling Vest

The best dog cooling vest for you and your buddy will have many of the following features as standard:

  • A fitting size

A cooling vest has to be the right fit. If it’s too big, it’ll impede your dog’s movement. If it’s too small, it’ll be uncomfortable. The more comfortable a cooling vest is, the more cooperative your dog will be about wearing it.

Aside from being the right size, make sure the vest comes with adjustable straps that let you customize the fit as necessary.

  • Lasting cooling

You want a cooling vest that can keep your dog cool for at least 30 minutes, but there are some, like the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler, that can keep your dog cool for hours.

  • Heat reflection

The best cooling vests work in two ways. They use evaporation to keep your dog cool and use sun reflective materials to deflect heat. The more effective the vest is at deflecting heat and sun rays, the more effective it’ll be at retaining water and keeping your dog cool.

  • Reflective strips

Reflective trimming keeps your dog visible in low lighting conditions. This will greatly reduce the likelihood of losing sight of your dog and accidents.

  • Space for leash attachment

The vest should provide a place to attach a leash, such as a leash clip. If the vest itself doesn’t have a leash attachment, it should have a space that allows you to connect a leash to a collar or harness beneath the vest.

  • Keeps fur dry

The best dog cooling vests are designed to use moisture to keep your dog cool without getting your dog wet. This is important because damp fur under a cloth can easily lead to odors and possibly infections. Aim for a vest that keeps your dog dry.

Final Thoughts

There are a variety of dog cooling vests to choose from for your best friend, but if you want a durable one that keeps your dog cool and happy, be sure to pick one from our above list of best dog cooling vests.

Just remember that the best cooling vest for your dog will depend on your dog’s size and how long he’ll be playing in the heat. The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler is ideal for the hottest of days and long outings. It’s also pet-friendly and durable, making it a great investment.

So there you have it, our top cooling vests picks. Check out other great brands in our roundup here.

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