Do Cooling Vests Work On Double-Coated Dogs?

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Yes, cooling vests are effective for double-coated dogs in managing body temperature and providing relief from the heat. While their double coat acts as an insulation layer to help regulate their body temperature, a cooling vest offers additional cooling by using advanced technologies like evaporative cooling or gel inserts to dissipate heat. Cooling vests can be a useful tool for improving your dog’s comfort, and reducing the risk of heat-related issues. However, it’s important to consider the limitations of cooling vests and take safety precautions, especially in extreme heat or humidity.

Is A Dog’s Double-Coat Sufficient At Keeping Them Cool?

If you own a double-coated breed like a Golden Retriever, for example, you know that their double coat works to regulate their body temperature.

The fluffy dense undercoat acts as an insulating layer to keep them warm in the winter.

In the summer, the undercoat is much lighter and helps keep cooler air next to your dog’s skin, preventing your dog from becoming too hot.

The topcoat which consists of guard hairs protects your dog from dirt, debris, and harmful UV rays. This is essentially why you should never shave a double-coated dog!

That being said, even though their coats help regulate their temperatures, double-coated breeds still struggle in the heat.

Oftentimes, the dense undercoat traps heat close to the body, hindering the cooling process. This is especially true if you don’t brush out the loose undercoat.

Therefore relying solely on your dog’s double coat to keep him cool may not be enough.

Additional methods like using a cooling vest can certainly help keep your dog comfortable and cool during hot temperatures.

How Do Cooling Vests For Dogs Work?

There are various types of cooling vests, and to understand how they work, we’ll look at the two most common types and their cooling mechanism below:

Evaporative Cooling Vests

These vests are made from breathable, water-absorbing materials. They work by soaking the vest in water, then wringing the excess water out, and allowing your dog to wear it.

As the water from the damp vest slowly evaporates, it creates a cooling effect by drawing heat away from your dog’s body.

The evaporation process helps regulate your dog’s body temperature, keeping him cool during hot weather.

Once the vest dries out, you can add more water either by soaking the vest at home, or pouring water onto it with a water bottle while you’re on the go.

Gel Insert Cooling Vests

These vests work by placing pre-cooled gel packs inside the cooling vest’s pockets or panels.

The gel packs provide instant cooling relief and work by absorbing your dog’s body heat and releasing it into the air.

Gel insert cooling vests provide a longer-lasting cooling effect, as compared to the other types of vests.

Plus, once the gel packs get warm, you can place them in the fridge or freezer to re-cool and reuse them.

Scientific Research On Cooling Vests For Dogs

To better understand the effectiveness of cooling vests on double-coated dogs, we’ll look at a couple of studies that have been conducted.

Role Of Vests In Heat-Related Illness Of Working Dogs

This study is from the University of Florida. It involved 7 working dogs performing intense 10-minute sessions involving high-speed running, finding a hidden person, and apprehending a “suspect” by the arm.

Each dog performed with no vest, with a protective Kevlar vest, and with a cooling vest that uses patented rechargeable packs to help maintain a comfortable body temperature.

The study was performed in both summer and winter, and the results indicated that some dogs needed up to an hour to return to baseline temperature during intense summer exercise.

Results also indicated that cooling vests helped some dogs cool down faster.

Physiological Changes In Military Working Dogs Using Cooling Vests In Moderately Hot Environments

This study is from the Cardenal Herrera University of Spain. It involved 13 military dogs who performed routine training over 3 days.

The training consisted of 20 minutes of running at pace while wearing no vest, a Phase Change Material cooling vest that uses pre-cooled cooling pads, and an evaporative cooling vest.

The results indicated that the use of cooling vests helped achieve a reduction in body core temperature.

Both types of cooling vests improved the recovery of core body temperature, but evaporative cooling vests showed better results.

What Are The Benefits Of Cooling Vests For Double-Coated Dogs?

Cooling vests offer several benefits to double-coated dogs, such as:

• Enhanced Cooling Efficiency: Cooling vests provide additional cooling to help double-coated dogs dissipate heat more effectively, preventing discomfort and heat-related issues.

• Improved Comfort: Cooling vests help keep your dog more comfortable by maintaining a cooler body temperature, reducing the risk of overheating during outdoor activities, or hot temperatures.

• Better Temperature Regulation: Cooling vests help regulate your dog’s body temperature by striking a balance between your dog’s natural insulation, and the need for cooling, resulting in better airflow and heat dissipation.

• Versatility & Convenience: Cooling vests are designed to be lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Most are designed with adjustable straps and quick-release buckles, ensuring a proper fit, ease of use, and mobility for outdoor activities.

• Outdoor Activity Support: Cooling vests allow your dog to enjoy his favourite outdoor activities without the risk of overheating.

It’s important to note that cooling vests can provide these benefits to your double-coated dog alongside common sense precautions. Provide shade, access to fresh water, and avoid excessive exposure to high temperatures.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Cooling Vests?

Some of the disadvantages of cooling vests, particularly for double-coated dogs include the following:

• Moisture & Wetness: Evaporative cooling vests are required to be damp to provide a cooling effect. This means your dog has to walk around wearing a dampened vest, which could cause discomfort, skin irritation, or lead to tangled and matted fur in double-coated dogs.

• Limited Cooling Duration: Cooling vests only provide cooling relief for so long, until they need to either be dampened again, or you need to re-cool them. This can be challenging during extended outdoor activities.

• Fit & Comfort Issues: Ensuring a proper fit is crucial, as vests that are too big or small can cause rubbing, chafing, or restrict movement. Double-coated breeds tend to have thicker, denser fur, which can make it challenging to find the best fit.

• Adaptation & Acceptance: Some dogs may take time to adjust to wearing a cooling vest, requiring patience and training for them to become comfortable with it.

**High humidity conditions also provide disadvantages such as:

• Reduced Evaporative Cooling: High humidity reduces the effectiveness of evaporative cooling, limiting the vest’s ability to cool your dog effectively.

• Potential Discomfort: In high humidity, as mentioned above, the evaporation effect is reduced, which can lead to discomfort and prolonged dampness.

Despite these disadvantages, cooling vests can still help regulate the body temperature of double-coated dogs in hot weather.

The short video below proves that a cooling vest is still effective at lowering your dog’s body temperature in hot and humid conditions.

Addressing proper fit, monitoring moisture levels, and considering humidity factors, can ensure the successful use of cooling vests.

Cooling vests do not eliminate the risk of overheating in dogs, and their effectiveness can vary depending on your dog’s age, health, and heat sensitivity. On especially hot and humid days, it is crucial to practice safety precautions, as overheating can be a life-or-death situation.

Selecting The Right Cooling Vest For Your Double-Coated Dog

The following factors will help guide you in choosing the right cooling vest for your double-coated dog:

• Size & Fit: Choose a cooling vest that is size appropriate for your dog’s measurements. Consider adjustable straps, quick-release buckles, or Velcro, to ensure a proper fit and freedom of movement.

• Cooling Mechanism: Evaporative cooling vests with breathable fabrics or gel inserts are best for double-coated breeds as they can reach through the thick fur and provide effective cooling.

• Durability & Quality: Choose a cooling vest that’s made from durable, high-quality materials that can withstand outdoor activities and frequent use.

With these factors in mind, we’ll explore the top 3 options for double-coated dogs that meet these criteria.

Top Cooling Vests For Double-Coated Dogs

Here are my top picks for cooling vests that keep double-coated dogs cool and comfortable in hot weather:

1. SGODA Dog Cooling Vest

The SGODA Dog Cooling Vest is a top choice for double-coated breeds due to its exceptional cooling capabilities and thoughtful design.

This evaporative cooling vest features 3 layers of breathable mesh fabric to efficiently absorb and retain water for extended cooling.

It also includes convenient features like a D-ring leash attachment, 3M reflective piping for visibility, and an adjustable design with a zipper, Velcro neck, and drawstring belly for a custom fit.

The SGODA Cooling Vest is super easy to use – simply soak it, wring it out, and let your double-coated pup wear it to stay cool.

2. Kurgo Core Cooling Vest For Dogs

The Kurgo Core Cooling Vest uses evaporative cooling to effectively provide relief on hot days.

Known for their well-made products, Kurgo offers a lifetime warranty on this vest.

It runs smaller on the chest compared to other Kurgo coats, so proper sizing is important.

The Core Vest is one of the lightest on the market and a great option for dogs who don’t like zippers or Velcro, featuring a quick-release adjustable side buckle and a small 2-way zipper.

The 3-layer cooling fabric evaporates water, stores it in the core, and transfers the cooling effect to your dog’s skin.

3. Mora Pets Dog Cooling Vest With Ice Packs

The Mora Pets Dog Cooling Vest combines evaporative cooling and gel-insert cooling to effectively keep double-coated dogs cool, even in hot and humid conditions.

The reusable gel packs provide long-lasting cooling during outdoor activities, addressing the limitations of evaporative-only vests in high humidity.

Made from durable, breathable materials, the vest has adjustable straps for a secure, customized fit and a built-in D-ring for easy leash attachment.

Reflective piping adds visibility, making this vest ideal for active dogs who adventure in various weather.

Alternative Cooling Methods For Double-Coated Dogs

While cooling vests are an effective option, some dogs just aren’t comfortable wearing them.

Thankfully, there are other ways of keeping your double-coated dog cool and comfortable during hot weather. Here are some other options to consider:

• Shaded Areas & Ventilation: Provide shaded spots and well-ventilated areas for your dog to escape direct sunlight and stay cool.

• Avoid Exercising In Extreme Heat: Some days it is best to just stay indoors to avoid the risk of your pup overheating or suffering from heatstroke. Exercise in the early morning or late evening to avoid extreme heat.

• Keep Your Pup Hydrated: Always provide fresh clean water for your pup to drink and stay hydrated.

• Consider A Doggie Pool: There are so many great dog pools on the market to accommodate even the largest of breeds. A dog pool allows your dog to cool off and have some fun.

• Use A Cooling Bed Indoors: Cooling beds come in many different designs, from cooling mats to elevated beds, and even orthopedic beds with cooling gel. They’re a fantastic way to give your pup some cooling relief.

• Grooming & Brushing: Regular grooming and brushing will help to remove any loose hair, prevent matting, and promote better airflow through the coat.

• Provide Frozen Treats: Treat your dog to homemade frozen treats made from dog-friendly ingredients.

• Consider Other Cooling Accessories: Consider using cooling accessories such as cooling bandanas or collars with cooling gel inserts that can provide a refreshing sensation.

FAQs

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about cooling vests for dogs. If you have any more questions, please leave them in the comments below.

1. Are Cooling Vests Suitable For All Double-Coated Dog Breeds?

Yes, cooling vests can be beneficial for most double-coated dog breeds. However, it’s important to consider the specific needs and comfort level of your dog.

Some dogs just won’t tolerate wearing a vest, or any type of clothing for that matter. Therefore, alternative cooling methods may be more suitable.

2. How Long Do Cooling Vests Keep A Double-Coated Dog Cool?

Most cooling vests can provide several hours of cooling relief to your double-coated dog before needing to be recharged or reactivated.

However, the duration of cooling depends on a few factors such as the type and design of the vest, your dog’s activity level, and the ambient temperature.

3. Can A Cooling Vest Be Worn Indoors?

While cooling vests are primarily designed for outdoor use, there are times when they can be beneficial indoors as well.

Cooling vests can be worn indoors to provide your pup with cooling relief, especially when the inside temperature is warm and uncomfortable, or lacking sufficient airflow.

A gel-insert vest may be a better option indoors, as evaporative cooling vests can be damp.

Make sure to prioritize your dog’s comfort and adjust the use of the vest accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Cooling vests can be beneficial for double-coated dogs in providing relief from the heat during outdoor activities.

We looked at two studies that support their effectiveness in lowering body temperature and preventing overheating.

While a dog’s double coat does provide some natural cooling abilities, it may not be sufficient enough in extreme heat.

Cooling vests like evaporative or gel-insert options offer targeted cooling and enhance your dog’s comfort.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that cooling vests do have limitations, and common sense precautions need to be practiced.

Have you tried a cooling vest on your dog? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you!