Why Does Your Dog Need A Cooling Vest?
Human beings are extremely well adapted to regulating our body temperatures. Unfortunately, our little furry friends do not have this advantage. The only way for a dog to sweat is through a small gland located in its paw pad. Another way for them to regulate their core temperature is through panting. If your dog is feeling hot, it will start panting.
While drinking cold water helps, it can only do as much as the bladder can take. The constant need to answer the call of nature can also become troublesome for both the dog and you. Taking in cold water can only do so much.
With a dog cooling vest, you can help your furry companion to stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. When your dog wears it, the heat in its body will get transferred to the vest. The inner surface of the vest closest to their skin has cooling properties to help lower their core temperature and make them feel better.
Different vests use different mechanisms to perform their cooling action and the most common method is evaporation. You shouldn’t really stress much over the mechanism, except that there are some methods that are more effective in humid areas. What is most important is the fact that they help to keep your dog’s body temperature at a moderate level.
Heat Exhaustion Is Common In Dogs
Hyperthermia (heat exhaustion) is a common problem in dogs. The thick coat of fur on their body traps in layers of air right next to their skin, keeping them warm and cozy during the cold winters. However, it also means they cannot get rid of the heat during hot days when they need to.
Cooling Down Your Dog
It’s actually quite easy to cool down your dog. The thick coat of fur traps the heat emitted from their body. It can be difficult to cool their body temperatures once your pooch over-heats. Even transferring them to a cooler environment will not help.
This is why it is very important for you to prevent your body from getting overheated. Getting a dog cooling vest is an easy option to keep your dog cool during those summer months.
How Dogs Regulate Their Temperature?
Contrary to what you hear, dogs do sweat. But it’s not through the skin like us humans. They sweat from merocrine sweat glands found in their paw pads which, unfortunately, aren’t very efficient.
They also cool their body by panting. That’s why dogs pant a lot on hot days. When they pant, the moisture in their tongues and mouth evaporates and it cools down the temperature in their body.
The blood vessels around their face and ears also expand (a process called vasodilation). It helps to bring the blood to the surface of their body. However, these methods are very limited in cooling their bodies and hence dogs tend to overheat real fast.
Dangers Of Overheating
Overheating is a serious problem in dogs and can be fatal. If your dog is suffering a heat stroke, you will notice heavy panting, excessive drooling, red gums, irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, and even seizures. They will eventually lose their consciousness. If this happens, make sure to cool their body immediately and take them to the nearest veterinary treatment facility center.
What To Look For When Buying A Dog Cooling Vest?
Picking out the right dog cooling vest is very important to keep your dog cool and comfortable while preventing a possible heat stroke. Most dog owners use it for outdoor activities like trail runs or during walks but it can also be a great accompaniment for dogs with dark coats during summers.
Most of these cooling vests are based on the mechanism of evaporation. Evaporative cooling takes away the heat from the core of the dog's body as the moisture drys up, generating a cooling effect to keep your dog's body temperature in check. Most of them also have a water-repellent inner layer so that it doesn’t get your dog all soaked up in the water.
To help you find the perfect pick for your furry friend, consider these key elements.
Material
Essentially, a tougher outer layer is ideal. Most of the inner layers are made of cotton for high water retention. You will also find specialty materials for specific purposes. The inner layer is very important because it needs to be water repellent to ensure your dog stays dry and comfortable.
Coverage
Make sure the cool vest covers your dog’s entire torso. This will keep their internal organs cool. Choosing the right size is tricky especially if you are shopping online. Breeds like bulldogs will find a better fit in cooling collars while average dogs will find ample coverage with different cooling vest varieties.
Fitting
If the vest is too tight, your dog will be uncomfortable. If it’s too loose, your dog will not benefit from the cooling effects. Most of the vests provide a wide variety of sizes. Instead of just guessing, get a tailor’s tape and measure your dog especially around the chest.
Extra Features
Depending on what you need, extra features can be really helpful. A ring to attach the dog leash, for instance, can be really handy if you take your dog out for walks.
Additional Summer Safety Tips For Your Dog
Cooling vests can help cool down your dog’s core temperature but they won’t completely take away the heat.
Here are a few guidelines to keep your four-legged friend safe when the mercury soars.
Stay Out Of The Sun As Much As Possible
When you go out, try and stay in the shade as much as possible. Besides protecting your dog from the sun’s direct heat, you will also protect their paws from hot pavements.
Keep Your Pooch Hydrated
Try and make your dog drink every 15-30 minutes, depending on their level of activity. Water foundations tend to break so carry a water bottle filled with cold water and a water dish wherever you go.
Dial Down the Activity When the Temperatures Soar
Excessive activity will increase the core temperature in your dog. Ease back on the Frisbee and all the running around.
Take Breaks
Your dog may be able to walk for several miles when it’s cooler but remember to take breaks and rest in the shade on hot summer days. Give them time to pant by making a stop every 15 minutes.
Use Canine Sunscreen
If your dog has thin fur or a light-colored coat, apply some canine sunscreen when going out. Dogs get sunburned too.
Hit the Pool
Another way to help your dog stay refreshed is by taking a dip in the pool. Cooling vests are great but having a dip in the pool every now and then can take the lethargy out of hot summer days. If you don’t have a backyard pool, buy a dog-friendly pool and let your pup have fun when it’s sweltering outside.
Hyperthermia is a serious medical condition common in dogs. If you live in a hot climatic region, you simply must invest in a dog cooling vest.
Related: Best Dog Pool
