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10 Best Cooling Vest For Dogs 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ruffwear, Swamp Cooler Dog Vest, Evaporative Cooling for Hot Weather, Compatible with Most Harnesses, Sage Green, X-Large

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,214
Cooling Mechanism
Fit and Size
Ease of Use

Most important from
134 reviews

Cooling Mechanism
The cooling mechanism of the vest works exceptionally well, even for dogs with double coats.
Fit and Size
The vest fits perfectly on smaller breeds like dachshunds, providing significant relief from the sun.
Ease of Use
It's easy to activate by simply soaking it in water, and it stays wet for up to an hour in the summer heat.

The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest is designed to keep your dog cool during hot weather activities like hiking and camping. The vest uses an evaporative cooling mechanism; simply soak it in water before use. This is practical and straightforward, making it easy to activate. The external air mesh is durable and absorbs water effectively, ensuring longer cooling. The vest also offers UPF 50+ sun protection, which is a bonus for sunny days.

Made from polyester, the vest is lightweight and features side-release buckles for easy wear and removal. It also has an inner mesh lining to keep your dog comfortable and dry. The vest’s design is compatible with most harnesses, including Ruffwear's own Front Range, Hi & Light, and Web Master harnesses, which is convenient if your dog already uses one of these.

However, the vest might not offer a snug fit for all dogs, especially those with unique body shapes, despite it being available in various sizes. The vest's coverage might also be insufficient for very large dogs, potentially leaving some areas exposed to the sun. Hand-washing can be seen as an inconvenience for some pet owners who prefer machine-washable items. Reflective elements are not mentioned, which means it might not be the best choice for nighttime use.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,214
Cooling Mechanism
Fit and Size
Ease of Use

Most important from
134 reviews

Cooling Mechanism
The cooling mechanism of the vest works exceptionally well, even for dogs with double coats.
Fit and Size
The vest fits perfectly on smaller breeds like dachshunds, providing significant relief from the sun.
Ease of Use
It's easy to activate by simply soaking it in water, and it stays wet for up to an hour in the summer heat.
#2

SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket Grey Orange Medium

Rating
9.6
Cooling Mechanism
Fit and Size
Ease of Use

Most important from
2127 reviews

Cooling Mechanism
The cooling vest is a game-changer for keeping dogs comfortable on hot walks, noticeably reducing panting and overheating.
Fit and Size
Perfect fit for large dogs, with adjustable sizing ensuring no slipping or discomfort.
Ease of Use
Simple to use – just soak, wring out, and put it on for immediate cooling relief.
Coverage
Essential for high-energy dogs in extreme heat, making long walks possible even in desert-like conditions.
Reflective Elements
The vest's light color and bright edging improve visibility, adding a safety feature for walks.

The SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket in Grey and Orange is a solid choice for dog owners looking to keep their pets cool in hot weather. It uses a three-layer cooling fabric that involves soaking the vest in cold water, wringing it out, and putting it on your dog. This evaporative cooling mechanism is effective and provides a noticeable temperature drop, aided by the mesh material and absorbent cotton layers. The material is soft and lightweight, ensuring your dog can move freely, which is great for active breeds. Additionally, it offers UV protection to prevent sunburn, making it doubly useful on sunny days.

The vest has a zinc-alloy D-ring for leash attachment, which helps ensure control without pulling, and the zipper and velcro provide adjustable sizing for a comfortable fit. Reflective elements on the vest enhance visibility, increasing safety during walks in low-light conditions. However, some users may find the process of soaking and wringing out the vest cumbersome, especially when on the go. Fit is another point to be mindful of; while the vest is adjustable, it’s important to measure your dog's chest accurately to avoid sizing issues.

The vest’s cooling effect might not last very long in extremely hot and dry conditions, requiring frequent re-soaking. It works well for medium-sized breeds and offers a good balance of cooling efficiency, comfort, and safety features.

Rating
9.6
Cooling Mechanism
Fit and Size
Ease of Use

Most important from
2127 reviews

Cooling Mechanism
The cooling vest is a game-changer for keeping dogs comfortable on hot walks, noticeably reducing panting and overheating.
Fit and Size
Perfect fit for large dogs, with adjustable sizing ensuring no slipping or discomfort.
Ease of Use
Simple to use – just soak, wring out, and put it on for immediate cooling relief.
Coverage
Essential for high-energy dogs in extreme heat, making long walks possible even in desert-like conditions.
Reflective Elements
The vest's light color and bright edging improve visibility, adding a safety feature for walks.
#3

DOGZSTUFF Dog Cooling Vest. Lightweight Jacket with Evaporative Cool Microfiber Technology, UV Protection Shirt for Beach, Sizing for Small, Medium and Large Dogs (XL, Dark Blue)

Rating
9.4
Cooling Mechanism
Material
Fit and Size

Most important from
1452 reviews

Cooling Mechanism
In the sweltering heat, this vest is a must-have for keeping dogs cool, reducing the need for panting even in temperatures over 100 degrees.
Material
Its lightweight and breathable design ensures dogs stay comfortable without overheating, although it comes at a higher price point.
Fit and Size
The vest fits well and is easy to put on, making it a convenient option for various dog breeds and sizes.
Ease of Use
The vest is easy to use: soak, wring out, and put it on your dog. For an extra chill, you can even pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

The DOGZSTUFF Dog Cooling Vest employs an evaporative cooling mechanism using unique microfiber fabric, which effectively absorbs and draws out excess heat to keep your dog cool. This vest is made from soft, breathable, and non-irritant microfiber material that is comfortable for dogs and also provides UV protection, making it ideal for summer outings. The vest covers both the dog's back and chest, ensuring comprehensive cooling and sun protection.

It comes in various sizes from XS to XL, catering to small, medium, and large breeds, and is easily adjustable to fit different body shapes. The dark blue color and stylish design add an attractive touch while keeping your dog safe from the sun's harmful rays. Additionally, the vest is easy to use—simply soak, wring out, and put it on your dog—and it is machine washable for convenience.

Weighing just 3.87 ounces, it is lightweight and won't burden your dog during activities such as hiking, walking, or beach trips. However, it should be noted that the vest may need to be re-wetted during long outings to maintain its cooling effect. Its lightweight, sun-protective, and comfortable design makes it a useful product for keeping dogs cool and safe during outdoor activities.

Rating
9.4
Cooling Mechanism
Material
Fit and Size

Most important from
1452 reviews

Cooling Mechanism
In the sweltering heat, this vest is a must-have for keeping dogs cool, reducing the need for panting even in temperatures over 100 degrees.
Material
Its lightweight and breathable design ensures dogs stay comfortable without overheating, although it comes at a higher price point.
Fit and Size
The vest fits well and is easy to put on, making it a convenient option for various dog breeds and sizes.
Ease of Use
The vest is easy to use: soak, wring out, and put it on your dog. For an extra chill, you can even pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Buying Guide for the Best Cooling Vest For Dogs

Choosing the right cooling vest for your dog can make a significant difference in their comfort and safety during hot weather. Cooling vests help regulate your dog's body temperature, preventing overheating and heatstroke. When selecting a cooling vest, consider your dog's size, activity level, and the typical weather conditions you encounter. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Cooling MechanismThe cooling mechanism is how the vest keeps your dog cool. There are different types, such as evaporative cooling, which uses water to cool the dog as it evaporates, and ice pack vests, which use frozen gel packs. Evaporative cooling vests are lightweight and easy to use, making them suitable for everyday walks and moderate activities. Ice pack vests provide more intense cooling and are ideal for very hot conditions or high-energy activities. Choose the mechanism based on your dog's activity level and the severity of the heat.
MaterialThe material of the cooling vest affects its durability, comfort, and effectiveness. Look for vests made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow for good air circulation. Materials like mesh or microfiber are common and effective. Ensure the material is also durable enough to withstand your dog's activities. If your dog is very active or tends to chew on things, a more robust material might be necessary. Comfort is key, so make sure the material is soft and non-irritating to your dog's skin.
Fit and SizeA proper fit is crucial for the cooling vest to work effectively. Measure your dog's chest, neck, and length to find the right size. Most manufacturers provide sizing charts to help you choose. The vest should fit snugly but not be too tight, allowing for some movement and comfort. Adjustable straps or buckles can help achieve a better fit. If the vest is too loose, it won't cool efficiently; if it's too tight, it could restrict movement and cause discomfort. Consider your dog's breed and body shape when selecting the size.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how simple it is to put on, take off, and maintain the cooling vest. Look for vests with easy-to-use closures like Velcro, zippers, or buckles. The vest should be easy to put on and take off, especially if your dog is not very patient. Additionally, consider how easy it is to clean the vest. Some vests are machine washable, while others may require hand washing. A vest that is easy to clean will be more convenient and hygienic for regular use.
CoverageCoverage refers to how much of your dog's body the vest covers. More coverage generally means better cooling, but it can also affect mobility. Full-body vests provide maximum cooling but may be more restrictive, while partial vests cover the chest and back, offering a balance between cooling and freedom of movement. Consider your dog's activity level and the typical weather conditions. For very hot climates or high-energy dogs, more coverage might be beneficial. For moderate temperatures or less active dogs, partial coverage may suffice.
Reflective ElementsReflective elements are important for visibility and safety, especially if you walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening. Reflective strips or patches on the vest can make your dog more visible to drivers and other pedestrians. This is particularly important in low-light conditions. If you often walk your dog during these times, look for a vest with good reflective features to ensure your dog's safety.

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