Keep your dog cool with a vest
While warm weather months bring ample opportunity for outdoor adventure, they also bring the hazard of heat. Dogs, like humans, are vulnerable to heat stroke and sun poisoning when spending time outdoors in summer weather. Depending on your dog’s origin and breed, he may even be more sensitive to the heat than you. When spending time in the summer sun with your dog, be sure to keep a careful watch on his condition. Luckily, you have options for keeping your dog more comfortable in extreme heat. Invest in a cooling vest to make summer more enjoyable for your canine friend.
There are a variety of cooling vests available today. Perhaps the most popular consists of three layers. The middle layer most significantly contains water. Some vests contain the liquid in compartments similar to an ice pack. Others use fresh water in a water-bottle like set-up. As the dog becomes warm, the water evaporates along with the dog’s heat through the top layer. The bottom layer works to keep your dog cool and dry throughout the process. After a couple of hours, either re-fill the middle compartment, or stick it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, depending on the version of the vest that you own.
Remember to use caution and care when outfitting your dog in a cooling vest. Be sure to choose the appropriate size for your dog. A too tight or too large vest will cause more discomfort for your dog than it will do good. For the best results, check with your veterinarian before using a vest on your dog. Some dogs in compromised health, or some very elderly dogs, may not be equipped to handle the effects of the vest. Do not place the vest on an already over-heated dog; you may send him into shock. Likewise, avoid freezing the vest or putting ice-cold water inside of it. Shocking your dog’s body will only do harm.
Most importantly, always provide your dog with plenty of fresh water, even if he is wearing the cooling vest. Keep your dog out of direct sunlight if possible, and keep him in a cooler, even air-conditioned, house during extreme heat.
