Home -> Our dog accessories comparisons -> The top 5 fresh accessories for dogs
The cooling jacket for dogs: what is it?
La cooling jacket for dog is a coat for dogs capable of cooling them on hot summer days. The freshness jacket for dogs is an essential accessory to avoid heatstroke, which can be fatal to dogs. Sick, senior or slightly plump dogs will greatly appreciate this aid which will allow them to maintain their body temperature at the right temperature. Gadget or real Must Have the cooling jacket for dogs?
Personally, it's my ally for hikes or walks with my dog when it's hot. Be careful, I never go during the hottest hours, but in the south of France, it can be 21 p.m. and still be 28 degrees! It's still very very hot for a dog. So my dog puts on his freshness vest and off we go!
How it works ? The cooling jacket for dogs is put on like a coat and therefore covers the dog's back and abdomen, where their vital organs are. The cooling coat for dogs is first and foremost an anti-UV barrier. It is made up of several layers that absorb water which helps to activate the cooling effect with an evaporative cooling system. Indeed, the freshness jacket for dogs works “simply” by watering it. Before going for a walk, I immerse it in water and I put it on my dog. And on a walk, I wet it regularly with my water bottle. I didn't really believe in the usefulness of this jacket except that when I pass my hand between my dog and the jacket, it's really cool! That works !! Musher loves it!
Don't forget to hang it on the washing line when you get back from a walk so that it dries properly otherwise it will quickly schlinguer!
In this section:
Before starting, I want to tell you that this comparison was not paid for by a partner. These are only products that I have tested with my dog. Originally from Brittany, when I moved near Montpellier with my dog, I had to find a way to cool it down to help it withstand the strong southern heat. I tested a lot of cool jackets for dogs, cool mats and other refreshing accessories for dogs since Musher was not lucky enough to have his private pool like the doggies in this video 😉 If you like this article, go through the links in the article to buy your freshness jacket so that I will be “a little” paid by the sites that sell these products 
Top 10 accessories freshness
Here are the 10 dog life jackets we compared:
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How to choose the best freshness accessory for my dog?
There are many dog freshness accessories. Find here the best cool jackets for dogs on the market. Discover reviews from testers and our comparison. When I arrived in the south of France with my dog, I quickly noticed that Musher had a lot of trouble dealing with the heat. The first summer we spent near Montpellier, we had no air conditioning, she spent the summer panting on the tiles, going back and forth in her swimming pool for dogs.
I looked for how I could bring him a maximum of freshness and comfort and I discovered many freshness accessories for dogs: cooling jackets for dogs, cool bandanas, toys you can put in the freezer for moments of “frozen” games, dog pool, cool mat for dogs, refreshing mattress...
To choose the best freshness accessory for your dog, you have to ask yourself when you are going to use it? Ride ? Your house ? By car ? On holiday ? And identify your dog's needs: if he likes water, he'll love having a swimming pool for dogs just for him, for example, if he doesn't like being wet, the cool mat for dogsn will be perfect for him.
To be able to walk your dog when it's hot, the cooling vest for dogs is perfect. Musher puts it on for all his walks in the summer. I put the vest on her and then I make her bathe in her swimming pool for dogs. That way it leaves wet and so does the fresh vest. And as the walk progresses, I re-wet my dog's refreshing jacket. Personally, I adopted for the cooling jacket and not for the harness, because I find that the harness, or even a bandana, does not cover the dog enough to really bring him freshness. I find it rather gimmicky at the moment.
To refresh your dog in your house, in your mobile home or in the car, the cooling mat is great. Just put it down and the dog only has to sit on it to immediately feel a cooling effect. Be careful, do not leave it in your car. I made the mistake once and when Musher jumped in the trunk to get settled she screamed, the carpet was hot. You can install it on the way out of your house, but it won't work if it's in your car in the middle of a dodge. And if you want to know everything, I even bought myself one for myself. I fall asleep on it when it's 26 at night in the house. Foot ! There are two types of cooling mats: the one that works like the cooling jacket for dogs so you have to get it wet and the mat that activates on its own without a drop of water. I opted for the second model, it avoids “ruining” my house with water everywhere…
And Musher is also a big fan of dog ice cream. Besides, if you want to discover his favorite recipes, discover the article 5 freshness tips for your dog.
The opinion of Musher and Sophie: - " Clearly it's our number 1! Musher has been using it for several years and it is perfect. She is part of all our summer adventures! “
La Swamp Cooler Dog Cooling Jacket from Ruffwear is my favourite. This is the one I tested first for my dog. It is a reference in the matter. Like all dog accessories from Ruffwear that I have been able to test, the Swamp Cooler jacket keeps all its promises. It is very covering which allows a maximum freshness effect. Musher is a black Labrador so poor thing she attracts the sun even more and overheats all the more quickly. This jacket considerably reduces its exposure to the sun. How do you activate the freshness effect? By wetting the jacket regularly! With the heat, the water ends up evaporating and the cooling effect disappears. When you go for a walk, you have to remember to take water to drink and to water the jacket 😉
On the other hand, it is gray and on a black dog, it is not tiptop. And as soon as Musher rolls around in the grass, which she loves to do on a hike, the jacket is quickly filthy. The freshness effect is there and what I'm looking for for my dog, but the visual effect on the photos is quite catastrophic. But a jet on arrival and the jacket becomes clean again. Or a quick trip to the washing machine.
Technical specifications
- cooling jacket for dogs
- 2 ties under the belly with size adjustment
- suitable for large dogs
- does not replace a harness or a collar, no attachment for the leash or lanyard
- color: gray with reflective strips on each side
Musher & Sophie's note: 
Strong points :
- a real freshness effect
- quick and convenient to put on the dog
- not embarrassing for the dog
Weak points :
- only exists in gray
- messy, but easily washable
- stinks if not dried properly
- if it is not well wet, it serves as a blanket for your dog and he overheats even more!
The opinion of Musher and Sophie: - “It's a little news at Ruffwear and it's valid! The Swamp Cooler ⬆ jacket is great but it only goes with a collar. This is a super practical 2-in-1! “
Ruffwear's technical teams worked well because the harness has less coverage than the jacket, so the cooling effect is positioned under the abdomen to cool the dog's vital organs when it's hot or during an activity session.
Technical specifications
- cooling harness with special loop leash on top
- keeps your dog cool on hot summer days or during strenuous physical activity
- harness 2 adjustable fasteners under the dog's abdomen
- ripstop fabric
- evaporative cooling
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- “sport” cut adapted to sports practice
- light and
- exists in 4 colors
- real freshness effect
Weak points :
- it must be wet regularly to recharge it with water
#3 Cooling Pet Jacket - Aqua CoolKeeper: Good value for money
The Aqua CoolKeeper cooling jacket is perfect for cooling your dog at home. Ruffwear cool coats or cool vests for dogs are more expensive, but they are suitable for sports such as hiking. They are more versatile.
If you are looking to refresh your dog at home or in your mobile home on vacation, for example, the cooling jacket for dogs Aqua Cool Keeper will be sufficient.
The Aqua CoolKeeper cooling jacket works thanks to the HydroQuartz cooling gel present in the padding of the jacket. The gel absorbs body heat, and evacuates it through a process of evaporation. The gel is activated by immersing the jacket in water. The jacket stays fresh for 5 days according to the brand. Personally, I don't leave the jacket on my dog for more than a few hours. And with each use, I re-wet it, to tell the truth.
That's not the type of material I use; I do a lot of hiking with my dog so I am looking for much more technical equipment for my dog.
Technical specifications
- adjustment with straps on each side of the jacket
- color : Blue
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- very covering for a maximum freshness effect
- does the job of cooling the dog indoors
Weak points :
- heavy when wet
- difficult to wring out to avoid getting water all over the house
I have not yet tested the other models available on the market. It must be said that these 3 kept their promises so I didn't look any further. As soon as I have tested others with my dog, I will update this comparison of cooling jackets for dogs, W'ouf race!
#4 "Bubbles" refreshing mat - Trixie: the one I stole from my dog!!
The cooling mat for dogs from Trixie is a top accessory. It's super easy to use because it doesn't require water. The cooling effect is activated when the dog lies on it. The cooling effect has a limited duration. Each time your dog lies down on his mat again, he will find this cooling effect. As I told you before, I also use this carpet for me. When it's very hot in the summer, I put it in my bed and lie on it. It allows me to cool down while I fall asleep. So I approve!
Musher had a hard time adopting her at first because she usually sleeps in a big donut. But I placed it in and since then it also validates.
The somewhat plastic appearance of the rug scared me a bit at first, but the freshness effect is there and it is, therefore, super easy to clean. One wipe and it's like new.
Technical specifications
- freshness carpet
- color: blue with bubbles
- exists in 3 sizes, from small dog to large dog
- washes easily
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- easy to take and install anywhere
- the color with the bubbles (it can also be a weak point if you don't like !)
Weak points :
- stops at size L, an XL size for large dogs would be more suitable!
- Above all, do not leave your car in the summer otherwise it will become very hot; it must be reinstalled each trip
I stop there in the comparison of freshness accessories. I won't talk about cooling bandanas or cooling harnesses, because I find that rather gimmicky.
Expert advice
Canine education: essential for all activities with your dog:
An educated dog is a dog with whom you can share many activities and go on vacation serenely. I dare ask you the annoying question? : -“How is walking on a leash with your dog?” If your dog pulls like crazy it's time to revise his education, right? I therefore advise you to revise some educational fundamentals before setting off on an adventure together.
For further :
Heat stroke in dogs : Do you know what this is ? What are the risks for your dog? How to avoid heat stroke?
Dog cooling jackets and dog cooling mats are great, but how about a real cooling break by the lake? I recommend the articles Top 10 of the most beautiful lakes in France to discover with your dog or Top 10 of the most beautiful rivers in France or top 10 of the most beautiful dog-friendly beaches ou The best dog-friendly waterfront accommodation
Are you looking for a refreshing activity to do with your dog? Discover it top 5 water activities to share with your dog this summer.
Does your dog not like water very much? I recommend visiting a cave: he will love to cool down during the visit. Which caves to visit with your dog?
