Back on Track Cool on Track Cooling Dog Coat

An evaporative cooling coat with a mesh outer shell that fastens around the chest and belly with hook and loop straps, so nothing goes over the head.

Who it suits

Head-shy dogs that dislike things pulled over the head, on hot walks where you can re-soak the coat.

Key facts

• Soak it, squeeze out the excess water and put it on; cools as the water evaporates, with no freezer needed (Back on Track)
• Adjustable hook and loop closures; can also be used as a cooling blanket (Back on Track)
• Do not put another coat over it; the breathable mesh shell is part of how it cools (Back on Track)
• Hand wash only and keep it moist; do not fold or bend it when dry, as the lining can crack (Back on Track)

What reviewers say

Treeline Review: Its best affordable vest: in its sun test it brought the tester dog’s surface temperature down by over 70 degrees. Easy on and off for head-shy dogs; the lining soaks up a lot of water, so it needs more wringing out and was slowest to dry, the mesh is not the most durable, and it goes stiff when dry.

We did not test it ourselves.

Pros

• Nothing goes over the head
• Cooled well in Treeline Review’s test
• Light

Cons

• Slow to dry and needs a good wring out
• Stiff and fragile when dry
• Hand wash only

Good to know

• A cooling vest does not prevent heatstroke. If your dog shows signs of overheating, stop, cool them with cool (not cold) water and contact a vet straight away.
• Follow the maker’s storage instructions so the lining does not crack.