Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Cooling Vest

An evaporative cooling vest: you soak it, wring it out and put it on, and as the water evaporates it draws heat away. The outer layer also shades the back.

Who it suits

Medium to large, longer-bodied dogs on hikes and long walks in hot, dry weather, with water on hand to re-soak it.

Key facts

• Three layers: a wicking outer layer that reflects heat and is rated UPF 50+, an absorbent middle layer that stores water, and a mesh lining (Ruffwear)
• Side-release buckles for putting it on and off; leash portal on the back for most harnesses (Ruffwear)
• Reflective trim and a light loop for a clip-on light (Ruffwear)
• Sized by girth around the widest part of the rib cage; wash cold on a gentle cycle and air dry (Ruffwear)

What reviewers say

Treeline Review: Its best vest for large dogs: in its sun test it cut the tester dog’s surface temperature from 172 to 91.5 degrees in three minutes, the second best result, and it dried at a middling pace. It found the vest a bit bulky and stiff, and the long back can shift when a dog runs.

Rover: Its reviewer’s dog wore it at home on 100+ degree days and on a two-day, fifteen mile hike: he panted less, it did not chafe, held up to brush and washed clean. Rover notes it needs water to re-soak and works less well in very humid weather.

We did not test it ourselves.

Pros

• Strong cooling in Treeline Review’s test
• Long back coverage for bigger dogs
• Reflective trim, UPF 50+ outer (maker)

Cons

• A bit bulky and stiff, per Treeline Review
• Can shift on a running dog
• Less effective in humid weather

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.
• A harness worn under the vest reduces how much of it touches your dog, per Treeline Review.