WHAT DOES A DOG WEAR WHEN IT IS HOT?
Summer is a great time to play and bond with your dog over outdoor activities. However, while summers are mostly fun, they can be hazardous for dogs. During summer, pavements made from asphalt and cement can get hot enough to fry an egg; enough to burn a dog’s paws. Dogs are also more prone to heatstroke than humans. So, what does a dog wear when it is hot?
Unlike humans whose skin cools itself via perspiration, dog fur has no cooling mechanism. The most they can do to cool themselves is pant; which is not always effective. Pet parents can adopt care tips like going out when the sun is least hot, walking on grass instead of pavements, or walking under shade. However, these options may not always be practical.
The best thing you can do for your fur baby during summer is to get them cool (pun intended) protective gear. Such protective gear will help protect your dogs, particularly the paws and skin, from the effects of extreme heat. Check out our dog hot weather essentials starter pack. The products have been rated by practicality, features, and user experience.
TOP PROTECTIVE ITEMS A DOG SHOULD WEAR IN HOT WEATHER
1. DOGGIE BOOTS
Doggie boots protect a dog’s feet from the hazardously hot pavements during summer. Below are two top-rated doggie boots in the market.
QUMY Dog Boot Shoes
Size: 2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8
Product Weight: 4 Ounces
Colors: Black, Red
Best Use: Medium and large dog breeds
Key Features
- Anti-slip pig leather interior
- Adjustable Velcro straps
- Thick rubber anti-slip sole
- Waterproof
QUMY dog boots will protect your dog’s tender paws from smoldering surfaces, rocks, and thorns in the summer. They are made from neoproprne-like material that is breathable hence ideal for hot weather.
The doggie boots also have adjustable Velcro straps for a snug fit as well as thick anti-slip soles that measure up against any terrain.
With these dog boots, your dog’s only choice won’t be to curl up in the house and hide from the heat. Whether it is hiking, jogging, or just running errands on a hot summer day, take your fur baby along with you confident that hot pavements won’t hurt them.
Pros
- Durable; high-quality material
- Superb stitching
- Easy to put on and take off
- Good traction
- Can be used in summer and winter
Cons
- Few complaints about sizing
Best alternative dog boot on Chewy: Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots
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Bark Brite All Weather Paw Protector Dog Boots
Size: Small, Medium, Large, XL and XXL
Product Weight: 7.2 Ounces
Color: Black
Best Use: Dogs of all sizes
Key Features
- Breathable neopropene
- Rubber sole with treads
- 2 Adjustable elastic reflective straps
- 5-inch back slit
- Heel guard
The manufacturer of Bark Brite dog boots takes pride in creating innovative designs that protect your dog and improve your outdoor summer adventures.
The dog boots are made from breathable neopropene material. The neopropene is flexible and expandable hence the boots accommodate your dog’s paws expansion.
The boots are designed in such a way that they conform to your dog’s paw natural shape. They are also lined inside for sweat absorption.
These boots are water-resistant and puncture-resistant. Your dog will be comfortable undertaking any outdoor activity on a hot day; from running to hiking.
Pros
- Breathable and comfy
- All-weather use
- Easy to put on and take off
- Size recommended by breed
- Reflective straps for security
Cons
- A few fitting issues
Best alternative dog boot on Chewy: Frisco Anti-slip Waterproof Dog Boots
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2. DOG COOLING VESTS
Dog cooling vests or jackets mimic the human skin’s function of keeping the body cool through sweating. They will keep your dog cool on the hottest summer day. Check out the best-rated dog cooling vets in the market below.
SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket
Size: XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large
Product Weight: 4 Ounces
Colors: Grey with Green and Grey with Orange
Best Use: Dogs of all sizes
Key Features
- 3-layer cooling fabric
- Zinc-alloy D-ring
- Double zipper
- Adjustable Velcro
- Adjustable inside rope
The SGODA dog cooling vest protects your dog from both extreme heat as well as damage caused by UV rays. It applies the evaporative cooling principle for the former application and functions like a parasol for the later.
For the cooling mechanism, the vest features a three-layer cooling fabric. Just soak the vest in cold water, wring it dry, then put it on your dog and it will work its magic.
Not magic really, what happens is that the cooling vest lowers your dog’s skin temperature causing the formation of water droplets. The droplets are then wicked out from the jacket’s surface and into its cotton mid-section while a mesh section scatters the cool-ice feel throughout the surface in contact with the dog’s body.
The cooling jacket also works like a parasol as the grey color reflects heat away from your dog’s body minimizing its absorption.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Does not constrict the dog’s body movement even when wet
- Adjustable; Velcro straps for adjusting around the neck and elastic string for adjusting around the abdomen
- Comfortable and breathable
- No-pull dog harness
Cons
- Some small dogs get caught in the underbelly draw sting
Best alternative dog cooling vest on Chewy: Cool Pup Reflective Dog Cooling Vest
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RUFFWEAR – Jet Stream Vest
Size: XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium and Large, X-Large
Product Weight: 2.4 Ounces
Color: Blue Lagoon and Salamander Orange
Best Use: Small to medium dogs
Key Features
- 3-layer construction
- Stretchy top panel
- Zip closure
- Reflective trim
In extremely hot weather, dogs can get heatstroke just from rigorous exercise. If you have a hyperactive dog or if you are an outdoor enthusiast who likes to take your dog on high-intensity adventures, this dog cooling vest will come in handy.
The cooling vest features shade-providing spandex on the backside and a three-layer evaporating chest panel on the tummy side.
To use it, oak the cooling vest in water, wring it out, put it on your dog, and your dog will be ready to brave the summer heat.
The cooling vest also has a zipper closure provides a high-performance fit for your dog which is ideal for movement even during high activity.
Pros
- Offers dog maximum shade
- Comfortable
- Spandex backside for adjustable fitting
- Easy to take on and off
- Machine washable
Cons
- The zipper closure design is not adjustable enough to fit all dog breeds.
Best alternative dog cooling vest on Chewy: US Army Dog Cooling Vest
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3. PAW WAX
If your dog cannot stand doggie boots try paw wax. Paw wax forms a protective film on your dog’s paws. Below are two of the best paw waxes in the market.
Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax
Size: 60-Gram, 7 Ounces, and 16 Ounces,
Best Use: Dogs of all sizes
Key Features
- 100% food-grade waxes and oils
As vital as doggie boots are, some dogs just do not take to them. They will either chew them, tear them, remove them, or walk funny.
If your dog cannot stand dog boots, then Musher’s Secret paw wax is a favorable alternative. The wax creates an invisible breathable boot that protects the paws from hot sand and pavements.
It is also semi-permeable allowing for perspiration from your dog’s paws to trickle out. No worrying about the boot size, no wrestling with your dog to get boots on, no toenails piercing through dog boots; just apply and forget.
The manufacturer recommends applying the wax on your dog’s paws two-three times a week.
Pros
- No issues of dog boots coming in the wrong size
- Low maintenance
- Contains essential oils that soothe your dog’s paws as the wax offers protection
- Non-allergic
- Non-staining
Cons
- No traction hence slippery on floors
- A bit pricey
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Natural Dog Company – PawTection – Protects Dog’s Paw Pads
Size: 1 OZ, 2 OZ, and 4 OZ
Best Use: Dogs of all sizes
Key Features
- Natural organic vegan ingredients; Mango butter, Rice bran oil, Sunflower oil, Ylang Ylang essential oil, natural vitamin E, carnauba wax, and rosemary extract
The PawTection balm creates a nourishing wax barrier that soothes the paws while protecting them from hot surfaces. In the summer, hot surfaces like pavement, rocks, and gravel can burn a dog’s surface causing extreme damage and painful sores.
The PawTection balm also helps rejuvenate rough, scratchy, and chapped paws. It also helps reduce the effects of allergens like grass on a dog.
All you have to do is wipe your dog’s paws before application then gently apply the wax and allow it to dry. The manufacturer recommends applying the wax before bedtime.
Pros
- No maintenance required
- Rejuvenated dog paws and heals wounds as well
- Rich in natural organic ingredients
- Does not trigger allergies
Cons
- Slippery on floors
Best alternative paw protection gel on Chewy: Musher’s Paw Protection Wax
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4. PAW PADS
Just like paw wax, paw pads protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces.
Mihachi Dog Paw Pads Pet Protection Anti-slip Traction Pad
Size: L, XL, XXL
Product Weight: 2.7 Ounces
Color: Black
Best Use: Large dog breeds
Key Features
- Anti-slip silicone traction pad
- Breathable cloth
- Sticky adhesive
Mihachi dog paw pads are another great alternative for protecting your dog’s paws against scalding surfaces and injury.
The top surface of the dog pads contains a non-toxic adhesive substance that sticks to a dog’s paws. They also feature a breathable cloth that absorbs sweat on a hot day.
The bottom of the paw pads also have anti-slip silicone pads that enable a dog to walk comfortably even in rugged terrain. If you haven’t had any luck with dog boots yet, consider these adhesive paw pads.
Each pack of Mihachi paw pads contains a set of 12 pads and a total of 48 pieces. The paw pads are disposable and not harmful to the environment.
Pros
- Easy to put on dog’s paws
- No maintenance
- Breathable
- Comfortable; fits better than some dog boots
- Good traction
5. COOLING COLLARS
Just like cooling vests, cooling collars help reduce heat stress on your dog.
Novel Brands K9 Chill Dog Cooling Collar
Size: Small, Medium, Large and X-Large
Product Weight: 2.08 Ounces
Color: Blue
Best Use: Small and medium-sized dogs
Key Features
- Breathable lightweight material
- Leash hole
Dogs need plenty of help to regulate their temperature during hot weather. A cooling collar is among several hot weather essentials for dogs.
The K9 Chill Dog cooling collar is among the best in the market. It is made using a unique blend of materials that have a retention capacity way higher than an ordinary sponge.
The cooling collar is also simple to use; just moisten it with some water and place it on your dog’s collar. The collar’s fabric is lightweight hence does not burden your dog even when wet.
It is also breathable for extra comfort.
K9 Chill collars are designed to protect your dog from fatigue, overheating, and heat stress.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Simple design; easy to put on and take off
- Comfy
- Stays cool for hours
Cons
- Complaints about the stitching
CONCLUSION
While summers are fun for us, they can be dangerous for dogs. Extreme heat can cause sunburns, fatigue, overheating, heat stress, and even heat stroke among dogs.
Hot walking surfaces can also cause painful sores on a dog’s paws.
Fortunately, there are a couple of essentials a pet parent can buy to protect their dogs from the adverse effects of extreme heat. If you are wondering what does a dog wear when it is hot, check out our list of protective items for dogs in hot weather.
There must be an item or two that your dog will benefit from having. Make summer adventurous but safe for your dog.
You can also check out our top 8 picks for the best dog lift harnesses and the best slings for handicapped dogs
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