Most dogs can’t shed their furry coats in summer, but New York City resident Naoko Honda has devised a way for dogs to be outside in hot, humid weather without overheating.
Her Cool Vest for dogs has a laminated lining that keeps dogs cool and dry, protecting them from direct and indirect sun and heat. All that’s needed to keep it effective is water. It works through the process of evaporation.
“(It’s) great because it is very lightweight and thin, easy to use for dogs of all ages and sizes,” she said.
Ms. Honda said she was desperate to find something that would allow her to walk her 13-year-old cocker spaniel on hot days. After she began keeping Paula indoors, the dog became feeble from lack of exercise and began having back and digestive problems, she said.
“I realized that dogs need to go out for exercise, hot or cold,” Ms. Honda said. “I tried everything to cool her off while we were walking, but nothing worked.”
She eventually found a product that worked and modified it to a vest that Paula could wear.
“It’s thin and light, doesn’t use chemicals, and dogs can wear it without any problems,” she said. “I was so thrilled. Without wearing the vest, (Paula) could walk only five minutes. With the vest, she could walk 45 minutes.”
Locally, the vests sell for $53.99 to $65.99 at Bone Appetit Bakery on Frazier Avenue.
For more information, visit CoolVest4Dog.com.