Every summer, dog owners are bombarded with advertisements for products designed to keep their dogs cool and safe. UV shirts, cooling vests, cooling mats, cooling collars, cooling bandanas and dog sunscreen all promise to make hot weather more comfortable.
Naturally, puppy owners ask me whether these products are necessary.
The answer is the same one I give for many dog-related products: some can be helpful in the right circumstances, but none replace common sense.
Dogs are not people in fur coats. They regulate heat differently than we do, and many of the things we assume they need are based on how we experience hot weather rather than how dogs do.
Quick Summary
| Product | Helpful? | Best For |
| UV Shirts | Sometimes | Light-skinned dogs, shaved areas, boating or extended sun exposure |
| Cooling Vests | Sometimes | Hiking, outdoor activities and hot weather |
| Cooling Mats | Often | Senior dogs, hot days and dogs that enjoy cool surfaces |
| Sunscreen | Occasionally | Pink noses, ear tips, bellies and sparsely coated areas |
| Shade & Water | Always | Every dog, every summer |
The bottom line? Most Australian Labradoodles do not need special summer products for everyday life. Shade, fresh water and sensible activity schedules remain the most effective ways to keep dogs comfortable and safe.
Your Dog’s Coat Is Already Protective
Many people assume that because they feel hot in a sweater, their dog must feel hot in a coat.
In reality, a healthy coat serves several important functions. It helps regulate body temperature, provides insulation from both heat and cold and offers protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
This is one of the reasons I am not a fan of clipping dogs extremely short during the summer. Removing too much coat can actually increase a dog’s risk of overheating and sunburn. Even in Australian Labradoodles, the coat provides a degree of natural protection from direct sunlight.
A well-maintained coat is often one of the best tools a dog has for staying comfortable in warm weather.
Are UV Shirts Worth It?
For most Australian Labradoodles, UV shirts are not necessary for everyday life.
That said, there are situations where they can be helpful:
- Dogs with very light pigmentation
- Dogs with thin coats
- Dogs with shaved areas from surgery
- Dogs spending extended periods on boats or beaches
- Dogs participating in long outdoor activities with little access to shade
A properly fitted UV shirt can reduce sun exposure and provide additional protection for vulnerable areas. However, it must be lightweight and breathable. A poorly designed shirt can trap heat and make a dog less comfortable rather than more comfortable.
For most Labradoodles enjoying a walk, a hike or an afternoon in the garden, I would choose shade and water over a UV shirt every time.
Do Cooling Vests Actually Work?
Cooling vests can be effective, particularly in dry climates.
Most cooling vests work through evaporation. You soak the vest in cool water, wring it out and place it on your dog. As the water evaporates, it helps cool the dog’s body.
They tend to work best:
- During hiking and outdoor adventures
- In dry weather
- When the vest remains damp
- For dogs that tolerate wearing clothing
They are generally less effective in humid conditions where evaporation occurs more slowly.
For most dogs on Vancouver Island, cooling vests can be useful during heat waves or extended outdoor activities but are rarely essential for normal daily life.
What About Cooling Mats?
Cooling mats are one product I actually quite like.
Many dogs naturally seek out cool surfaces when temperatures rise. Cooling mats simply provide another option.
They can be particularly helpful for:
- Senior dogs
- Dogs recovering from illness
- Dogs with mobility challenges
- Hot summer afternoons
The key is choice. I don’t force a dog to use a cooling mat. I simply provide it and allow the dog to decide whether it is comfortable.
If your dog ignores it completely, that’s fine too. Dogs are generally quite good at finding the spots that feel best to them.
Should Dogs Wear Sunscreen?
The average Australian Labradoodle does not require routine sunscreen over their entire body.
However, some dogs can absolutely benefit from sun protection.
Areas most vulnerable to sunburn include:
- The nose
- Ear tips
- Belly skin
- Groin area
- Thinly coated or shaved areas
Dogs with light pigmentation, thin coats or hair loss are at greater risk of sun damage. Repeated sun exposure can contribute to skin irritation and, in some cases, increase the risk of skin cancers.
If sunscreen is needed, it is important to use a product specifically formulated for dogs. Human sunscreens may contain ingredients that can be harmful if ingested. Since dogs naturally lick themselves, pet-safe products are essential.
The Things That Actually Matter
When it comes to summer safety, the most effective tools are usually the simplest ones.
Provide:
- Fresh water
- Plenty of shade
- Opportunities to rest
- Exercise during cooler parts of the day
- Access to cool indoor spaces
Pay attention to your individual dog. Some dogs handle heat beautifully while others struggle long before temperatures become extreme.
Age, fitness level, coat condition, body weight and overall health all influence how well a dog tolerates warm weather.
As with so many things with dogs, observation is often more valuable than gadgets.
My Personal Approach
With my own dogs, I focus on prevention rather than products.
I provide shade, fresh water and sensible activity schedules. I avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day and allow the dogs to choose cool places to rest. I rely on their coats to do the job nature designed them to do.
If I had a very fair-skinned dog, a dog recovering from surgery or a dog spending hours in direct sun on a boat, I might consider a UV shirt or pet-safe sunscreen. If I had a senior dog who loved cool surfaces, I would happily provide a cooling mat.
For the average Australian Labradoodle, however, good management remains far more important than any cooling gadget you’ll find online.
A Note From Claire
Over more than four decades of living and working with dogs, I’ve found that the best solutions are often the simplest ones. Dogs are remarkably well-designed for the environments in which they live. Before purchasing a new gadget, ask whether your dog truly needs it or whether a shady spot, a bowl of fresh water and a little common sense might do the job just as well.
Sometimes the best summer safety strategy isn’t found in a catalogue. It’s found in paying attention to the dog standing right in front of you.
Sources & Further Reading
American Kennel Club (AKC). Do Dogs Need Sunscreen?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-need-sunscreen/
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Hot Weather Pet Safety
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/hot-weather-pet-safety
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Resources on heat stress and environmental management in dogs.
https://www.vet.cornell.edu
Preventive Vet. Best Products to Keep Your Dog Cool
https://www.preventivevet.com
VCA Animal Hospitals. Heat Stress in Dogs
https://vcahospitals.com
Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital. Dog Sunburn Prevention: Best Sun Protection for Dogs
https://www.leonvalleyvet.com
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your veterinarian regarding your individual dog.