WHAT IT PROMISES

The ChillyDog "maintains a constant 59 degrees for up to 2.5 hours in 100 degree temperatures and recharges in minutes." It is "absolutely safe" and recharges in "10 to 15 minutes in ice water" or "30 to 45 minutes in the refrigerator". It is "adjustable to fit a wide range of working dogs."

HOW IT WORKS

The ChillyDog uses rechargeable cooling packs. These cooling packs are made from food-grade fats and oils and do not create any condensation as they thaw over the period of use. The cool packs aren't freezing cold like ice packs, but keep a constant cool temperature.

DESIGN

The ChillyDog vest covers the sides of the dog's chest, bringing the cool packs into contact with the dog's rib cage around the lungs and heart. The vest has a chest and neck strap as well as two straps that go across the back of the dog. It is easily put on by walking the dog over the vest and then pulling it up, similar to many canine car harnesses on the market. The neck straps are fully adjustable with Velcro, and the straps across the back via buckles. The cool pack compartments have Velcro closures at the top and cool packs can be exchanged without taking the vest off. D-ring hook-ups on the ChillyDog vest allow it to be used as a harness. Comes only in black. Comes only in ChillyDog (large working breeds) and ChillyPup (small working breeds) sizes.

HOW IT PERFORMS

I tested the Chilly dog on a hot day with low humidity as well as on a hot day with high humidity. It performed equally well in both tests because it does not rely on evaporation for its cooling effectiveness. The vest kept the dog's body temperature below 103 degrees on a 104 degree day with 60% humidity!

WHAT I LIKE

The vest is manufactured extremely well with the same types of webbing and buckles used in military equipment. It is highly adjustable to fit dogs of various chest shapes and deepness. It was easy to put on and the cool packs were easy to insert and remove. The D-rings are an attachment point for a leash which is useful for non-pulling dogs. As there is no condensation from the cool packs, the dog stays dry.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE

The second back strap that goes across the middle of the dog's neck slips with extended wear. I also did not like that the strap does not have Velcro or an elastic keeper to hold down the "free" end when the strap is cinched on a smaller-chested dog like Abby. I would also like to see a wider back strap for more comfort. The metal D-rings that can be used as a leash attachment need to be a thicker gauge - I'm not sure that the ones used would hold a German Shepherd or Malinois if the dog is in drive or a heavy puller.

VERDICT

It's a definite thumbs-up for me. I think that this is an excellent product for people whose dogs are working dogs and need to be outside in the heat - guide and assistance dogs, police canines, and sports dogs (agility, Schutzhund, etc.). (via Glacier Tek Inc.)