New Kitten Shopping List - Everything you Need For Your New Kitten
Waiting to bring home your new kitten is super exciting! Whether your new furry friend is a Pedigree or Moggy, there are a number of necessities you will need to have ready, in preparation for their arrival home.
What litter tray is best for kittens?
Litter Tray – Litter training your kitty is essential, not just for indoor cats but for outdoor cats too. Buy a good quality litter (we like clumping litter as it tends to have no odour and is more economical) and a litter scoop for cleaning. If you’d like something that looks more attractive than a regular litter tray, our Cat Washroom is ideal – a stylish piece of furniture that hides your litter tray away.
The best bed for my kitten
You will need a Cosy Cat Bed for your furry friends arrival (and all cats love to snooze!) In fact, a cat will sleep around 15 hours a day; up to 20 for kittens! With this in mind a cosy cat bed is a must-have. There are a number of options from cosy caves and hooded designs to radiator beds.
What does my kitten need?
Cat Food & Water Bowls – A regular feeding regime is important for your growing kitten. Make sure you have at least two bowls for food and water. Keep dry food and fresh water available throughout the day. You may add a third, so you have separate bowls for wet and dry food. If you are getting your kitten from a breeder, speak to them about what food they recommend; they may give you a small amount when you collect your little one. There are a lot of resources online about cat food and what to feed them, but as long as you choose a good quality food especially for kittens you can’t go wrong. We’d also recommend feeding them both dry and wet food. The former is good to keep down all day for them to graze on and will help keep their teeth healthy. The latter is good for their digestion and water works and will help keep their fluid intake up – not all cats love drinking water. Aim for two small portions per day (check the individual food packaging for portion recommendations).
Cat Carrier – Regular trips to the Vet will ensure your cat is healthy. After their initial vaccinations, they will need a yearly trip to top them up. A carrier will allow you to travel with your cat in safety. We particularly like the Catit Cabrio as it opens fully from the top allowing for easy access to nervous kittens. There are a number of other styles and designs to choose from though.
Scratch Post or Tree – All cats love to eat, play, sleep and…. Scratch! Rather than discourage from scratching you should encourage them to do it in the correct places. Scratching is a healthy habit which will keep your cats claws healthy; removing the dead husks as they grow out, and also allows them to stretch out their muscles – cats are athletic creatures by nature, so a good stretch is great way to keep their muscles in tip-top shape! As a kitten you may wish to choose a small compact scratch post, but as they grow think about choosing a tall post that they can really stretch against as they scratch. A tall cat tree with a series of posts and platforms is great if you have the room as it will appeal to your cat’s love for climbing – also a great idea for indoor cats as it will help keep them active and their weight under control.
Cat Collar – This isn’t necessarily an essential for all cats, but if you’re kitten will one day venture outside you may wish to give them a collar. Collars can be adorned with an I.D tag so if your cat gets stuck up a tree or roams too far from home then hopefully someone will be able to bring them home. If you do choose to collar your cat, do your research and ensure you choose one with a breakaway collar in case it gets caught on your cat travels.
Cat Toys –Playtime is good for kittens’ development so toys are an essential on your kitten shopping list. Think about a series of toys that will appeal to your cats hunting instinct. Catnip mice and balls are always a favourite, but also think about teaser wand toys and something interactive. Our top pick would be a toy or two from the Catit Senses range. The Senses 2.0 range is designed to fulfil every one of your cat’s unique senses (hence the name) and can be used as separate items or connected together as a set.
Grooming Kit – Different breeds will have different grooming requirements. A soft brush is a good addition to every cat owner’s accessories, but if you are bringing home a long-haired breed then you will need an array of tools to help keep their coat in tip-top condition. We stock a number of ancol brushes and combs for everyday grooming, but if you’re looking for the ultimate grooming kit then take a look at the Catit kits, one for longhaired breeds and one for shorthaired breeds, they contain everything you will need to keep your cat looking beautiful.
Microchip your cat – Not really an item for your shopping list, but an absolute must for all pet owners (cat and dog alike, both indoor and outdoor pets). Even if you intend to collar your cat you should microchip your pet so they can be traced properly.
Of course this is just a guide to the necessities you should think about in advance of bringing your kitten home, rather than a definitive list. Have a browse, speak to your breeder if you’re getting a pedigree and select the things that you think will best suit you and your lifestyle. If you have any questions, do get in touch.; we’re always happy to help!
Waiting to bring home your new kitten is super exciting! Whether your new furry friend is a Pedigree or Moggy, there are a number of necessities you will need to have ready, in preparation for their arrival home.
What litter tray is best for kittens?
Litter Tray – Litter training your kitty is essential, not just for indoor cats but for outdoor cats too. Buy a good quality litter (we like clumping litter as it tends to have no odour and is more economical) and a litter scoop for cleaning. If you’d like something that looks more attractive than a regular litter tray, our Cat Washroom is ideal – a stylish piece of furniture that hides your litter tray away.
The best bed for my kitten
You will need a Cosy Cat Bed for your furry friends arrival (and all cats love to snooze!) In fact, a cat will sleep around 15 hours a day; up to 20 for kittens! With this in mind a cosy cat bed is a must-have. There are a number of options from cosy caves and hooded designs to radiator beds.
What does my kitten need?
Cat Food & Water Bowls – A regular feeding regime is important for your growing kitten. Make sure you have at least two bowls for food and water. Keep dry food and fresh water available throughout the day. You may add a third, so you have separate bowls for wet and dry food. If you are getting your kitten from a breeder, speak to them about what food they recommend; they may give you a small amount when you collect your little one. There are a lot of resources online about cat food and what to feed them, but as long as you choose a good quality food especially for kittens you can’t go wrong. We’d also recommend feeding them both dry and wet food. The former is good to keep down all day for them to graze on and will help keep their teeth healthy. The latter is good for their digestion and water works and will help keep their fluid intake up – not all cats love drinking water. Aim for two small portions per day (check the individual food packaging for portion recommendations).
Cat Carrier – Regular trips to the Vet will ensure your cat is healthy. After their initial vaccinations, they will need a yearly trip to top them up. A carrier will allow you to travel with your cat in safety. We particularly like the Catit Cabrio as it opens fully from the top allowing for easy access to nervous kittens. There are a number of other styles and designs to choose from though.
Scratch Post or Tree – All cats love to eat, play, sleep and…. Scratch! Rather than discourage from scratching you should encourage them to do it in the correct places. Scratching is a healthy habit which will keep your cats claws healthy; removing the dead husks as they grow out, and also allows them to stretch out their muscles – cats are athletic creatures by nature, so a good stretch is great way to keep their muscles in tip-top shape! As a kitten you may wish to choose a small compact scratch post, but as they grow think about choosing a tall post that they can really stretch against as they scratch. A tall cat tree with a series of posts and platforms is great if you have the room as it will appeal to your cat’s love for climbing – also a great idea for indoor cats as it will help keep them active and their weight under control.
Cat Collar – This isn’t necessarily an essential for all cats, but if you’re kitten will one day venture outside you may wish to give them a collar. Collars can be adorned with an I.D tag so if your cat gets stuck up a tree or roams too far from home then hopefully someone will be able to bring them home. If you do choose to collar your cat, do your research and ensure you choose one with a breakaway collar in case it gets caught on your cat travels.
Cat Toys –Playtime is good for kittens’ development so toys are an essential on your kitten shopping list. Think about a series of toys that will appeal to your cats hunting instinct. Catnip mice and balls are always a favourite, but also think about teaser wand toys and something interactive. Our top pick would be a toy or two from the Catit Senses range. The Senses 2.0 range is designed to fulfil every one of your cat’s unique senses (hence the name) and can be used as separate items or connected together as a set.
Grooming Kit – Different breeds will have different grooming requirements. A soft brush is a good addition to every cat owner’s accessories, but if you are bringing home a long-haired breed then you will need an array of tools to help keep their coat in tip-top condition. We stock a number of ancol brushes and combs for everyday grooming, but if you’re looking for the ultimate grooming kit then take a look at the Catit kits, one for longhaired breeds and one for shorthaired breeds, they contain everything you will need to keep your cat looking beautiful.
Microchip your cat – Not really an item for your shopping list, but an absolute must for all pet owners (cat and dog alike, both indoor and outdoor pets). Even if you intend to collar your cat you should microchip your pet so they can be traced properly.
Of course this is just a guide to the necessities you should think about in advance of bringing your kitten home, rather than a definitive list. Have a browse, speak to your breeder if you’re getting a pedigree and select the things that you think will best suit you and your lifestyle. If you have any questions, do get in touch.; we’re always happy to help!
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Dog Breed Guide
Bringing Home A Springer Spaniel: Your Essential Checklist
Bringing a new kitten home when you already have a dog is one of those things that feels both exciting and quietly nerve-wracking — and you are definitely not alone in that. Knowing how to introduce a kitten to a dog in a way that feels calm and considered makes a real difference to how both pets settle in together. This guide walks you through everything from scent swapping and first meetings to escape routes, reading the signs, and building a routine that works for the whole household.
Before They Meet: What Your Dog and Kitten Need to Feel Safe
The most successful kitten and dog introductions happen long before the two animals are ever in the same room. That might sound counterintuitive, but the groundwork you lay in the days before their first meeting makes an enormous difference to how both pets experience that moment.
Start by thinking honestly about your dog. A relaxed, older dog who has met cats before is a very different prospect to a young, excitable terrier who still chases squirrels like it’s his life’s work. Neither situation is a deal-breaker, but knowing your dog’s temperament helps you set a realistic pace. If he has a strong prey drive or finds it hard to settle around small, fast-moving animals, plan for a slower introduction and be kind to yourself about the timeline.
Your kitten needs their own safe space before anything else happens. Set up a quiet room they can call their own — somewhere with a cosy bed, a litter tray, food, water, and a spot to hide if the world feels like too much. And to a tiny kitten, it often does. Letting them settle into a calm, familiar base before any introductions begin means they have a chance to find their feet rather than going straight into the deep end.
Your dog needs some reassurance too. Keep their routine as normal as possible: same walks, same mealtimes, same cuddles on the sofa. Consistency tells them that the new arrival is not costing them anything.
A slow start is not a sign things are going wrong. More often than not, it is exactly the right approach. For more on building a bond that lasts, our guide to getting your dog and cat to get along is well worth a read.
How to Swap Scents So They Get Used to Each Other
Before your dog and kitten ever share the same room, letting them get used to each other’s scent is one of the most important steps you can take. Smell is everything to both species. Giving them time to investigate each other’s scent on their own terms, without any pressure or expectation, helps take the edge off that first face-to-face meeting before it even happens.
The swap itself is simple. Take a blanket or soft toy from the kitten’s space and place it somewhere your dog can sniff freely, then do the reverse. A dedicated soft scent blanket works particularly well here because it holds scent effectively and moves easily between rooms. Then just let them get on with it. Some animals will sniff once and wander off. Others will circle back repeatedly over several days. Both are completely normal, and neither needs your input.
Signs of calm curiosity to look for:
Relaxed body posture, loose tail, soft ears
A gentle sniff followed by moving away unbothered
Returning to the item later without fixating on it
Settling nearby without any visible tension
Signs you should slow things down:
Growling or stiffening near the scented item
Fixated staring that doesn’t ease off
Pawing aggressively at a door or barrier
Your kitten hiding, freezing, or refusing to come out of their safe space
How each pet responds at this stage tells you a lot about how to pace the introduction going forward. Rushing the scent swap is one of the most common mistakes people make when introducing a kitten to a dog. Taking an extra few days here costs you nothing, and it can make everything that follows feel significantly calmer for both of them.
The First Face-to-Face Meeting: Keep It Short, Calm, and Supervised
When you finally bring your kitten and dog together for the first time, it can feel like a milestone — and in many ways, it is. But the goal for that very first meeting is actually quite simple: keep it short, keep it calm, and don’t leave either of them to it. Knowing how to introduce a kitten to a dog well comes down to patience and reading the room, not engineering a perfect friendship in one afternoon.
Pick the right moment. Choose a time when your dog has already been out for a walk or had a good play session and is naturally winding down. A settled dog is far easier to work with than one who’s still fizzing with energy.
Keep your dog on a lead with slack. A secure, well-fitted lead gives you gentle control without adding tension your dog might pick up on. Hold it loosely — the aim is guidance, not restraint.
Let the kitten call the shots. Place your kitten in the room and let them decide whether to creep closer or stay put. Don’t carry them over to the dog or try to hurry things along. Their confidence at this stage is everything, and it has to come from them.
Watch both pets closely. A relaxed dog will have soft eyes, a loose body, and general curiosity rather than intense fixation. For your kitten, watch for puffing up, hissing, or sudden stillness — all signs they need a bit more space and breathing room.
Keep it brief. Two or three minutes of calm, drama-free interaction is genuinely a brilliant first session. You can always build from there — and you will.
End before anyone hits their limit. Separate them gently while things are still going well, then give each pet their own space with something familiar nearby.
Good to know: Always wrap up the session before either pet shows signs of stress. Ending on a quiet note isn’t giving up — it’s exactly what a successful introduction looks like.
These early moments set the tone for everything that follows. The calmer and shorter each session feels right now, the quicker trust has a chance to grow between them.
Why Your Kitten Needs an Escape Route and a Dog-Free Zone
One of the most important parts of learning how to introduce a kitten to a dog is making sure your kitten always has somewhere safe to go. Escape routes and dog-free zones are not nice extras to think about later. They are a core part of the plan from day one.
If a kitten feels cornered, even a calm kitten and dog introduction can go off track quickly. Stress rises, confidence drops, and your kitten may hiss, swat, or freeze. Those early moments matter. When your kitten knows it can step away, it is far more likely to stay curious and relaxed instead of frightened.
The easiest way to set this up is to give your kitten more than one retreat option around the house. That might look like:
Baby gates with a cat-sized gap or low perch nearby. Your kitten can pass through or hop over, while your dog stays on the other side.
Cat trees, window perches, or shelving. Height helps kittens feel secure. From up high, they can watch what is going on without feeling pressured to interact.
A dedicated kitten room. In the early days, this can be a spare room or quiet corner with the door gated off. It gives your kitten a place to eat, nap, use the litter tray, and properly switch off.
A covered bed or crate left open. Some kittens love a small, cosy hideaway, especially after a busy introduction session.
Think about the route too, not just the resting spot. If your kitten jumps down from a shelf, can it get to safety without running past the dog? Can it move from one room to another without feeling trapped? These small details make introducing cats and dogs much smoother in real life.
Your kitten should always be able to remove itself from the interaction. That sense of choice is what builds confidence. Over time, a kitten that feels safe enough to retreat will usually feel safe enough to come back, sniff, observe, and eventually settle beside the dog on its own terms.
What Good Progress Looks Like — and When to Slow Down
Progress when introducing a kitten to a dog rarely follows a straight line. Some days feel like a real breakthrough. Others, it might seem like you’re back to square one. That’s completely normal — and knowing what to watch for means you can respond calmly rather than second-guessing yourself.
Signs the Introduction Is Going Well
Your dog glances at the kitten and looks away, showing curiosity rather than fixation
Both animals have loose, relaxed body posture when they’re in the same room together
Your kitten approaches the barrier or shared space with interest, rather than bolting
Your dog settles down and rests while the kitten moves around nearby
Both animals are eating, playing, and sleeping as normal, without signs of sustained stress
Signs You Need to Slow Down
Your dog is stalking, staring intensely, or can’t be redirected away from the kitten
Either animal freezes repeatedly when the other appears
Your kitten is hissing, spitting, or spending most of their time hiding rather than exploring
Your dog is barking, lunging, or whining in a focused, persistent way
Stress behaviours are creeping in regularly — think panting, pacing, or a change in appetite
A gentle reminder: Spotting a warning sign isn’t a failure. Stepping back a stage is exactly the right call. One slower day now saves a lot of stress further down the line.
Even the most experienced pet parents find that introducing a kitten to a dog takes longer than they expected. The key is staying observant and trusting what you’re seeing in front of you. Understanding your dog’s body language is one of the most valuable skills you can bring to this process — it helps you read the room early and respond before small moments of tension have a chance to grow.
Settling Into Everyday Life: Building a Routine They Can Both Live With
Once the early introductions are behind you, the real magic starts to happen in the everyday moments. Building a predictable routine is one of the kindest things you can do for both your dog and your new kitten — consistency helps anxious animals relax, and gives confident ones the structure to thrive.
Start with mealtimes. Feed them separately, in their own spaces, at the same times each day. It removes tension around food and helps both pets associate mealtimes with calm rather than competition. As trust builds, you can gradually move their feeding spots closer together — but there’s genuinely no rush.
Enrichment matters more than people realise. A bored dog is far more likely to fixate on the kitten, so make sure yours is getting enough exercise, mental stimulation, and quality time with you. A well-exercised dog is simply easier to manage around a curious new housemate. The same logic applies to your kitten. A good play session before they share a space can take the edge off for both of them.
Keep noticing and reinforcing the positive moments. When your dog settles calmly nearby, acknowledge it. When your kitten starts exploring without darting for cover, that’s real progress — even if it looks small. Those little wins add up faster than you’d expect.
Supervision doesn’t need to be constant forever, but in those first few weeks it’s worth staying present when they share a room. As you see them both relax, you can start stepping back.
Introducing a kitten to a dog well takes patience, but a thoughtful routine makes it so much easier to get there. Much like settling a new puppy into your home, the time you invest in those early weeks builds the foundation for something that genuinely lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a dog to get used to a kitten?
It depends on your dog’s temperament and the pace of the introduction, so there isn’t a fixed timeline. Some dogs settle quickly, while others need a much slower approach, especially if they’re excitable or have a strong prey drive. Calm, short, supervised sessions usually lead to better long-term progress.
How do I tell if my dog wants to eat my kitten?
Watch for intense staring, stalking, barking, lunging, or a level of fixation you can’t easily interrupt. A dog who is coping well will look relaxed, stay curious without locking on, and settle while the kitten moves nearby. If your dog can’t disengage, slow everything down and add more distance.
How long does it take for a cat to get used to a new dog?
There isn’t a set timeline, because each kitten or cat settles at their own pace. Confidence tends to grow more smoothly when they have a safe room, escape routes, and short, calm introductions on their own terms. Steady, low-pressure progress matters far more than trying to rush a friendship.
Summer with a dog means making a hundred small decisions about how to keep them comfortable, and knowing where to start with the best cooling products for dogs is genuinely half the job done. This guide covers everything from cooling mats and breathable beds to wearable options for walks, frozen treats that double as enrichment, and simple tips for reading your dog’s signals in the heat. Think of it as a practical summer toolkit built around how your dog actually lives, not just a list of things that exist.
Best cooling products for dogs: what actually helps on hot days
When summer arrives, keeping your dog comfortable becomes something you think about constantly. The paddling pool comes out, walks shift to early mornings, and you find yourself eyeing up every cooling product on the market. With so many options out there, though, it can be genuinely hard to know what will actually help your dog.
This roundup covers the best cooling products for dogs across every situation: lazy days at home, warm-weather walks, post-exercise wind-downs, and everything in between. Whether your dog is a sprawler who claims the entire living room floor, a velcro dog who insists on being by your side no matter the temperature, or a food-motivated soul who’d do anything for a frozen treat, there’s something here that fits.
When pulling this together, a few things kept coming back as what really matters: how comfortable your dog will actually find a product, how easy it is to use day to day, whether it travels well, and crucially, whether it suits how your dog naturally moves and rests. A dog cooling vest is brilliant for some dogs and completely ignored by others. A cooling mat can be a genuine game-changer or something to sniff once and walk away from.
Knowing your dog is genuinely half the battle here. A whippet who drapes herself across cool tiles needs something different from a retriever who runs hot and still wants to be outside at noon.
If you’re also thinking about where your dog sleeps day to day, our guide on how to pick a dog bed is a great place to start.
Cooling mats, beds and chill-out spots for dogs who love to sprawl
For dogs who belly-flop onto the floor the second they’re back from a walk, a cooler place to rest can make summer much more comfortable. When you’re choosing the best cooling products for dogs, start with where they naturally settle. If your dog naps in the kitchen, by the back door, or in a shady garden corner, that’s where a cooling setup will actually earn its keep.
Gel-filled cooling mat: A classic cooling mat for dogs because it’s easy, pressure-activated, and ready whenever your dog needs it. Best for: quick post-walk cool-downs on warm indoor floors.
Elevated mesh bed: Lifting your dog off patios, decking, or stuffy floors helps air circulate underneath them. Best for: garden lounging or warmer rooms upstairs.
Breathable dog cooling bed: A cushioned option suits dogs who don’t love the firmer feel of a mat. Look for breathable fill and washable covers for everyday summer use. Best for: longer naps and overnight sleeping.
Dog crate with cosy calming bed: If your dog likes a den-like space, this Lords & Labradors crate-and-bed setup can work well as a calm rest spot in a cooler part of the house. It’s less about active cooling and more about giving your dog somewhere settled and shaded to switch off after time outside. Best for: dogs who relax better in their own quiet corner.
Waterproof cooling mat with non-slip base: Handy for outdoor use because it stays put better on smooth surfaces. Best for: shaded patio or decking time.
A few simple summer dog cooling tips make these products work better. Keep beds and mats out of direct sun, offer them in the spots your dog already chooses, and pair them with fresh water nearby. Even the best dog cooling products won’t help much if they’re placed in a baking conservatory or a patch of afternoon sun.
Cooling coats, vests and bandanas for walks in warm weather
For dogs who still want their walk no matter the weather, wearable cooling gear can make a real difference. Whether it’s a determined Labrador pulling towards the park or a Frenchie who absolutely insists on their morning route, the right kit helps them stay comfortable without cutting things short. These products work hardest during heatwaves, midday outings, or any time your dog is already panting before you’ve reached the end of the street.
Product Type
Best For
How It Works
Key Benefit
Cooling coat
Active, larger breeds on longer walks
Soaked in water, cools through evaporation
Covers a larger surface area for sustained cooling
Cooling vest
Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs
Lightweight fit around the chest and torso
Less restrictive, easier breathing for flat-faced dogs
Cooling bandana
Dogs that overheat quickly or dislike full body coverage
Wet fabric around the neck cools blood vessels
Simple, low-fuss option for mild heat or shorter outings
A few tips to get the most out of wearable cooling products:
Pre-soak coats and bandanas in cold water before you leave the house
Avoid peak sun hours where you can, typically 11am to 3pm in summer
Check the fit as you go — wet fabric can shift and rub more than you’d expect
Top up with water on longer walks if panting starts to pick up
Wearable coolers work best as part of a wider summer routine rather than a standalone solution. If you’re building out your dog’s warm weather kit, browse dog coats and cooling wear at Lords & Labradors to find something that suits your dog’s size and shape.
Frozen treats, lick mats and water-first products that help dogs cool from the inside out
Some of the easiest summer wins are the ones you can prep in a few minutes and use every day. Frozen treats, lick mats, and water-first feeders can help your dog enjoy small amounts of moisture or chilled food gradually, while also giving them something soothing to focus on when it is too warm for much activity. If you are putting together the best cooling products for dogs, these simple options deserve a place in the mix.
Freeze-filled Kongs: Stuff with wet food, mashed banana, or a dog-safe peanut butter and pop in the freezer for a longer-lasting chew.
Lick mats with yogurt or bone broth: Spread a thin layer and freeze for a calming activity that slows licking and keeps busy minds occupied.
Dog-safe ice cube treats: Freeze diluted low-salt broth or fruit puree in small moulds for easy, mess-light snacks.
Frozen enrichment feeders: Fill puzzle toys and freeze them to add a bit of mental stimulation during the hottest part of the day.
Hydration toppers: A spoonful of water-rich topper or a splash of low-sodium broth over dinner can tempt fussy dogs to take in a little more fluid.
Chilled fruit pieces: Watermelon, cucumber, and blueberries are easy favourites for many dogs.
Good to know: Frozen treats are best thought of as a gentle way to offer cooling foods and extra moisture little by little, rather than a replacement for fresh drinking water.
What we love about these ideas is how practical they are. They cool, distract, and settle your dog at the same time, which is a lifesaver on sticky afternoons. If you want more enrichment ideas, take a look at the dog toys at Lords & Labradors for freezer-friendly options that work well through summer.
How to time walks, spot overheating and choose the right cooling product
Getting the timing right makes just as much difference as anything you put in your basket. In August, aim to walk before 8am or after 7pm, once the pavement has had a chance to cool down. Not sure if it’s safe? Press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Know the signs that mean it’s time to stop. Heavy, rapid panting, excessive drooling, stumbling, glazed eyes, or a sudden reluctance to keep moving are all red flags. Spot more than one together and act quickly: get them into shade, offer small sips of water, and apply cool (not icy) water to their paws, belly and neck. If they don’t come round within a few minutes, call your vet.
Choosing the right cooling product doesn’t have to be complicated. Think about where and how your dog struggles most with the heat. A dog who sprawls out between walks will get the most from a cooling mat or dog cooling bed, especially older dogs or those with joint issues who already love a good lie-down. For dogs who overheat on the move, a dog cooling vest or bandana offers real relief while they’re actually out and about. Smaller dogs and puppies usually do better with lighter wearables and regular water breaks rather than bulkier gear.
Coat type is worth factoring in too. Thick or double-coated breeds trap heat more readily, so combining a cooling vest with a frozen treat after the walk is a genuinely effective pairing. Short-coated dogs regulate a little more easily, but they still need consistent access to shade and fresh water throughout the day.
If you’re unsure about sizing for any wearable, our dog drying coat size guide uses the same measurements and is a straightforward place to start.
The best cooling products for dogs are simply the ones that fit how your dog actually lives. A little observation goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to cool a dog?
The best thing depends on when your dog struggles most. For resting at home, a cooling mat, elevated bed or breathable cooling bed usually helps most; for walks, a soaked cooling vest or bandana works better. Fresh water, shade and cooler walk times make every option more effective.
What is the best cooling food for dogs?
The best cooling foods for dogs are simple frozen, water-rich treats that add moisture little by little. Good options include freeze-filled Kongs, frozen lick mats with yogurt or bone broth, dog-safe ice treats, and chilled watermelon, cucumber or blueberries alongside plenty of fresh drinking water.
How do I cool my dog off without AC?
You can cool a dog without AC by moving them into shade, offering small sips of water, and using cool resting spots like a cooling mat, elevated bed or breathable bed in the part of the house they already choose. Frozen treats, wet bandanas and avoiding hot walk times help too.
