How to Make a Cooling Collar for Your Dog

If you are looking for an easy way to help your pets beat the summer heat, perhaps a cooling collar is just right for the job.

There are several brands of ready made cooling collars and yes, even dog coats on the market that you can purchase. But if you are the crafty type and love making things for your pets(or yourself), then you can make your own cooling collar at home with some easy to find items.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• water saver crystals
• scrap fabric
• Velcro
• sewing machine

1. 
   Black Ice brand cooling collar, there are several different cooling collars on the market for those who wish to purchase their own instead of making them.

   Measure around your dog's neck and add 4 inches. This will be how long you need to cut your fabric in order to have a nice fit, if your dog is a growing puppy you may wish to add 6 or more inches to this measurement.
   
   Next determine how wide you want to make your cooling collar, keep in mind that the crystals will expand as they fill with water. Add an inch or two to that measurement again to allow for expansion which will make the collar more rounded.

2. Cut your fabric to your measurements. And pin together keeping in mind that the fabric will be turned inside out after sewing to create the finished product.
   Sew three sides closed keeping one of the narrow ends open, and turn the fabric right side out.

3. Place a small piece of Velcro on the end that is stitched closed, and stitch the Velcro into place using your sewing machine.

4. The amount of water saver crystals you use will vary according to how small or large your dog is. Keep in mind that the crystals will triple in size when filled with water.
   Fill the tube of the collar with your water saver crystals, making sure to allow for expansion.
   Stitch the tube closed about 2 inches before the end and then fold the edges under and stitch closed making sure to allow enough room for another piece of Velcro.
   
   Finally attach the final piece of Velcro so that when the collar is closed the two Velcro pieces overlap to close the collar around your dog's neck.
   Attach your other piece of Velcro to this end,

5. Soak the entire collar in cold water for 4-6 hours to give the crystals enough time to expand and fill the collar.
   
   Then you can place the collar around your dog's neck and close it with the Velcro.

Tips & Warnings

• Cooling collars can be stored in zippy bags in the Refrigerator for a refreshing cooling when summer time temperatures soar
• When adding crystals, keep in mind that they will at least triple in size as they expand with water. Too many crystals could cause strain on your seams or cause the polymer to leak out through the fabric making them sticky.

Resources

• Riverside Dog Trainers on Meetup.com
• Code 3 offers discounted merchandise to police and fire Personell
• Hydrosorb Moisture Absorbing Crystals 1 lb box
• Kool Collar - Large in Red (Includes one replacement tube)
• Kool Collar - Medium in Blue (Includes one replacement tube)
• Kool Collar - Small in Blue (Includes one replacement tube)

[Dawnella66]

on 8/30/2009 This is an awesome idea!!! I have three chihuahuas but love all dogs!! *****5/rec

[AprilThomas]

on 8/2/2009 This sounds like a great idea as long as you don't forget to remove it when the water starts to warm. I may try to make my dog something like this because she has a very heavy coat.

[sonni57]

on 6/19/2009 I've never heard of a cooling collar sounds like a good idea.

[kellieann2000]

on 6/19/2009 Great tips on How to Make a Cooling Collar for Your Dog.

[karileighk]

on 6/19/2009 I don't have a dog, but I do have a cat. This is a wonderful reminder at how you need to make sure your animals collar is not making them to hot.

Excellent tips. Thanks.
Five star.