The short answer is: yes, they can be effective, especially in managing heat by promoting evaporative cooling. However, their effectiveness also depends on the materials used, the design, and the specific environmental conditions they are used in. Cooling shirts for dogs function based on the principle of evaporative cooling. When a shirt is soaked in water and then wrung out: The shirt absorbs water into its inner layers. As the water evaporates, it draws heat away from the dog’s body. Certain fabrics are designed to retain cool temperatures longer while still drying efficiently. Some cooling shirts also incorporate heat-reflective materials in conjunction with evaporative technologies. These fabrics reflect the sun’s rays and reduce heat absorption from the environment. Not every dog will respond the same way to cooling shirts. You should consider factors like: Breed: Dogs with thick coats or flat faces benefit the most. Always wet the shirt thoroughly and wring it out before putting it on your dog.