This summer has brought more than one kind of hot dog. Fortunately, Sweet Mommy, a maternity clothing company based in Japan, is now producing wearable fans for dogs.
Wearable Fans?
The company created the fans because of the intense heat waves the country has endured. According to Reuters, the president of the company, Rei Uzawa, was inspired after seeing her pet chihuahua suffer in the scorching sun. The fans are part of the company’s Cool Dog range and also work for cats.
Uzawa teamed up with veterinarians to create the wearable fans. They modeled the design on similar jackets worn by construction workers. They boast battery-powered fans set in a breathable mesh harness. Ideally, the design is meant to circulate cool air around your pup’s body. The South China Morning Post spotlighted Sweet Mommy’s invention. Watch the video below.
A Historic Heat Wave
Japan has suffered its most intense heatwave on record. Temperatures shot up to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for a period of nine days. Additionally, a weak rainy season added to the extreme heat. Uzawa said, “There was almost no rainy season this year, so the hot days came early.”
Japanese officials are advising citizens to only go outside when necessary and to conserve air-conditioning. In response, pet owners are adapting to the situation. Some are even using dry ice packs to keep their dogs cool. The fans were initially released in July. Since then, Sweet Mommy has received high demand for its product. The harnesses are currently priced at 9,900 yen ($74).
Looking Ahead
Global temperatures have increased and will continue to do so. Keeping our pets safe in severe heat conditions is vital to their health and happiness, and preventing heatstroke. Remember to limit your pup’s outdoor time in the heat and provide them with plenty of drinking water. And never, ever leave your dog in a car in the summer, even for a short period of time.
