Seymour's Safety Vest: The Summer Essential for Your Whippet

Our seasons have become increasingly unpredictable. Hot days can appear out of nowhere in spring, while sudden chills creep into summer. It means we have to be more flexible than ever and for whippet owners that might look like putting a jumper on in the morning and switching to a cooling vest by the afternoon. A bit mental but here we are!

As with everything I design at Occam, this piece came from lived experience as a whippet owner. I originally created this cooling vest for Seymour but I quickly realised how many others could benefit from it too..

Here are six reasons I believe a cooling vest is essential for whippets and their owners:

• Holidaying If you’re planning a summer holiday with your whippet, a cooling vest can make all the difference. Whether you’re travelling in a hot car or relaxing by the pool, or spending time at the seaside, it helps keep your dog comfortable in rising temperatures.

• Sensitive Skin Whippets have delicate skin that’s prone to sunburn and heat rash, especially on their torsos and tummies where fur is sparse. A cooling vest provides a protective barrier, and lighter colours — particularly white — can help reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.

• Commuting Public transport can become stifling during summer, especially in busy rush hours. Whippets often struggle to regulate their temperature in these environments. A cooling vest helps keep their core temperature down, allowing them to stay calm and comfortable.

• Protection After my own experience (more on that below), protection has become even more important to me. An additional breathable layer over your whippet’s torso can help guard against minor scrapes or reduce the severity of potential injuries. It can also be used to cover healing wounds or prevent further irritation.

• Sitters, Daycare & Dog Walkers When your whippet is in someone else’s care, visibility matters. A lightweight vest acts as a clear visual marker, making your dog easy to identify whether indoors or outdoors. It’s especially useful for dog walkers, adding an extra layer of reassurance should your dog wander further than expected.
• Reflective Visibility The vest features reflective binding, designed to help you spot your whippet in low-light situations. Whether you’re out at dusk, in a large open field, or letting them off lead, that subtle reflection makes a real difference. It adds an extra layer of reassurance — especially if your dog wanders further than expected or becomes difficult to see in fading light.

Purchase Here!

A Personal Note: Seymour’s Story

This design became even more meaningful after what happened last summer.

My whippet, Seymour, was attacked and suffered some significant wounds along his sides. We were incredibly lucky — it could have been far worse, and he narrowly avoided serious internal injuries.

During recovery, our vet initially recommended a large cone to prevent him from licking his wounds. But Seymour couldn’t settle in it — he couldn’t rest properly, and it was clearly distressing for him.

So I made him a small, lightweight crop-top style vest to wear instead. I took it to the vet, and thankfully we were given the go-ahead to ditch the cone.

The difference was immediate. His wounds were protected, and he could finally relax, sleep comfortably, and even go for gentle walks again.

Because he needed to keep the area covered at all times, Seymour wore a version of this vest in a range of temperatures. He was perfectly comfortable wearing it dry in conditions up to around 20°C — something worth knowing if you’re considering a vest for protection as well as cooling.

Purchase Here!