A Tokyo clothing maker has teamed up with vets to create a wearable fan for pets to help them get through hot summers.
The device consists of a small, light, battery-operated fan that is attached to a mesh outfit and blows air around an animal’s body.
It is the brainchild of Rei Uzawa, president of a maternity clothing maker Sweet Mommy, who said she wanted to end the ruff times her chihuahua was having every time it went out for a walk in extreme heat.
“There was almost no rainy season this year, so the hot days came early, and in that sense, I think we developed a product that is right for the market,” she said.
After the rainy season in Tokyo ended in late June, the Japanese capital suffered the longest heatwave on record with temperatures up to 35C (95F) for nine days.
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“I usually use dry ice packs (to keep the dog cool). But I think it’s easier to walk my dog if we have this fan,” said Mami Kumamoto, 48, owner of a miniature poodle named Pudding and a terrier named Maco.
The device debuted in early July and Sweet Mommy has received around 100 orders for the product, Uzawa said.
It comes in five different sizes and is priced at 9,900 yen (£60)