Hot dogs are hot for pets — but a new wearable fan in Japan is helping keep them cool

 Retailing for £60, this totally accessible invention is perfect for keeping pets cool in the harsh sun (when it's not raining for cats and dogs). However, that's its standout style, they may find themselves being hunted by puppies...  

A Tokyo-based clothing manufacturer has teamed up with veterinarians to design a wearable fan for pets to help them through the hot summer.

The device consists of a small, lightweight, battery-operated fan that attaches to a mesh unit and blows air around the animal's body.

It's the brainchild of Rei Uzawa, president of maternity wear maker Sweet Mommy, who says she wants to end the furry time every time her Chihuahua goes out for a walk in the extreme heat.

"There's hardly any rainy season this year, so the hot days come early, and in that sense, I think we've developed products that fit the market," she said.

After Tokyo's rainy season ended in late June, the Japanese capital suffered its longest heatwave on record, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for nine days in a row.

"I usually use dry ice packs (to keep the dog cool). But I think it would be easier to walk the dog if we had this fan," said Mami Kumamoto, 48, who owns a miniature poodle named Pudding and a Terrier named Maco.

The device debuted in early July and Sweet Mommy has received about 100 orders, Uzawa said.

It comes in five different sizes and sells for 9,900 yen (£60).