Gold Coast hairdresser Belynda Bennetts creates Wilko Pet Care dog cooling vests after heat scare

A cool idea for hot dogs has seen a Burleigh hairdresser create a product that’s grown a 30-store stockist list and suite of online fans in just three months. But it took a scare with her own fur baby to get it going.

Belynda Bennetts has started Wilko Pet Care, a range of products designed to prevent dogs from overheating. Pictured with her french bulldog Wilko. Photo: Supplied

A COOL idea for hot dogs has seen a Burleigh hairdresser create a product that’s grown a 30-store stockist list and suite of online fans in just three months.

Belynda Bennetts, 39, launched Wilko Pet Care in October and now stocks her range of dog accessories across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, including in some stores of the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League of Queensland.

The range, inspired by her french bulldog Wilko, is designed to prevent dogs from overheating in summer, while still looking fashionable.

Ms Bennetts said the idea came after a morning walk with Wilko nearly turned to tragedy.

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Belynda Bennetts has started Wilko Pet Care, a range of products (pictured) designed to prevent dogs from overheating. Photo: Supplied

The pair had been to the beach and were en-route to a cafe when the little frenchie collapsed under a tree and had to be put in a pool to recover.

“I felt so helpless and responsible for the situation that he was in,” Ms Bennetts said.

The Wilko vests are soaked in water before being fitted on the dog, focusing on the underside of the animal, and require re-wetting to remain effective.

Godl Coast business Wilko Pet Care has a range of products designed to prevent dogs from overheating. Photo: Supplied

Ms Bennetts is keen to stress the vests are not a substitute for owners educating themselves about the signs and risk factors for heat stress.

The products are designed by Ms Bennetts are manufactured in China, with the business currently housed in Ms Bennetts’ granny flat.

“I started the business because I saw a necessity for this product and slowly it’s expanding,” she said.

“We’re onto our third shipment since October.”

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Belynda Bennetts has started Wilko Pet Care, a range of products designed to prevent dogs from overheating. Photo: Supplied

Ms Bennetts, who still runs Lamb’s Hair salon in Brisbane, hopes to crack the United States market next and has listed Wilko vests on American Amazon ahead of the northern hemisphere summer.

“I’m hoping to do one of the New York dog shows this year,” she said.

“We have more products coming out for next season.”