A highly absorbent PVA/starch towel cools an animal through the process of evaporative cooling. The towel is textured with indentations. A ridge extends along the crest of the towel. Water is applied to and absorbed by the towel. The towel is held to the animal with elastic straps, which allow the towel to be flapped periodically while fastened to the animal. Periodic flapping brings more absorbed liquid to the towel surface to facilitate continued evaporative cooling.