Kristel Smart Webboard User Reg: 10-03-2006
Posts: 1548
Loc: Vermont
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With all of the talk about heat stroke and hydration on the board lately, I've been thinking a lot about keeping my black dog cool this summer. I bought a Cool Collar for him because he can wear it while he works and it seems to take the edge off for sure.
I'm wondering though, does anybody have any experience with something like this for after exercise?
I've heard really good things about it, but I'm wondering if it could possibly have similar detrimental effect to wetting the dog down? Or is it a completely different sort of effect?
Nora Ferrell Webboard User Reg: 02-10-2008
Posts: 727
Loc: Kentucky
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Kristel, I just ordered the Kool collar last night, can't wait to try it.
Do you put ice in it or just use the tubes? My dog is just a 10lb pet, but she is black and really furry and gets so hot when we are outside. When we come inside, she always sits on the air conditioner vent.
I bought the exact model for my black lab about a month ago. I wanted to help keep him cool on the beach. First day out I wet it down, put it on him, we hit the sand.
I highly suggest getting your dog used to wearing it before he or she hits the beach! Let's just say that the garment weighs a LOT more now than it did out of the box. Must be 20 pounds of sand still trapped between the mesh and the fabric, as Ripley rolled himself miles down the beach trying to get me to take it off.
Once he gave in and quit throwing tantrums, I think it did him a lot of good. I noticed a lot less panting, and when I'd put my hand between his body and the vest it felt cooler than the outside air. If nothing else, it really helps to deflect the sun from his black coat. I like it for that alone.
This is a harness type cooling vest worn by military dogs. It's not cheap, but it is high quality, and offers lots of benefits that you can read more about at the site selling it.
What I like about it is that the cool packs stay cool (not cold) a very long time.
This vest keeps my big dogs cool in hot St. Louis weather. Luca wore his on a hike with me yesterday.
Kristel Smart Webboard User Reg: 10-03-2006
Posts: 1548
Loc: Vermont
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Some very good replies/suggestions...thank you! It sounds like these types of things can help somewhat.
Nora, I LOVE the cool collar. I tend to use the cold-packs that come with it more than ice just because working with my dog usually means a drive to a field or park in my car and they're less messy. I bought extra 'cool tubes' and pack them in a cooler in my car to rotate when the one I'm using melts. He still gets hot, but it takes longer and he stays mentally 'sharper' for a noticeably longer period of time.
Tracy,
Those vests look like they hit all of the strategic places...cool!
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