Keeping Cool

[brindlehound]

Magic has a weak back end due to probable LS. We live somewhere with no AC so, needless to say, Magic's back end is weaker right now due to the heat and humidity.

 

My thought is to use a wet dishtowel to keep him cool. Where is the best place to put it on his body? His neck? His back end?

 

Thanks.

[PatricksMom]

I would think his stomach, if he'll let you.

 

Would he lay down in front of a box fan?

Edited July 2, 2014 by PatricksMom

[brindlehound]

He does lay in front of the fan. It's not a box fan but it does blow directly on him. Right now, I have it over his back.

[DocsDoctor]

My vet told me place a cold wet towel on the underside of a greyhound's chest/stomach to cool him down quickly - with its exaggerated form and sparse/non-existent hair cover it has already been 'designed' for the rapid dissipation of heat, when the dog runs....

 

... for the same reason you should keep it covered in winter, when standing around in the cold.(Not so much of an issue if they are exercising!)

[Guest sireltonsmom]

A kiddie pool is helpful if he can manage it. Feet in cool water is a quick cooldown. Stay cool sweet Magiic!

[MP_the4pack]

There are portable AC units that are really affordable and small and easy now. I have several. They are on wheels. There's just a hose to vent out the window. They start at about $200. When weather is nice, just remove hose from window and roll into a closet.

this might be an option.

[greysmom]

Keeping him wetted down while the fan is blowing on him will help cool him more quickly. Underside of the neck, chest down between the legs, back of the neck and head.

[greytpups]

put a cold towel on his chest to cool him off.

[RedHead]

I don't have AC either I read that the best place to cool is the stomach and paws. So...a kiddie pool can help with the paws if you can do that. I also have those cooling collars that you put in the freezer. You can buy cooling dog beds, but I don't know how well they work.

[Guest Scouts_mom]

I put a damp towel on their beds. It cools their undersides as they sleep.

[3greytjoys]

Vets taught me that cool damp towels work as long as the towels are removed as soon as the dog's body heat warms the towels; otherwise, towels trap and increase heat. Check towel every few minutes, and rerinse towel with cool water as needed.

 

We slowly rinse their paws, legs, armpits, chest, then tummy with water to help cool them down in warm weather.

If taking a walk on a sunny day and the air temperature is anywhere near their tolerance threshold (for our hounds that's 70 degrees), we rinse them off before and after the walk. A pet water bottle allows them a drink and to be wet down during the walk too.

Edited July 7, 2014 by 3greytjoys

[BatterseaBrindl]

I use a spray bottle to 'mist' our guys.

Neck, chest, belly, between their hind legs.....

They lay very still while I spritz them.....really seem to appreciate it!

[FiveRoooooers]

We don't have AC here either, just ceiling fans and box fans. You may have seen in the C&F forum the pics of our indoor pool. Just being able to step into some cool water during the day seems to help. Angel Pal also had LS and he was a frequent visitor to the indoor pool.