Cooling coats - when and how

[Mercsmom]

I've read all the threads on heat management that I could find (including mentions of our beloved Rocket in the desert) but still have a few questions regarding cooling coats.

It's early June at 79 degrees at 7 a.m.  We keep our walks early and stay on sidewalks or grass avoiding pavement whenever possible.  After a 30-40 minute walk, Jupiter seems to cool down within 10-15 minutes (we delay breakfast until he's cool).  Morning's will only get hotter so I'm considering a cooling coat.  But... physics.  The humidity here ranges from 95-1000% .   I don't think a wet coat will work as it won't evaporate.

I'm happy for all suggestions for other types of cool coats or other products.  (Yes, yes, we will be having a discussion of leather boots for hot pavements).  Thanks in advance

[FiveRoooooers]

If it were me, I would simply carry a small spray bottle filled with ice water and mist him as needed in the key areas of his body that will help him cool down quickly: back of the neck, armpits and groin. 

[ramonaghan]

1 hour ago, FiveRoooooers said:

If it were me, I would simply carry a small spray bottle filled with ice water and mist him as needed in the key areas of his body that will help him cool down quickly: back of the neck, armpits and groin. 

 And a cooling mat when he gets inside can help too. We have this one.

[FiveRoooooers]

31 minutes ago, ramonaghan said:

 And a cooling mat when he gets inside can help too. We have this one.

What a good idea that is! What size do you have for the sibs or is it one size fits all?

Edited June 13, 2023 by FiveRoooooers

[ramonaghan]

3 minutes ago, FiveRoooooers said:

What a good idea that is! What size do you have for the sibs or is it one size fits all?

We have the 27x43 from Sweep  which is fine for Willa, but I think Doolin would need the 35x55 (though he doesn't seem to object to just laying on the bare bathroom tile ).

[Time4ANap]

If we aren't back from a walk by 6:30 AM in the summer, the walk isn't happening. So from May - October, very few walks happen here. They will still run in the yard and do an occasional walk if we get a cloudy or rainy day during our monsoon season, but for the most part, Mark and LaVida really don't care. Maybe because they are both older, not sure.  Walks just aren't a priority for them. The last time I took Mark for a walk, we got one house away and he turned around and headed home. No idea what that was about. 

I found that using anything as a cooling coat or even a wet towel only really works if there is air moving over it. We put a fan on high and pointed it any of our dogs who overheated while changing out wet towels or the home made cooling coat as the garment or twoel warmed up and the cooling effect was lost. 

Here, we also really can't walk in the evneing as the residual heat on the sidewalks and streets is still too hot tothe touch for paws. Even after sundown concrete will still be well over 100 degrees for hours. 

Camp Greyhound has an indoor pool. Jus' sayin....

[Houndtime]

6 hours ago, FiveRoooooers said:

If it were me, I would simply carry a small spray bottle filled with ice water and mist him as needed in the key areas of his body that will help him cool down quickly: back of the neck, armpits and groin. 

That's what I do.  They have smaller bottles in the $store.

 

[Mercsmom]

2 hours ago, Time4ANap said:

Camp Greyhound has an indoor pool. Jus' sayin....

We have an outdoor pool and I can't wait to get Jupiter into it.  So far, it's been a big NOPE but maybe as it gets even hotter....

You may remember my Mercury got used to the pool.... eventually.

[Time4ANap]

56 minutes ago, Mercsmom said:

We have an outdoor pool and I can't wait to get Jupiter into it.  So far, it's been a big NOPE but maybe as it gets even hotter....

You may remember my Mercury got used to the pool.... eventually.

That looks awesome! 

[FiveRoooooers]

[macoduck]

Elizabeth, this is a good cooling coat. I've met the makers at several events and safety is a priority. https://www.etsy.com/shop/CouchPotatoDogKnits?ref=hdr_shop_menu&fbclid=IwAR2UrG7_eJCfGtVbIUWK7WmRzXzevmvHwqrlwmCH4rj39pkA2wK9w0Ucs-4&section_id=21699597

[Mercsmom]

11 hours ago, FiveRoooooers said:

1 hour ago, macoduck said:

Elizabeth, this is a good cooling coat. I've met the makers at several events and safety is a priority. https://www.etsy.com/shop/CouchPotatoDogKnits?ref=hdr_shop_menu&fbclid=IwAR2UrG7_eJCfGtVbIUWK7WmRzXzevmvHwqrlwmCH4rj39pkA2wK9w0Ucs-4&section_id=21699597

I saw that one (you had posted it in another thread).  I'm still concerned that anything that relies of evaporation won't work in our humidity.

[macoduck]

Here's what the Couch Potato ladies said about dealing with humidity:

In regards to the cooling vest situation in Florida. We have sold many down there & in fact started out with our own greyhound living in St Pete so we know that really heavy humidity & it's no fun. What we always suggest with the vests when they are going to be used in high humidity is to leave the coat damper than normal when using.
This way the coolness will stay for longer. Dunk it in a bucket of iced water & then only wring it out slightly even though it may drip a little.
We also suggest carrying a bottle of iced water when you are out on any longer walks as it's an easy on & off to do a quick replenish & your dog will stay cool.