The warm weather is here and with it are the potential dangers of heat stroke. Making sure our dogs get enough exercise is important but there are times when we need to be a little creative when it comes to cooling down our canine companions. Here are some great ideas for keeping your pooch cool all summer long!
#1 – Cooling Mats
There are a number of different companies that make cooling mats and all of them are pretty equally awesome. Cooling mats have gel-filled insides or covers that just need to be popped in the refrigerator or freezer and placed on the floor for your pooch to lounge around on! They are a great idea after a walk or a romp in the yard as they aren’t so cold to cause problems (instantaneous body temperature change can actually cause more harm than good) and are comfortable enough that your dog will just love them. In fact, you might even find yourself sitting on one! You can buy one here on Amazon.com.
#2 – Kool Collars
Coming from the same idea as the cooling mats, Kool Collars have a replaceable gel filling that can be frozen or refrigerated. Once you put it on your dog’s neck, it’s a great way for them to cool off before, after or even during some exercise! Many hikers actually enjoying having Kool Collars on their dogs during a long hike to keep their body temperature lower during strenuous exercise. Available here.
#3 – Pet Cot Canopy
Dog cots are becoming more and more popular and it’s no wonder why – they are durable, comfortable and neat beds that come in all different colors, shapes and sizes. But lying out in the sun all day can not only cause the cot to get too hot, it’ll make your dog hot too! So attach this awesome cot canopy and let your pooch enjoy the shade. You can lounge around the pool together! Available here.
#4 – Cool Coats
The original cool coats are actually very popular among conformation handlers and breeders, because they can be damped with water to keep the dogs nice and cool without getting them wet. Cool coats have now taken on all different types, whether they get wet, have gel-filled cooling packs or just reflect the sun. Whatever your need may be, cool coats are an excellent way to keep your dog cool during exercise or a nice way for them to stabilize their body temperature after. Available on Amazon here.
#5 – Space® Blanket
Space® Blankets – This might sound silly, but Space® Blankets really are the way of the future! The material used to make these blankets was developed by NASA and they both retain or reflect 80% of the sun’s heat. During summer months, you can use the blanket to cover your dog’s crate or kennel or even use them as sun shades inside your car. With the reflective side facing out, you’ll be blocking almost all of the heat and sun away from your pooch. We got ours on Amazon as well.
