dog cooling vest?????????

Question

I have a lab mix that we rescued 1.5 years ago. He was a stray and had heartworm. Long story short he had his treatments (the last one right before we got him). The heat (well more the humidity) really affects him. We run him early in the morning and night to try to make it easier. He is full of energy and loves to go for runs. I just recently discovered that there is such thing as a dog cooling vest - but there are a couple of different kinds (ones that you wet, ones that you don't etc.)

Have you had any experience with this? Could you recommend a product for me?

Answer 1

I purchase my cooling vests for the dogs I rescue every 2 weeks or so. I use RCPM Cooling Vests by Glacier Tek. I purchase them at helpinggudders.com Occasionally I use Amazon which has pretty good prices on regular cooling vests, but I would suggest RCPM...it works really well and the dogs I rescue really benefit from it.







Thanks. Hope i've helped.

Answer 2

Baths may be great after the walk, but a cooling vest will be great during the walk. Chemicals to help cooling can have their own set of problems when it comes to the care of your pets skin and fur.

The vest that are wet are just as effective as ones that are dry, however the difference is in the type of dog. You have a lab which I think would do well with a wet vest. They do make smaller vest for smaller dogs, however the weight of the wet vest may be a little too much for the little guys.

You may also consider buying other items for him to cool off. A cooling bandana for his neck is a great option or a cooling mat on the patio will be something he/she would fall in love with. There are great products for your pet these days.

Answer 3

Do you put a coat on when it is hot? IMHO they self defeat their purpose.

It is the air flow and water evaporating that wicks heat away from a dog best.

A simple trick that really works;

Mix water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and mist the dogs body with it. The solution evaporates twice as fast as water does, and wicks away twice the amount of heat from the dogs body. I have been using this with field trial dogs when it is very hot for over 20 years, and it works better than anything else.

Answer 4

I have a newfie and she loves hers, but I made her own with a few bandannas and 2 lunch box ice packs. I made it like a backpack with one ice pack on each side of her chest. We keep her shaved but she still gets incredible hot this time of year. My favorite part is its soo washable with the hair and dog sweat and its cheap! If you use this idea be sure to take if off as soon as you get home because the content can be dangerous it they chew it and try to eat it.



Good luck!

Answer 5

Here is a link of where I get my cool coats, I use them at home and while at shows, This company has the least expensive coats at only $28 while others are $55- $125 They are made with the same material as the others



http://www.aahpaws.com/The_Chilly_Dog_Cool_Coat_p/cc-large-xxlarge.htm

Answer 6

Just make sure he gets lots of water

Answer 7

http://www.darwinspets.co.uk/dogs/coats-and-amp-clothing/ruffwear-swamp-cooler-dog-cooling-vest.html



No experience with it. Sounds good. Terrible price though imo. We just stick a damp tea towel over our dog :)

Answer 8

www.staywarmstaycool.com