As the days become hot, I've noticed a change in Sophie's behavior and energy levels. Last fall and all through the winter, she was go go go. We'd spend a minimun 45mins each day at the off-leash dog park. Some days we stayed for 2+ hours! And she would just keep on going. My little energizer bunny never seemed to tire, expecially if there were other dogs to play with or large open spaces to run in. But spring and now summer has come early to Winnipeg, and with a vengence. Not that I'm complaining. Winnipeg is well known for it's brutely cold and windy winters, but our summers are great and this one proves to be amount the best. Nice and hot without to much humidity - just how I like it. But now that I have Sophie...well, she doesn't do too well in the heat. The first major notice was when the temperature went into the 20s C (~68-72 F). We would go to the dog park and after about 10 minutes Sophie would find some shade to lay down in.
What!?! My dog lay down at the park!?! What twilight zone are we in!?!
Since there are very few trees at this park, I started staying close to picnic tables and instead of going for a walk, we'd play fetch or I'd let her mingle with other dogs. That way she could got under the picnic table in the shade if she wanted to. I've also been bringing her water to the picnic tables. I've always had a water bowl in the car that I would fill after every outing, but now I carry it all with me in the park. On top of all that, I also have to apply baby sunblock to her muzzle, ears, and belly, since they burn very easily. Ah the wonders of having a white, short haired, brachycephalic dog.
I have been looking for ways to keep her cool, or if that's not possible, to cool her down. So far, this is what I've come up with:
- Swimming She isn't a big fan of water to begin with, so this is a hard issue to tackle. Many dogs will swim in the ponds at the park, but Sophie won't even get her toes wet. I'm currently looking for a secluded beach where I can teach her to swim. In the mean-time, my neighbor gave me an old, hard plastic sandbox/kiddie pool. On hot days I've been getting Sophie to stand in the water and let me wet her down. She tolerates this at best, but she will go in willingly(-ish).
- Cooling collars I've found 2 different types online.
- Polymer-filled collars or bandanas: You have to soak in cold water for 10 minutes to a few hours before use (depending on brand), then it supposedily stays cool for a few hours to a few days (again depending on brand). They are filled with non-toxic polymer crystals that can absorb up to 30 times their weight. I have personally tried something like this, when I traveled to Honk Kong a few years ago, and I wasn't too impressed. Plus, the constant saoking ahead of time can be a hassel. All-in-all though, it is better than nothing.
- Kool Collars: This product looks neat. You fill it with real ice cubes and as the ice melts, it keeps the dogs chest keeping him cool. For a dryer method, there are specially made ice packs. Down-side, ice malts fast and needs to be replaced often. Not easy if you're out for a long time. Regardless, I've ordered this product and will report back my observations. http://www.koolcollarstore.com/
- Cool beds and Cool vests. Based on the same principles of as the polymer-filled collars.
No comments:
Post a Comment