Deal with the heat

[primabella]

It's been going up to 30 degrees around here and Mickey is not really taking it well. He's got all that fur Any idea on how to make him stay cool? I would hose him down a bit but he doesn't even like walking by the sprinklers because then he'll get wet ( ) I change his water every so often to make sure its fresh and cold. He likes to sleep under the table in the kitchen and patioo for some shade, but other than that he's always in the light.

I know its normal for him (especially with his amount of fur) to be hot, but I see him when he naps and he's taking heavy quick breaths. I find it a bit weird.

Any ideas? The AC's will be up soon so I just need a few ideas. Thanks

[ParNone]

Hi Prima,

There's special cooling beds you can get for them to lay on,
that really help. Here's an example of one from Petsmart:

http://www.petsmart.com/dog/shopping...t%5F8418.shtml

Par...

[primabella]

Oh that's "cool" Hehe okay, stupid joke I had my coffee just now, okay?

There are two probs with that though - 1 - my parents won't want to order online. My dad made one purchase online and it was to get this math program to help me out in class. - 2 - There are no Petsmart's here. Or Petco's. Just 'J.E. Mondou's' which suck .

Thanks for the link though

[Cincy'sMom]

They have similar bcoolingbeds from Fosters and Smith. Would you be ableto request a catalog online? you could then order throught the mail or by phone.

we often put a "wading pool" in the backyard during the ummer. The dogs love it!!!

[primabella]

I'm going to ask my mom about the pool idea. Myabe he just doesn't like getting "sprayed" with water... because he doesn't mind a bath...?

My parents won't want to be anything online or through the mail. They just won't They're mean

[binka_nugget]

How about a fan in a shaded area for now? Kai's the same..he pants often...and I just feel so sorry for him after exercise. Kai use to hate water, but I started spraying him when he couldn't run away..and after a few days he was ok with it.

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

No clue but Abby likes ice cubes in her water.

[wolf_Q]

Nebo wouldn't really enjoy being sprayed down either, but he LOVES the kiddy pool we keep out there for him! Maybe you could give that a try.

[Uabassoon]

Clean out those 1 gallon milk jugs and fill them with water, then let them freeze over night. In the morning put them next to where he sleeps or if he has a dog house put them in the dog house. They will help keep the area cooler.

[primabella]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Keeping them in mind

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Its been really hot here too! Today it was 105! I spray them with water, and keep the in the house, with of course the air conditioner on. They also like ice cubes

[wolfsoul]

Our house doesn't have air conditioning, and it's been getting up in the forties lately So, Timber is usually outside in the shade, or I take her to the beach or the creek for a good swim Or we can play with the hose. I'll chase her around and spray her...If I'm not playing with her, than it's no fun, cuz otherwise she hates the hose lol

[Tonya]

Last year I took my australian shephard in to get shaved for the summer. They told me it is uneccesary, that the undercoat acts as a regulator. Not only does it trap the heat in the the winter, but it traps the cool in the summer. I asked my vet, and he says that is true, both with my aussie and husky. I also provide access to the garage and plenty of cold water for them. I have a kiddie pool I fill up and the dogs get in it.

[primabella]

Would it be the same with Shelties than? I'm guessing it would...thanks for the info Tonya.

[lovemyshiba]

I wish it would warm up here

Does Mickey like ice cubes? I know they don't last all day, but mine love them, and I think it cools them down a bit. There's also something called a "chilly bone" that I have seen in pet stores--it has a sponge inside that freezes, and then it's cool for a while when the dog plays with it. I also just read today, to wet down a rope toy, and freeze it overnight--I'm sure this would be best outside, but it may keep him cool--it feels good on their teeth too One more thing, how about putting water in his kong, and freezing it overnight?? Probably another outside toy, but cool nonetheless.