Friend is having unusually hot weather in Oregon and their air conditioning is out. Need suggestions on how to keep a large dog with pretty long hair cool. Getting to AC is out of the question right now. All hotels are full,no window ac units or fans available/all sold out.
AsConfused
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First you need to know the signs of heat exhaustion. Tell your friend to search or do it for him/her. Most obvious signs are dehydration (grabbing a chunk of skin and counting how long it takes to return to normal) and shock (poking the gums and checking how long the color takes to return to normal).
More than any quick fixes, knowing the signs of distress will help.
As for quick fixes:
When health is concerned, just shave.
Hydration is also an issue, but dont try to regulate temp by throwing ice cubes in water dish.
Where does the dog sleep? A cold wet towel will work for hours, if they have a place to put it.
Fans will work just as they do with humans, again it comes down to if the dog is comfortable around them.
The best solution for cooling an overheated dog is draping a wet towel over him or her. If they want to leave for long periods of time and feel safe, the next best thing would be a cooling mat.
Magpie
I know how they feel, we had the same problems in Australia last summer and we don't have aircon! My Greyhound and Corgi hated it. The local Greyhound adoption place suggested these tips:
Get a damp towel and pop it under the dogs chest - the condensation helps cool the air.
Make sure plenty of water is available, and make sure they are drinking it.
Obviously don't go walking, even a night unless the temperature really drops (some nights didn't get below 28 celcius - 82F overnight here) and keep the dog inside in the coolest room you can.
If the dog will eat them, a frozen icy pole or similar helps (I actually gave ours some kids hydralite bars - the sort you give when they've been sick to replace fluids - check the ingredients with a vet first).
The towel seemed to help most, and we squirted our two with the hose every few hours as well (make sure the water runs cool first).
GOOD LUCK - hope some of these tips help.
Anonymous
1) Use a fan and shade. You can find both, just ask around
2) Clip the dog's hair as short as possible for the breed
3) Have plenty of fresh cool water
4) keep excitement down and only be active in the coolest time of the day
5) a plastic kiddie pool or hose with a mister might work if the dog likes water
6) feed small, lite, meals, heavy table scraps
Rebel
Hi
Get a spray bottle & keep it filled with cool water. You can also have the dog stand in cool water in a tub or large pan. Cooling the pads & feet help to keep a dog cool.
Best of luck, Rebel
Liz H
If you can use a kiddie pool.
If pools are sold out, look for the plastic sand boxes or one piece pond forms.
If the dog hates water and you need an indoor solution, fill with Ice and cover with a tarp.