Keeping cool..

[RD]

Well, for those who don't know, I live in Arizona.. Currently the average temperature is about 105 degrees.

Lately, I've been worried about the boys and how hot they are getting when they go out, and I've been considering getting some boots for their feet and "cool coats" (not sure what they're called - they're made of a material that cools the dog, that's all I know of them.) to strap on them when they get warm.

I want a coat that is durable (my dogs are rather rough on their 'clothes') and that stays cool for quite a while. Also, I'm interested in a crate pad that keeps things cool - does anyone have a particular brand or type to suggest? I know some are better than others..

If anyone knows much about these, could you please post a link to where I can buy them? Any tips/advice on it would be appreciated as well. Thanks!

 

[poodlesmom]

At the pet store I have bought the doggie bandanas that you soak in water. They stay cool for a long, long time (I have actually used it myself when I have yard work I have to do on a real hot day). One of the gals that goes to the obed. school makes the pads for dogs to lay on & the ones that go over the dog's back & covers their belly that you soak too. She goes to the nursery store & buys those pellets that people mix in with their potting soil to retain the moisture (sorry, I'm not sure exactly what it is called). She said it is alot cheaper making your own than buying them. She sews the pad with "channels" (for lack of a better word), puts some of the pellets in each channel and then hems the end.