A/C just broke, how to keep double coated dog cool in the summer heat?

[SAcres]

Any tips to keep a double coated, not so heat tolerant dog cool in the summer heat? The ac should be fixed within a few days but unfortunately it’s supposed to be in the upper 80’s and humid. I looked into a window ac unit but they’re EXPENSIVE and I would only need it for a few days. I have a fan that’s pointing on his usual sleeping area for tonight but I’m worried about during the day. He’s just a year old so he’s still crated while I’m at work, I’m worried that it’ll get too hot in the crate for him.

Any tips or tricks? TIA

[Highflyer]

My parents didn’t have AC, and still don’t, and ours always did just fine (granted, not crated).

[Simkie]

Maybe doggy daycare if it’s really warm enough to be uncomfortable?

Do you have a cool basement you could use for a few days?

[WoofNWhinny]

Leave a fan on the crate, just be sure he can’t reach the cord or fan itself.

Freeze water in a tupperware container so it will melt slowly and last longer than standard-sized ice cubes and the dog can lick at it while he’s crated.

Freeze a two-liter soda bottle (allow space for ice to expand when you fill it), wrap it in a towel, and let the dog lie against it. Just be sure that the dog will be able to move away from it when he wants to.

[ElisLove]

Make sure the dog is properly groomed. Packed/matted undercoat will not allow the coat to work properly which won’t allow it to regulate temperature well.

[Callista17]

Or soak a towel and freeze it, then put it under a towel or blanket or something?

[Milocalwinnings]

I would just board him or at the very least, send him to doggy daycare or a friends for a few days to keep him comfortable.

[MsM]

Wow! I had no AC and a double-coated dog for years. Both the dog and I survived nicely. Im hoping the crate is wire to allow air flow. IME, a dog hanging out in a crate with a fan on it should do just fine.

[Marshfield]

A cool coat from Saratoga Horseworks will help a lot if you can pick one up. There’s also mats designed for them to lay on to keep cool

[S1969]

I agree that a fan should be fine for temps in the 80s. If the high 90s or into the 100s…maybe that would require boarding elsewhere.

But, I would look at the cool mats too. Just be sure that the dog can get off the mat if it gets too cold.

I’m assuming you have a wire crate that can get airflow? If you are using a fiberglass/solid sided crate…I’d buy a wire one.

[vxf111]

[QUOTE=Marshfield;8684058]
A cool coat from Saratoga Horseworks will help a lot if you can pick one up. There’s also mats designed for them to lay on to keep cool[/QUOTE]

Do these really work on LONG COATED breeds. I am so tempted to try one for my rough collie. She gets SO SO SO HOT… but I feel as though she’s so furry, none of the cooling will get down to the skin?

[Marshfield]

[QUOTE=vxf111;8684126]
Do these really work on LONG COATED breeds. I am so tempted to try one for my rough collie. She gets SO SO SO HOT… but I feel as though she’s so furry, none of the cooling will get down to the skin?[/QUOTE]

Yes. Makes a world of difference for my corgi and I bought one because my friend swears by it for her agility rough collie. There decidedly cooler with them

[vxf111]

[QUOTE=Marshfield;8684418]
Yes. Makes a world of difference for my corgi and I bought one because my friend swears by it for her agility rough collie. There decidedly cooler with them[/QUOTE]

Do you wet them first? Or just use them as is. I am very tempted to buy one based on your recommendation. I’m curious how you use them.

Maggie gets very hot DURING agility class (probably a no go to have her wear it then), hiking in the dogpark (that would be ok, I think) and doing horse chores (that would also be ok).

[vxf111]

I bought one because Clear Run had them on sale. And, well, Clear Run. But I would very much like to hear how you or others use them Marshfield. Wet or dry and under what conditions? THX

[Marshfield]

I use mine wet. Our primary trial site got a major expansion last year. But, we were without indoor crating from June until the New Year. So, I worked out of my car in the summer heat. I put a sun shade of the back half of the car and a wet Cool Coat on Torri and she was chill and comfy even in 90 degree heat. My collie friend uses hers wet as well. I would probably try a cooling mat for agility class

[Alagirl]

[QUOTE=MsM;8683996]
Wow! I had no AC and a double-coated dog for years. Both the dog and I survived nicely. Im hoping the crate is wire to allow air flow. IME, a dog hanging out in a crate with a fan on it should do just fine.[/QUOTE]
Not having A/C and suddenly having to do without is a difference though.

I used to work in a green house during summer, did great with taking break in the ‘cool’ area, at about 90 degrees…now? High 70s have me reaching for the A/C switch!
it’s what you’re used to.

[cnigh]

I use a kiddy pool for my dogs in summer. Indoors we have fans and they can go down to the basement if too hot.

[Simkie]

Also, FWIW, clipping my Samoyed in the spring added years to her life. I know clipped a coated dog is anathema, but it really worked for her.

She was always kept groomed, undercoat was pulled out when she shed it, etc, but the heavy coat just was really difficult for her, especially once she got older. She was SO much happier and cooler clipped.

No idea if that’s a possibility here, but just offering one more potential solution

[Casey09]

We had a big power outage last year, and people were flooding the veterinary office with dogs brought in for the day. Personally it wouldn’t worry me too much at night when I was there to monitor the situation, but I’m not sure I’d leave the dog in there in a crate during the day unmonitored. You just don’t know how hot it will get in the house, and no one would know if the dog is struggling. I do think it is what you’re used to. Honestly I’d feel more comfortable leaving a dog in a securely fended area with shade and water than shut in a stuffy house. You might call your vet - they might not charge too much to park him there during the day. I’d definitely pick him up at night because you’ll be there to observe him.

[arapaloosa_lady]

I’d board the dog for the day.

Your dog has no ability to choose a cool area to thermoregulate when crated. At the very least, make sure he’s in an area with good airflow and minimal sunlight. Plenty of cool water available.