Two paws up ...

So, a black dog and 106 degree heat don't mix. Actually, I don't think 106 degree heat mixes with anything ... other than hell! But, even in the more normal heat, Molly gets very hot on our evening walks with her black coat. I happened upon a product in a catalog and then saw it in person at our local fancy dog store. It is called the "Swamp Cooler" and it is made by Rough Wear (www.roughwear.com).



It says that has the following features:
* Uses evaporative cooling to keep dogs cool in the heat
* Exchanges the dog’s heat with the coolness of the stored water
* Releases the heat as the water evaporates
* Three-Layer construction maximizes cooling effects:
o Top air-mesh layer generates evaporation, releasing heat
o Middle layer absorbs and stores the cooling water
o Bottom layer cools the dog
* Light color reflects sunlight and ultraviolet rays for added sun protection
* Auto-lock buckles adjust and hold for a custom fit

The family physicist questioned it's ability to actually evaporate and therefore cool and the family physiologist agreed. We decided to take a gamble because we figured if nothing else it would feel cool initially and also protect her from the sun beating down on her back.

After using it for a week or so we are totally sold! She doesn't love putting it on when it is wet/damp, but she doesn't really mind. Her harness goes right over it and then we are off! She still gets hot, but nearly as hot as before! And she cools back down a lot faster. In the afternoon our walks range from 30 to 45 min. (depending on the heat) and we run and walk. When we get back home, her back is still cool. I've added water to it when we've been out, but mostly the initial wetting is plenty. She's worn it to the dog park and other doggies still played with her. In fact, she had a great outing because she had way more energy since she was cooler. She's even done a few rolls in the ground on her back with it and it is all good.

Oddly, we haven't yet taken a picture of her in it, but this will give you an idea of what a doggie looks like wearing it:



Rough Wear is the same company that makes her pack that she hikes in and they are based in Bend, OR. If you have a hot dog (not the kind you eat) and they don't mind wearing something like this, I HIGHLY recommend it! Your local dog store probably carries it and would let you try it out. Happy walking!