Managing in the Heat

Where I live in California, we've had a record number of heat wave days this summer and I have been challenged to keep Kino cool enough.  It's not just the fact that he's a long coat, he has an intolerance for heat and overheats very easily.  He also has a fear of water and refuses to even get his paws wet.

My last shepherd had malignant hyperthermia (which means they can't cool themselves off no matter how hard they pant), so I'm pretty used to the routine . . . ice water, ice cubes, fans on in whatever room he's in, etc.   Somehow, it hasn't seemed to be enough with Kino and regardless of what I do, he still pants and seemed miserable in the heat.

Fortunately for Kino, a friend of mine gave me a cooling scarf that is commonly used by athletes to keep themselves from overheating.  She bought one for herself because the AC wasn't working in her office building and she picked one up for me too.  I knew right away that it would be better used on Kino, but would HE be open to the idea?

Going into the kitchen, I followed the instructions (wet it, ring it out, snap it a few times).  While it was clear Kino didn't love the "snap it" step, I asked him if I could put the scarf on him and he started wagging his tail and happily let me tie it around his neck. I'm not sure if he knew it was going to cool him off or if he just thought he'd look more handsome with a scarf around his neck . . . I was just glad that he didn't mind wearing it.

I noticed a change immediately.  Within two minutes, Kino's tongue was no longer hanging out of his mouth and he was more animated, wanting to play again.  The next day he was chasing balls and he pooped out before we even got half way through the bucket, which is not like him at all.  I got the scarf and put it on him . . . and immediately he was ready to start chasing balls again.

We've gotten in the habit of putting it on after exercise, during exercise, (although, if he's chasing tennis balls, it won't stay on for long and I have to put it back on him a few times) and before bed if it's a warm night.

All I have to say is, "Should we put your scarf on?" and he will run straight to the kitchen wagging his tail all the while.  I'm so relieved we have another way to keep Kino cool and comfortable.

If you have a dog who has trouble in the heat, I highly recommend one of these scarves.   Hopefully your dogs will enjoy wearing them as much as Kino does!