How to stay cool in a caravan
Does anyone have any tips? In the absence of aircon, we have to face the issue of keeping our 14 year old black labrador cool whilst we're away this summer. In the past she's always crept under the caravan to keep cool but we're not sure this will be sufficient at her advanced age now.
Can anyone recommend any portable coolers other than just using an electric fan please?
Cheers, Steve
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In the absence of any trees/natural shade, you could try something like one of these - not cheap but very effective even in the hottest of weather. Assuming she'd cope with something new at 14.
http://prestigepets.co.uk/cool-coat/
Good luck, hope you find something to suit. 🐕
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I have no experience myself but I do know people that use cooling gel mats with their dogs at home, I think Argos sell them and pet shops sell them.
I think you put the get mats in a fridge then use them. Of course I'm not sure if they would fit inside your caravan fridge but might work?
I'm sure someone will be along who has used them or have better ideas.
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You could try ice packs under matting/bedding if nothing else is available. Dogs like to dig themselves into shaded earth don't they, anything similar will help eg shaded tent structures that don't absorb heat. Good luck the prospect of extreme heat is a difficult one.
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No need to put them in the fridge Corners - they miraculously stay cool on their own. We have been using them for years for Meg and she loves it. We get ours from B&M Bargains - usually less than a tenner for a large one and much cheaper than going to a pet shop and they really do work.
As to how they work - I can only guess that on the 'evaporation causes cooling' principle that the gel must very slowly evaporate over time, keeping it cool. The reason I say this is that after about a year or so, they tend to go flat as if some of the gel has been lost and since it isn't leaking in the normal sense, evaporation seems to be the only explanation. On the other hand, I wouldn't have thought that would have been enough to keep them cool but it does work somehow
As soon as we put it down - she makes a bee-line for it - so it must be having an effect.
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+1, my old retriever panted badly so we took a baby bath for her to lay in on super hot days, in the shade in the bath with a new supply of cold water regularly-it works. . .Being a water Dog by birth helped.
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We tried that as well, Rocky - with a kid's paddling pool. In fact it still sitting in the garage in its box. Meg ought to like water, being part Poodle and part Spaniel - both water dogs - but she wouldn't go anywhere near it. She even walks around puddles on the footpath. Whimp!!
The only water she likes is if it's warm and soapy in the shower
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That's a fantastic pic!
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Thanks for all your replies. Will look into all your suggestions. Maddie (our Lab) really struggles with her arthritis but she's always loved coming away with us in our caravan so we really want to keep her as comfortable as possible.
Love the coolmat - nice colour too!
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We have an elderly very arthritic Lab. He struggles now in the heat. The cool mats sound good, but if it’s super hot, we pour cool (not ice cold) water all over our Lab and this seems to help him in the day. He’s used to swimming in sea, rivers, etc… but wouldn’t entertain the blow up paddling pool we bought him, even if it had biscuits floating in it🤣 Overnight, we get as much of a breeze blowing through van as we can.
Our Airedales used to climb into cattle troughs out on a walk!😲
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I saw your picture richardandros and thought that’s a great idea (never heard of them as we don’t have a dog). Anyway, ordered one from Amazon to be delivered to our grandchildren’s dog in Hertfordshire as they were saying how hot it was. Mat arrived, dog duly sat on it, then helpfully chewed the corner!!!!!! 🥴🤣🤦🏻♀️
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Oh Dear!! Sounds like said dog needs to be given a good talking to
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I know this is a bit different solution to the question asked, but a fair few years ago, when we had our black lab, I made her a coat that just fit down her back and a little bit up the back of her neck using the thick white cotton material that chefs wear. (I bought it from our local market, so didn’t cost much). Within seconds of putting it on her, her back was cool. As it folded down and was light, it fit in my pocket and was there for anytime we needed it, whilst out walking. I’m not great on a machine, so took me a bit of time to hand sew, but it worked wonders 👍
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Thanks all, once again. We're pleased to say that Maddie is now the proud owner of a bright blue cool mat that should hopefully keep her from overheating through our summer breaks away in the (hopefully sunny but not too hot!) UK. She seems to be quite happy to stretch out and sleep on it, despite the pain of her arthritis.
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Oh good - I'm pleased I was able to help. Ours is in the kitchen at the moment (with Meg on it!) and it will be coming away with us next week.
Don't forget - they don't last forever and tend to go flat after a year and lose their gel. We will be getting another one before long but it's a miniscule price to pay to keep our best friends comfortable.
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