Nushie Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 I am thinking about getting a cooling bed for Jager. Just wondering how many people have a cooling mat/bed and whether their dogs acutally use them? I have read through the threads on cooling mats and will probably end up getting one no matter what, but was curious as to how many dogs just refuse to use them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gayle. Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 I made them for my dogs and went to great lengths to ensure it wouldn't feel wet or slimy, but cool and comfortable for them to lie on. Nup, they hate them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 I always cover the cool bed with a dry towel. My guys seem happy to use them this way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 Mine have a huge one to share, but only use it if it is really, really hot. Hmmm, maybe that is because I am on it myself when it is that hot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boronia Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 My three (Westies) love them, it took at least a month for them to get used to them, I had to disguise it with a thin piece of foam and a towel (which would have made it hot to lie on ) but after they got used to resting on it they spend most of their sleeping-in-the-day-time on it. If the day gets too hot they lie on the tiles in the bathroom. I bought the Soothe Soft Canine Cooler last year when it was on special at Deals Direct (I think) it was around $40-something. Penny likes it best, I think it feels nice on her old-bones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CavsRcute Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 My Cavalier LOVES hers. I put it in a pillowcase and she sleeps on it all day and night. A friend made mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Fox Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 Mine isn't keen, but then he is like that with anything new or different so perhaps would have got used to it in time. Never had the opportunity to though as the Polar mat was stolen less than a week after it arrived by my 11 year old son who slept on it in all summer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 Nope, mine won't go on them, have tried different brands/styles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caesars mum Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 Mine wont use them either, have had several types and they would rather lie on the ground. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 I always cover the cool bed with a dry towel. My guys seem happy to use them this way. Where is the best place to get them, please?. I want to get one for Mufti as I am concerned how he is going to cope with the coming summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry's Mum Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 Perry does not like it no matter how I try to disguise it - she prefers that I leave the aircon on all day for her. Here are the instructions for making one: MAKE YOUR OWN KOOL PAD Step 1) The plant nursery: Buy a packet of water retention granules from the local gardening centre or hardware store. Step 2) Fabric • Material for the mat- Use a standard pillowcase for a 400 size kennel. Some people like using vinyl for the bottom of the pat and cotton/cotton blend for the top. Light weight vinyl or ripstop nylon can be purchased at most fabric shops. • Cut material to whatever size you would like, a top and bottom and sew on three sides. You will need to sew channels or tubes for the granules. Each should be about 1-1/2 inches wide. When you finish, fill each with about 1 tsp of granules per foot of length. Then stitch the fourth side closed. You may find it easier to put 1/2 teaspoon of granules in each tube, and then sew across the width every six inches. It is easier to disperse the granules when immersing then all on one side. Sew 8 vertical channels and then divides each into fourths. Put a tsp. of crystals into each and then sews line of channels shut. The mat will stay damp for several days, maybe as long as five days. • Place it in cool water, distilled water is the best. Thirty minutes should give it about 50% absorption. Another hour should use all the absorptive ability of the granules. If it is too full or not full enough, allow several days to dry and then adjust the amount in the tubes appropriately. Cleaning Instructions • WARNING: When not in use hang in a well-ventilated area. • To prevent mildew, place in large Ziploc bag or other large bag you can secure in refrigerator where it will stay hydrated for months. If storing longer allow to dry completely and remember it may take over a week. • To wash--hand wash in mild soap or vinegar and water, rinse thoroughly, and hang in a well-ventilated area to dry. DO NOT MACHINE WASH OR DRY! Other Ideas • Enclosing the mat in a second pillowcase with a Velcro close allows the outer to be washed, may reduce the dampness, and does not interfere with the cooling effect. • You can use the same process to make yourself a cooling neckband or bands to tie around wrists and ankles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 I was thinking of getting one of these for my Old boy as we have had dehydration problems with him last summer. I was a little reluctant to buy one considering the amount of dogs that don't seem to like them much. I am may give making one a go, then if he doesn't like it it is a small amount of money and my time that is wasted. I already have the granules, just need to buy some material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brightonrock Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 My dogs dislike the cooling mats and never lie on them by choice. Even when they are in the trolley they do their best to lie on the edges. A battery operated fan attached to the trolley is OK and they don't like the cooling vests either so a spray bottle on their tummies and foot pads works instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 GayleK is going to send me one of hers so it will be interesting to see whether Mufti likes it. I didn't realise they were made from those granules. At a market a few years ago, I bought a couple of headbands/neckbands for human use because I feel the heat terribly. I used them for a while when I was gardening, but frankly they felt awful . I ended up tossing them out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushie Posted October 13, 2010 Author Share Posted October 13, 2010 MAKE YOUR OWN KOOL PAD Thanks for that. I might have a look at making one first and see how he likes it. Save me some money if it turns out he hates it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushie Posted October 13, 2010 Author Share Posted October 13, 2010 Buy a packet of water retention granules from the local gardening centre or hardware store. Just a quick question - does anyone know if these a harmful to dogs if ingested?? Jager isnt really a chewer, but i would rather be safe. I know the stuff in the commerially made pet cooler beds are non-toxic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry's Mum Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 I don't know but you could easily check with the manufacturer. Perry is a major chewer but has never made any attempt to chew this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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