Black Dogs in Summer

I had a black cocker spaniel when I lived on Okinawa (ie: Japan's Hawaii). She would get really hot if I wasn't careful. I had a cooling vest for her and a kiddy pool in the backyard for her to step into / lay in / whatever when she got too hot. I also made sure she always had access to water and shade. I never put clothes on her because I felt the breeze couldn't get thru her fur as much if I did. We would hike but always early morning hours for her and nothing when the sun was overhead. In Japan, they had flag days to inform you of the heat index. Green Flag days were ok for anything; Yellow flag days were caution for new to the island people, elderly or children; but Red Flag days limited ALL outside activities.

I know of people who use the cooling vests and of course, lots of water and shade! Also, we had our dog trimmed up (not shaved) to get rid of some excess hair and bulk and that seems to help him immensely. He got really hot before in any weather over 80 degrees.

Mom usually puts a cooling bandana for me to wear when we go out. They also takes a cooler with plenty of water and a spare bandana. I might have them check out the cooling vest though.

We've tried cool coats and collars. Neither one worked that great. We just try to keep them in the shade and keep them wet and well hydrated.

We try to stay in the shade, fresh cold water and we have a stock tank that is not being used that mom and dad fill for us to jump in an cool off. We have to be careful how much ball playing we do.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. They are really appreciated. I'll be checking out the cooling items since he seems to get really hot if its much above 75. Since we do so much during the day in the summer, these items are probably worth trying. They may at least help. For canoeing, we'll try to rig some shade for him.

I love the cooling vest. Don't forget to stay off from concrete and blacktop. Those two serfaces radiate alot of heat and your pupper is alot closer to them than you are.

Our family dog is mostly long haired and black so we keep her inside or with access to shade in the summer months.