A dog cools itself primarily by panting and through the pads on its feet; at temperatures of 30 degrees or higher, this mechanism is insufficient and your dog needs active help to keep its body temperature under control.
Summer is in full swing and the thermometer regularly hits 30 degrees. For yourself, that means finding shade and drinking water. For your dog, it is a bit more complicated: a dog does not sweat like you and I do. It pants to cool down and releases a little heat through its paw pads. On really hot days, that is not enough, especially not for older dogs, brachycephalic breeds (such as the English Bulldog, Pug, or French Bulldog), and dogs with thick coats.
In the shop, we are asked every day in summer how to keep your dog cool indoors without having the air conditioning on all day. One of the first things we recommend is a cooling mat: a simple aid that lies in the place where your dog already likes to lie, namely in front of the sofa, in the hallway, or by the front door.
We offer the Kowloon Cool mat, a gel-filled mat that cools as soon as your dog lies on it. The dog's weight activates the gel, causing the mat to drop several degrees below room temperature. You do not need to put the mat in the refrigerator or soak it in water; it works straight out of the packaging. The nylon cover is removable and easy to clean, which is convenient after a walk or with a dog with a wet coat. The mat is available in four sizes, from small (50 by 40 centimeters) to extra large (100 by 75 centimeters), so you will always find a size that fits your dog and the place where it lies.
What to look out for on a hot day?
The rule of thumb we use in the shop: from 25 degrees you start paying attention, from 28 degrees you adjust walking times, and from 30 degrees your dog stays inside as much as possible. Walk in the early morning (before 8 o'clock) and again in the evening when the pavement has cooled down. Test it with the back of your hand: if the asphalt feels too hot to place it on for five seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
Furthermore, provide unlimited fresh water in multiple places in the house, avoid the balcony or the car (within ten minutes the temperature there rises dangerously), and let your dog rest. A dog that gets over its limits due to the heat will pant heavily, drool, or even become sluggish and wobbly. Those are signs to cool it down immediately and call your veterinarian if in doubt.
Cool on the go with a cooling collar
A cooling mat works perfectly at home, but what do you do on a short walk or a terrace? For that, we offer the Kowloon Cool Bandana. This is an adjustable collar filled with crystals that swell as soon as you put it in cold water for five minutes. Once charged, the bandana provides a cooling effect around the neck for five to six hours, exactly where large blood vessels run and cooling is most effective. The bandana is available in five sizes (XS from 20 to 25 centimeters neck circumference to XL from 48 to 65 centimeters), so even for a Chihuahua or a Bernese Mountain Dog you will find the right size.
We do not recommend the bandana as a replacement for a walk at a normal time, but yes as extra help during necessary short rounds, during transport in the car (in combination with good ventilation), or if your dog goes to a quiet terrace. Combine the bandana with a shaded route and offer water regularly.
A few extra tips from the shop
In addition to the cooling mat and bandana, there are a few more simple things that make a difference on a tropical day:
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Make the water nice and cool by adding a few ice cubes. Start with a few cubes; some dogs like it immediately, others need to get used to it for a while.
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Freeze a Kong or lick mat with wet food or dog-friendly yogurt. This cools from the inside and keeps your dog calmly occupied.
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Place the cooling mat on a tiled floor instead of on a rug; tiles release heat faster.
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Are you unsure which size cooling mat or bandana fits your dog? Walk in on the Haarlemmerdijk, then we will look together at what works best.
Summer does not have to be a difficult period for your dog, provided you take his limitations into account and use aids in time. A cooling mat at home and a cooling collar for on the go together form a simple, affordable combination that makes a difference on the hottest days of the year.
Frequently asked questions
From what temperature does my dog need a cooling mat?
From about 25 degrees, a cooling mat is a pleasant addition. From 28 to 30 degrees we standardly recommend using it, especially for older dogs, thicker breeds, and dogs with a short snout.
How long does the Kowloon Cool mat work?
The gel cools as long as your dog lies on it and regenerates by itself as soon as the mat is left free for a while. You do not need to put it in the refrigerator or freezer.
How often do I need to reactivate the Cool Bandana?
Soaking it once for five minutes in cold water is sufficient for five to six hours of cooling. After that, you can submerge the bandana again to repeat the effect.
Which size cooling mat fits my dog?
Choose a mat on which your dog can lie stretched out. For a Cavalier or Chihuahua, the small (50 by 40) is sufficient, for a Labrador or Golden Retriever you usually choose large (90 by 50). If you are unsure, contact us.
Can I use the cooling mat outside?
Indoors or in the shade works best. In the full sun, the mat itself heats up and loses its cooling effect. So always place it in a cool place, preferably on a tiled floor.