Reddit reviews RUFFWEAR - Swamp Cooler, Cooling Vest for Dogs, Graphite Gray (2016), Medium
We found 5 Reddit comments about RUFFWEAR - Swamp Cooler, Cooling Vest for Dogs, Graphite Gray (2016), Medium. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
THREE LAYER CONSTRUCTION: The Swamp Cooler's 3-layer construction uses natural evaporative cooling to keep your dog cool. A reflective, wicking outer layer facilitates evaporation, an absorbent middle layer stores water for evaporation, and a comfortable inner layer transfers the cooling effect from the jacket to the dog.ACTIVE FIT WITH REFLECTIVE TRIM: The Swamp Cooler is designed to allow for full range of motion, making it easy for your dog to run, play and enjoy the outdoors with you while staying cool The reflective trim helps you keep an eye on your dog, even in low-light environments, and includes a light loop for attaching the Ruffwear Beacon Light (not included) for additional visibility.EASY ON AND OFF: The Swamp Cooler features side-release buckles that allow you to easily put it on and take it off of your dog.DESIGNED FOR HEAT REFLECTION: The light Graphite Gray color of the vest reflects the heat from the sun which, coupled with the evaporation process, helps to keep your dog cool.SWAMP COOLER SIZING: The Swamp Cooler is available in 6 sizes (see images for sizing chart): XX-Small: 13-17 in (33-43 cm); X-Small: 17-22 in (43-56 cm); Small: 22-27 in (56-69 cm); Medium: 27-32 in (69-81 cm); Large: 32-36 in (81-91 cm); X-Large: 36-42 in (91-107 cm). Choose the right size based on your dog's girth. Girth can be determined by measuring around the widest part of the rib cage. For in between sizes, choose the larger coat for more coverage.
Lots of big dog stuff here! Here's some nice things for the little guys (~25 lbs and under). Many of these items are good for big dogs, too; will note them with a * sign and list them first in each section.
Treats
Toys
Harnesses, Collars, & Safety
Grooming
Edited to add more+formatting!
> I scolded her gently
You scolded an animal for emptying a full bladder indoors, when they have no self determined access to the outdoors for that? This is misdirected. We can all make mistakes with food and water intake, and we can all find ourselves waking up to pee in the middle of the night.
> Is 9 miles too much for my dog?
Probably not, but you made zero mention of the ambient temperature and humidity levels. She may have just overheated a bit. I like to use a Ruffwear Swamp Cooler vest with our young Pit Bull any time the temps are 75F, or higher. She can go faster for longer, and I get to carry much less water.
> Did I let her over-hydrate?
Probably, but it was likely her natural reaction to an overheating scenario.
> Did she drink too much at night, trying to recover?
Perhaps, but this ties into everything I said above.
> What can I do differently?
Try running in the mornings, when it is cooler, or look into the cooling vest that I linked above. I would also look into installing a dog door, whether permanently, or as part of an existing sliding door.
Also you might consider a cooling jacket if you feel like you need an extra step when ypur Shiba is outside. It's cheaper than a dig groomer and a far better investment:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B23SI8K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1373999885&sr=8-3&pi=SL75
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUB5qkG-m5A&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I haven't used one but this might help to keep him cool
>> I scolded her gently
>You scolded an animal for emptying a full bladder indoors, when they have no self determined access to the outdoors for that? This is misdirected.
Instead of waiting for me to wake up, yes. And it was gentle, more of an "Aww, Luna. No peeing in the house! Go potty!" than anything resembling discipline. She's correctly waited to pee for months. I think she knew she did something wrong.
>...You made zero mention of the ambient temperature and humidity levels. She may have just overheated a bit.
It was at about 8pm, when it was 70 degrees and 40% humidity. I tried to manage this by using the ponds and river, and thought I was successful based on her performance during the run and the level of panting afterwards.
> I like to use a Ruffwear Swamp Cooler vest with our young Pit Bull any time the temps are 75F, or higher. She can go faster for longer, and I get to carry much less water.
We love her Ruffwear harness, I may have to get my black, long-headed dog that Swamp Cooler vest. I think the heat is her limiting factor in the summer.
I'll also look into a door. We're planning on taking out the last of the brushy areas with burrs from from our fenced-in backyard once the vegetation dies off this fall, so we might be able to give her free access overnight.