Prototype of a Cooling Harness

Kari · July 31, 2008, 10:31:56 PM

I've been working with April at Dachshund Delights (http://www.doxidelight.com/hugadog.htm) to try and create a harness that cools since Penny is so sensitive to heat. Basically they took apart a cooling bandana and sewed it into one of the harnesses. We just got it in the mail to try and here are some pics of Penny. It is a great concept, but it needs a little tweaking. It seems that the bottom layer of netting is keeping the water from evaporating down to her hair/skin. Her hair and back are totally dry

. It works great evaporating from the top...lol. It only took about 5 minutes for it to blow up with water. I think I might not let it get so big as it made it really heavy. Anyway, just wanted to share as at some point it might be available to the masses :thumb:!

Brekkesmom · July 31, 2008, 11:15:28 PM

Awww, so pretty in pink! I had not thought about a harness, but Brekke does have an "Outward Hound" collar, that gets rinsed off with water, put in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes, and the gel stuff inside keeps her cool outdoors for several hours - or so she seems to indicate. Have you two thought about the gel stuff inside? It is not a very heavy collar - it is kind of bandana shaped. We sent one to somebody in Texas in a treat box a few years back.

DeeanDave · August 01, 2008, 06:12:37 AM

Dave has two cooling vests (which he uses in the heat because of MS) and they ave a gel pack that slip within the netting and the fabric that remains thin. You can put the paks in the fridge or freezer (no need to fill with water) and when ready slip them in the vest. They work very well and no getting wet. They remain in the cool down mode for 3-4 hours and work very well.

It looks good but, as Julia said, maybe consider the gel paks -- they don't expand and would remain thin but get the job done!

Dee

Kari · August 01, 2008, 08:24:00 AM

Great ideas! I'll pass them along to April!

Doxherding Karen · August 01, 2008, 08:37:07 AM

Now that the serious discussions of the cooling harness are in gear, may I add a bit of levity?

Picture #1: Newest Disney sequel: The Double Hunchback of Notre Dachs.

Picture #2: "No, Uncle Drew, I will NOT turn around!"

Picture #3: "I woke up and suddenly these THINGS had sprouted!"

Picture #4: " A Mae West biopic and I'm in the running? Well, why didn't you say so in the first place!"

Auntie Karen

Kari · August 01, 2008, 08:39:50 AM

LMAO!!

That totally cracked me up Karen

!

Barb · August 01, 2008, 10:02:17 AM

Intersting....... look forward to seeing the final product !!! I hope they can come up with something that will remain flat - don't want anyone to get the idea that our Penny is Ms HULK !!!! She sure is a pretty model !!!

Dee Dee and Hallie · August 01, 2008, 10:25:49 AM

Great idea, it looks like a reverse bra! I wish you guys lived in rainy Washington I have been trying for years to come up with something that would totally keep Hallie dry for walks in the rain (or wet ground, which it is here all the time much of the year, the water splashing up from under her as she trots along gets her more wet than the rain) while still being able to see and move freely. Maybe April will consider that next LOL.

Penny is TOO cute she looks very happy and healthy too!

Kathleen · August 01, 2008, 11:32:27 AM

I'm with Dee Dee. Not sure why we're having cold weather and rain in AUGUST for goodness sake, but I just had to drag out the old towel to wipe down paws and tummies with. I tried the Poop Tent for the winter to give them a dry place to go potty, but I think they laughed at me. They wouldn't use it, lol.

That little harness is a good idea though-if she can make it so you can slip the cool pads inside, the little hand warmers you can buy would fit in there in winter as well.

Dee Dee and Hallie · August 01, 2008, 12:32:18 PM

LOL Kathleen, I finally convinced Hallie to use her "potty house" when it's wet and cold out but she will only pee in there, she refuses to poop. I think she isn't convinced totally that it's OK to go potty inside something like that. I have it on the cement with piddle pads because I found if you leave it on the grass, the grass still gets soaking wet from dew or moisture collecting in the house or something...I watch her and she will often walk out to the house really slow, stand with her ears down and look right and left then go into the house to pee as if it is the last resort.

Delia and girls · August 03, 2008, 06:13:47 PM

I love the fabric. I agree with the others on the gel packs. It would be flatter, less weight and no dripping.

Did you get that collar from Chloe's collars? I got mine for Ilsa. I like it! I'll have to post a picture of her wearing it. I'd love to see Penny wearing hers.