Sun dress or sunshade for a corgi?
I'm looking for what amounts to a sun hat or sun cape for my dogs, for function, not dress-up. They are black-backed tris and they wilt in the heat when we hike above timberline where there's no shade. Yes, the sun does appear in the Pacific Northwest. I'm thinking, "superlight, loose-fitting to allow air circulation, white cotton muslin to reflect sunlight, with a string or two to hold it in place over the back". I've even thought about reflective mylar (space blanket).
Suggestions?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on
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Thanks for the prompt suggestions. The "Chillybuddy" thing looks particularly interesting with the reflective fabric and wet cotton mesh inner layer for evaporative cooling when dampened. Even if there's not enough water on a hot, dry ridge to soak the dog, it shouldn't take much to wet a small jacket -- put it in a plastic bag, add a small amount of water.
Many here have discussed shaving or trimming a corgi in the heat. Maybe this "swamp cooler" idea is something to think of for those of us in hot climates.
I found the "ChillyBuddy" on sale and ordered one (size small). I'll report on it September 2011.
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The SMALL ChillyBuddy is too small, barely big enough for Gwynnie, 20#. I ordered a MEDIUM for Al, 24#. See below: I measured Al just a bit differently the 2nd time, and an inch makes all the difference. Err on the larger size.
They're on sale now at Clean Run. $36.
Gwynnie SMALL Al MED Al (1st measure)
Back: 18 19 20 21 19
Neck: 17 15-18 18 17-20 17
Girth: 22 22-24 23 22-29 22
The photo shows a SMALL ChillyBuddy on Al, 24#. It should completely cover the butt. Al's back is entirely black, it gets hot.
Cut off the metal D ring to save weight. I may cut down the belly band too, to improve air circulation. It is very lightweight already. It has a cotton mesh liner; I plan to wet this inside a baggie when water is scarce. Will report after summer experience.
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I think you can order a custom size from the mfr. for an extra $15 or so. I might do this.
I'd suggest using the SMALL girth and the MED length, perhaps even a wee bit longer.
I used a MED (blue) successfully summer 2011, and have reduced the length and width of the belly band.
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Pudge may control the weather, but Sir Alahad controls the cosmic microwave background radiation.
He's ready to sally forth in his Medium ChillyBuddy(TM) cooling vest (Clean Run, on sale $35 + shipping). Al is 24#, 20" back, 23" girth, 18" neck; not a big corgi. The Small (yellow trim) was clearly too small for him. A larger Pem or a Cardi might even use a Large? This is quite lightweight and breathable, basically woven space-blanket mylar with a thin cotton mesh lining that can be wetted. I may trim down the belly band.
Once I fashion an aluminum-foil cap to ward off extraterrestrial brain implants, he'll be ready to herd dragons in hyperspace.
Field test reports to follow.
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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on
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Hey John, would you mind taking a video too, I would like to see how the coat flex and sound when Al moves.
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It's very flexible and silent; it does not crinkle like a space blanket does. The belly band seems unnecessarily wide; I may narrow it or melt wide vent holes in it.
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I endorse the ChillyBuddy cooling vest on the basis of this summer's backpacking experience in the Washington Cascades -- although we've had a record snowpack and one of the coolest summers ever. I've not had a chance to use it in really brutal heat this year. I do believe it helps, esp. in areas with little shade.
This is a hi-tech garment with a lot of design thought put into it. The designer apparently got the idea while living in Colorado around 8000', where insolation is severe and trees are not.
It is important to keep it damp for evaporative cooling! Keep it in a nonleaking plastic bag; when water is scarce, you can wet it with leftover dog drinking water, just pour it into the bag with the vest.
I can say that the dog wears it well and it does not impede the animal even in thick brush. Gnarly brush may snag and pull loops of the mylar out, but the fabric does not unravel and it does seem to hold up to some abuse.
Both of our corgis are black-backed tris. Those black backs get HOT in the sun, especially above timberline. They start to wilt, and seek any shade they can find. It's the only time I have to wait for them. I often find snow and make a "pupsicle" out of them. Light-colored reds may have it easier in the sun. If you have a black dog, this may be worth a try.
Get a Medium for a Pem. Small is too short (ours are 22 & 25 lbs.). If you want a custom-made size, that can be had for an extra $15 I think; might be a consideration for, say, a big Cardigan).
With a matching tinfoil helmet, it shields against extraterrestrial brainwave implants.
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Chillybuddy cooling vest at 7600', way above treeline, keep it damp:
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Permalink Reply by Fred & Choo on
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Really good info and very nice photos John but I'm still leaning towards Ruffwear's swamp cooler coat...the silver coat just looks a little too exaggerated... :)
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Permalink Reply by Tucker and Abby on
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Out of curiosity, how often are you finding you need to pour water on it? My two are not tri, but Tucker has a bit of a fluffy chest and he gets hot very easily.
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