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New York Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New York Times
How to Keep Your Pet Cool in the Summer Heat
Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter There are a variety of beds, cots, and mats that might help your dog or cat get less hot while they snooze the day away, in addition to the fans and ACs that you may already be running to keep yourself cool. Cooling beds and elevated cots There are loads of pet beds that are made with 'cooling gel foam,' but they don't actually reduce your pet's body temperature — they simply don't get quite as hot as some beds might without the gel. 'Synthetic foam (memory foam, polyfoam) retains more heat than more breathable materials (latex, cotton, etc.) do. So the 'cooling gel' is typically added to offset the extra heat retention of the foam, rather than being objectively cooler than a material with better breathability,' said deputy director Courtney Schley, who has overseen coverage of sleep products for Wirecutter. Of the beds we tested, a couple did the job as advertised — they warmed up less than our control bed made from regular non-gel foam. The FurHaven Velvet Waves Perfect Comfort Cooling Gel Bolster Cat & Dog Bed, the 'cooling' version of our main dog bed pick, performed the best. The surface temperature of the bed rose an average of nine degrees Fahrenheit after laying on it for 5 minutes, versus an 11 degree increase on the standard bed. This is in line with FurHaven's claims that the foam 'reduces sleeping surface temperature by 1-2 degrees.' While it's not the most dramatic result, if you want to take a little bit of an edge off of the heat in your pet's bed, this model is a good option. We also tested the Barker 4" Orthopedic Crate Bed with the BarkerChill+ optional upgrade added on top. It did about as well as the FurHaven, with its surface temp rising about 10 °F after five minutes of use, but it's roughly $100 more expensive than the FurHaven (for a size medium). Barker also sells 7' foam beds that you can add the cooling option to, so if your pet needs extra cushioning underneath them, the Barker is still a great, albeit pricey, option. If your dog prefers a breathable, elevated bed, the K&H Original Pet Cot and the Kuranda Chew Proof Aluminum Dog Bed, are great options for both indoors and out. The Kuranda is more expensive but its thick aluminum frame makes it more durable and resistant to chewing. Cooling mats and blankets Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter 'I have a part of my house which has a stone floor. And when it's hot, that's where the cats lie. They starfish out on the stone floor and cool themselves down,' said Hall. If you don't have stone or tile flooring, a cooling mat might be your next best option. These flat, thin pads got less hot than the cooling beds in our testing. Instead of foam, they're made with a pressure-activated gel that absorbs some of the heat from your pet's body. All the mats we tested cooled better than any of the beds we tried. The Arf Pets Self-Cooling Solid Gel Pad and The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad both got only about four degrees warmer after five minutes of using them indoors (versus the FurHaven cooling bed's nine degree increase under the same conditions). These mats are more portable than many beds, but since they're filled with gel, they can get heavy depending on the size. And their cooling effects can fade quickly in direct sunlight or on extremely hot days. Both manufacturers claim their mats are non-toxic, but you still shouldn't let your pet chew on the materials, and always make sure you're monitoring your animal when using one of these. Dave preferred the blanket-like Pelsbarn Cooling Mat to the gel-filled options. Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter While both of these mats felt chilly and refreshing on my back after coming home all sweaty from a walk, my dog Dave, their intended customer, wasn't so into them. He's generally not into slick or slippery surfaces, and he'll rarely lay on an uncarpeted floor if there's a softer option available. So Dave often parked himself nearby on the Pelsbarn Cooling Mat. Even though this model is called a 'mat,' it feels more like a blanket. It's not filled with pressure-activated gel, but instead is made of something called 'Ice Silk' fabric, which has hollow fibers that can absorb body heat, and a breathable layer on the bottom. Given its differences, I was genuinely surprised that the Pelsbarn performed just as well as the gel-filled mats at keeping the heat in check, increasing by only about four degrees after five minutes of use. It also cooled far better than the PetFusion Premium Cat & Dog Cooling Blanket, which is soft and light, but warmed up more than even the foam beds had. The Pelsbarn mat is also lighter than the gel mats, so you can easily pack it for a picnic, and it's machine washable. Keeping cool on the go Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter Keep an eye on the weather report. If it's going to be very hot out, 'exercise your dogs in the early morning or late in the evening,' said Klein. Tyra Davis, a veterinarian based in Hammond, Louisiana, has a handy rule she always tells her clients: No play in the heat of the day. If your pup needs a bathroom break during the warmest part of a hot day, keep it short and try to stay in shady, grassy areas If it's safe to go outside and not excessively hot, a harness, vest, or gaiter that uses evaporative cooling can help extend the time your pup can spend with you outdoors. Evaporation in general 'is your best help in trying to cool a dog down,' said Klein. It's similar to how people sweat: as the moisture evaporates from our skin, it makes us feel cooler. (You can also pour or spray water directly onto your pet, or get them into a pool, lake, or other body of water, said Hall.) Evaporative cooling garments can be helpful but they won't work as well in high humidity, since the moisture is less likely to evaporate. You also need to keep tabs on them and make sure they stay wet, otherwise they can become another insulation layer making your pet even hotter. If you're using any of these products, Klein emphasized that 'you should use common sense and take breaks, offer the dog plenty of water, and periodically check to see if there's no chafing or rubbing,' especially on the elbows or groin. Also, consider your dog's health, sensitivities, and coat to make sure it's right for them. 'Some of the cooling vests might be too cold for dogs that are older or have arthritic joints. A breed like a whippet has very thin skin versus a dog like a golden retriever, which is double coated. It might be more beneficial for that golden and it might be uncomfortable for that whippet,' said Klein. 'I think we have to treat each dog very individually and assess the dog, the climate, and the product,' he added. If you're ever in doubt, check with your vet. Cooling harnesses Dave modeled the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Harness on a hot day in June. Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter The Swamp Cooler Dog Harness from Ruffwear, which has been making a version of this harness since 2008, uses three layers that work together to pull moisture and heat away from the dog. The inner and outermost layers are made from a bluesign-approved polyester mesh, while the middle layer is kind of like a felt, according to Peter Kearns, head of product at Ruffwear. This middle layer 'holds a significant amount of water,' said Kearns, so it acts as a sort of a sponge or reservoir. 'And that action of having the water pulled away from that reservoir through that outer layer, that's what's cooling the dog down, lowering the total surface temperature,' Kearns explained. Dave also tried on the Canada Pooch Max Chill Cooling Harness, which fit him just as well as the Ruffwear. He did not seem to have a preference. Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter The Canada Pooch Max Chill Cooling Harness works similarly to the Ruffwear. It uses three layers of fabric from Coolcore, which makes performance apparel for humans. These layers work together to wick, transport, and, finally, evaporate moisture (and with it, heat) away from the surface of a dog's body, according to Tara Hoth, director of product and innovation at Canada Pooch. These harnesses performed equally well in my testing, both remaining wet and cooler than the air even after two hours in direct sunlight on a 76 degree day. Only the Ruffwear can be machine-washed (Canada Pooch says the Max Chill Harness should be spot-cleaned only, but I ran it through the machine a few times, along with the Ruffwear, and it came out fine). Neither harness can be tumble dried. And the Ruffwear required a little extra cleaning as it trapped a few small bits of dirt and debris in between the top two layers. Kearns suggested using a brush to dislodge these bits and then flushing them out with water. The buckles on the Canada Pooch are bulkier than on the Ruffwear so they may be easier to grasp, but we found them slightly more difficult to snap in place. Cooling vests The Canada Pooch Max Chill Cooling Vest draped well on Dave's body so that we didn't need to use the leg straps (shown here on his rear haunch). Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter If you think your dog might benefit from something with more coverage, a cooling vest may be a better option. These vests look like little capes. Since they touch more surface area of the dog's body, they might help to cool them down a bit more. But they might take some getting used to — unlike with the harnesses, Dave seemed a little confused when he tried on the vests for the first time. The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Cooling Dog Vest and Canada Pooch Max Chill Cooling Vest are both made with the same evaporative cooling layers as their harness counterparts — the vests just have more material. The Canada Pooch vest is made from a more flexible material than the Ruffwear, so it drapes a bit better over a dog's body, and it features rear leg straps that can help keep it in place. Because the Ruffwear vest is slightly stiffer, it can stick up a bit near a dog's rear when they bend down to sniff something. The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Dog Vest was a bit stiffer than the Canada Pooch, and the size medium was too short to cover Dave's back (a large may have fit better). Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter Cooling gaiters and snoods Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter If you want something that's simple to pop on your dog, a gaiter or snood is lower profile, lower cost, and lower effort to use than a vest or a harness, but it likely won't cool as much either. The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Neck Gaiter and the Canada Pooch Max Chill Cooling Snood both performed the best out of those we tested. They each stayed wet and cool for about two hours in direct sunlight on a warm day. The Frisco Summer Cooling Pullover Dog Gaitor is about a third of the price of the Ruffwear and Canada Pooch options, but it dried up the fastest. The Canada Pooch comes in fewer sizes than the Ruffwear but it has a cinch toggle around the neck so you can adjust the fit. The Ruffwear comes in six sizes, but they're not adjustable. No matter which you choose, be prepared for your dog to look like a scarf-wearing hipster in the summer. Boots Dave agreed to test the WagWellies Mojave boots, but he made sure no one was looking. Mel Plaut/NYT Wirecutter Since the ground can often be hotter than the air above it, a breathable pair of boots may help protect your dog's paw pads from getting scalded (good luck getting shoes on a cat's feet). 'Artificial grass, black tarmac, all those things are going to absorb the radiant heat from the sun,' said Hall. These surfaces can reach up to 140 °F in the sun, Hall warned. And even with outside temperatures as low as 77 °F, the pavement can reach 125 °F, according to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. You can test the ground by touching the back of your hand to it, said Hall, not your palm, which will be slightly more calloused and less sensitive. 'If you can't keep your hand in contact with the ground, it's not safe to be walking your dog without protective booties on,' she said. Natural grass, shady areas, and paler surfaces will be cooler, so try to stick to those. Hot weather boots should be breathable while also protecting their paw pads from getting scalded. We like the Wagwear WagWellies Mojave, which look like Crocs. They're dotted with holes that make them breathable, and also allow water to drain out if you get caught in a summer storm. The Ruffwear Grip Trex boots have a thick, durable sole and a breathable woven mesh upper that make them great for longer hikes over rough terrain. They don't have big holes like the Mojaves, so if you're on a hike, these can help keep dirt and large debris from getting inside the shoe. The Mountain Ridge Tough Boots with Grip are less expensive than the Ruffwear and Mojave boots, and are easy to put on. They're sold in singles, so you can buy spares, but they're not as breathable, and they provide a thinner barrier between your dog's paws and the ground. Whether your dog is wearing boots or not, check their paws frequently to make sure they're in good shape. Kiddie pools If you have the space for it and your dog enjoys getting wet, a kiddie pool can be a fun way to help cool them off. The Funsicle QuickFun Wading Doggy Pool is a good option, but we haven't tested it, mostly because Dave thinks water is the enemy. The Frisco Outdoor Dog Swimming Pool is more expensive, since it has a convenient drain hole and folds up for easy storage. Steer clear of inflatable pools since it only takes one sharp dog claw to leave you with a flat piece of wet plastic. And always use caution: since brachycephalic dogs can drown easily, Hall warned against dunking these flat-faced breeds in water where that might be a possibility. Always supervise your dog when they're in the water, whatever their breed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Find the purrrfect dog bed for your furry friend
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. Our furry friends hold a cherished place in our hearts and homes and provide that constant companionship and support that only a pet can. Whether or not you give your precious pet a coveted spot on your bed at night is a personal choice, but we can pamper our pets with their own cozy haven, in the form of dog beds and cat beds. A well-chosen pet bed supports their health and well-being, ensuring they have a dedicated spot to unwind after playful adventures outside or simply to nap the day away. From plush to more supportive orthopedic designs, selecting the right bed ensures that our pets enjoy the comfort they deserve. Here are 10 pet bed options, each thoughtfully designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Orthopedic memory foam beds are an excellent choice for older large breed dogs requiring additional joint support. This memory foam bed from The Dog's Bed features a waterproof orthopedic design with a washable cover that easily zips on and off, providing comfort and practicality. If you're looking for something smaller, consider this Petmaker version, which is less than $20 at Petco. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items delivered to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Elevated cots, like this one by Kuranda at Walmart, offer orthopedic comfort by evenly distributing a pet's weight, reducing pressure points. The chew-proof design and easy-to-clean surface make it a durable and practical choice. Adding a machine-washable pad can provide extra coziness for your pup. Plush donut-shaped beds like this one by Nisrada at Walmart provide security and warmth for pets that love to curl up but also tend to get anxious. The plush bed surrounds them in softness, is washable, comes in 23 colors and offers a calming and cozy retreat for cats and small dogs. Pairing it with this soft kneading blanket from FunnyFuzzy can enhance the snuggling experience – either on their bed or on its own on the floor or a couch. Read On The Fox News App 7 Indestructable Dog Toys For Dogs Who Destroy All Their Toys Brands like MCombo offer pet beds that look like actual human furniture, ensuring your pet snoozes in luxury. This pet sofa is made with premium fabric and soft sponge fill, mirroring the quality of your own living room couch. Complementing the bed with matching pillows can elevate the aesthetic and comfort. If you want to also offer your pup a spot on your couch, pick up this FurHaven Sofa Buddy cover to keep them comfortable while also protecting your furniture from wear and tear. Cave-style beds cater to pets that enjoy burrowing and resting out of sight. This FurHaven Snuggery bed offers a soft, enclosed space for your pet and comes in a choice of three sizes and three colors. Including a bed warmer and heating pad can provide additional warmth and coziness during colder months. Keep Your Pup's Paws Warm With These Winter Dog Boots For pets that spend time outdoors, waterproof beds are essential. The Cheerhunting outdoor pet mat is designed for travel and outdoor use, featuring an insulated sleeping space and a built-in sleeping bag that doubles as a pillow. A portable canopy can offer shade and protection from the elements. Original price: $65 This Molly Mutt duvet allows pet owners to create a customized bed by stuffing the duvet cover with old clothes or blankets. It offers a sustainable and stylish option enabling your pet to enjoy your scent whenever they snuggle in for a nap. Picking up a stuff sack can help keep the filling organized and make cleaning easier. Designed to reduce anxiety, calming beds like this Mora Pets cat mat envelops pets in plush fabric, providing a soothing environment. It has a special technology that heats up using your cat's own body heat. If your cat's a climber and would prefer a cat tree instead, this one has plenty of spots for them to stop and snooze. Cooling gel beds are an excellent option for pets in warmer climates or those prone to overheating. The Chillz cooling mat for dogs and cats is designed with a layer of cooling gel that helps regulate your pet's body temperature, helping them to beat the heat. It's lightweight, portable, easy to clean and doesn't require refrigeration, making it ideal for use at home or on the go. Adding a soft cover can make the bed cozier while maintaining the cooling effect. For more deals, visit Travel-friendly beds are the way to go for pet owners on the move. This Chuckit! travel bed is lightweight, compact and easy to roll up, making it perfect for road trips, camping or outdoor adventures. Its soft and durable material provides a cozy resting spot for pets while being portable and easy to clean. Pairing the bed with a portable water bowl or a compact pet blanket can further enhance your pet's comfort while on the article source: Find the purrrfect dog bed for your furry friend
