Hallo. Some time ago I asked for advice for a hot dog. Someone recommended the cooling mats but, at the time, I was dubious that such a thing could work! Well, I ordered a couple over the internet and I have to say: I am sold! They really do get cold, it is remarkable -- although I presume for the chemists out there it makes sense. I read on the pack that the substance is a crystal that turns to a liquid at 27 C and draws heat, thus feeling cold. They are small: 40cm x 40cm. I lay them in a line with a pillow at the end and Snowie lies across them with his head on the pillow (yes, he does like to go sleep with his head on a down pillow!). He still moves around, but I think only to his bed, which I suspect he does when he feels too cold. But the best thing: I am not waking up all the time!! He hasn't scratched at night (if he does, I am not waking up), hasn't cried to be let outside, and I do believe he is sleeping better. I remember that Pippa reviewed the cooling mats some time ago. Those were bright blue. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box and found pale blue mats with snowflakes in pale green and gray on them -- they are really pretty!
Re: Success with cooling mats That is a great result! Very pleased to hear both you and Snowy are getting a better night's sleep.
Re: Success with cooling mats Brilliant!! We have a pale blue one too thank goodness as our spaniel was kenneled at his breeders and was over heating when he first came home. The rapid breathing was really quite worrying so they saved me quite a bit of anxiety too.
Re: Success with cooling mats [quote author=Karen link=topic=9440.msg135841#msg135841 date=1420795576] That is a great result! Very pleased to hear both you and Snowy are getting a better night's sleep. [/quote] Thank you! [quote author=bbrown link=topic=9440.msg135862#msg135862 date=1420800606] The rapid breathing was really quite worrying so they saved me quite a bit of anxiety too. [/quote] Yes, exactly! Also has saved me anxiety worrying about my poor boy overheating.
Re: Success with cooling mats My advice would be to buy a good quality one, that can be returned if there are any problems. We bought one of these about 7 years ago for our Bernese Mountain dog, and the seams were porly made, and the gel stuff leaked out. After returning it, we found that a soaked, then frozen towel did the same job.
Re: Success with cooling mats [quote author=tartanmouse link=topic=9440.msg135913#msg135913 date=1420818192] ... we found that a soaked, then frozen towel did the same job. [/quote] That is so interesting, thanks for sharing. Regarding the frozen towel, what happened when the water melted? Our issue is that our bedroom is carpeted so we don't want a wet carpet. Am hoping our mats do not leak!
