Hot Dog! Products to Keep Your Pooch Cool and Safe This Summer
These products protect your dog from the season's sizzle.
June 20, 2011 — -- Keeping your dog cool in the summer heat is more than a comfort issue -- it's a health issue that affects thousands of dogs every year.
Veterinarian Marty Becker visited "Good Morning America" to talk about the newest products on the market to help keep your dog cool this summer.
North Coast Pets' Doggie Fountain
Dehydration could lead to heat stroke and hyperthermia for your best buddy. The North Coast Pets Doggie Fountain turns your outdoor garden hose into a water fountain that your dog can access on his or her own. It's better than a dog bowl because the water is always fresh and cool, and the fountain is easy to move, so you won't have a mud puddle -- or muddy paws.
Cost/where to buy: North Coast Pets; $45.99
North Coast Pets' Kool Collar
The Kool Collar is designed to be worn outdoors. Just fill the collar with ice and put it on and it will immediately start to bring an overheated dog's temperature down. You can also use it indoors for breeds that are prone to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Cost/where to buy: North Coast Pets, $16.99 to $18.99
One Dog One Bone Paw Pool
This paw-print shaped pool holds up to 20 gallons of water, and is specially designed for smaller pups. There's a bone shaped one available, too, for bigger dogs. You fill them up just like a kiddie pool. They're made of the same tough material as truck bed covers and they're white so that they absorb less light and stay up to 10 degrees cooler that black pools.
Cost/where to buy: One Dog One Bone: paw-print pool, $160; bone-shaped pool, $359
Kurgo Surf 'n Turf Coat
Most dogs love the water -- but not all -- and some breeds aren't built for it at all. Dogs that are heavy in the front, such as pugs, and those with short muzzles, such as bulldogs, boxers, pekinese and shih-tzu have a hard time keeping their muzzles above water and are at extreme risk of drowning.
Even dogs that like to swim can get tired, sink lower and lower in the water and drown. The Surf 'n Turf coat works as a life vest, keeping a dog afloat while he or she paddles. It also has handles that can be attached so you can control your pet in the water. The coat's flotation layer can be removed, turning it into a rain coat. Insert the Kurgo wander coat, and you have something warm for the winter. It also has rings for you to hook on your leash.
Cost/where to buy: Kurgo Surf 'n Turf, $40 to $70 depending on size; Wander Coat, $13
Climate Right Portable Climate Control Unit
This is for the pet that lives in the dog house, literally. The climate control unit is essentially an air conditioner for your dog's outdoor dwelling. The unit keeps the air cool and moving, and pumps fresh air in.
For those who may find the Climate Right unit costly, Becker pointed out that fresh air is really important because excessive humidity can make it hard for pets to breathe.
Cost/where to buy: Visit ClimateRight for more information on dealers; $549