Keeping Our Pups Cool at Shows: A Bee Happy Community Discussion!
Are you summer ready?
With just a few days to go until our May show kicks off this Sunday, we're all buzzing with excitement! We've been truly blessed with some gorgeous warm and dry weather recently, and the forecast for Sunday looks equally promising – dry and warm with reasonable temperatures. Fingers crossed it holds!
However, with all this lovely sunshine, social media has, understandably, been going bonkers again about leaving dogs in hot cars. It's truly amazing that in today's society, there are still people out there who think it's okay to "nip into a shop" while a car turns into an oven.
At shows, this does pose a unique challenge. There are times when we inevitably need to leave our dogs in a vehicle for a short period. So, what can we do to ensure our beloved companions don't overheat? I wanted to share a few options that I personally use in my van that you might find helpful too.
Secure Crating: A Foundation for Safety
Firstly, having a solid crate for your dog to stay in is invaluable. Mine are built into my van, which allows me to keep all my doors and windows open without worrying about an escapee. I currently use crates from Barjo, and I can't recommend them enough. In the past, I've also had Canine Cage Craft custom-built into my vehicles – they were incredibly solid and even made it into three of my vans over the years!
The Essential Bootlock: Ventilation and Security
Next up, a little device that is literally a life-saver: the Bootlock from Pawstrading. This ingenious gadget allows you to keep a door (or boot) open part way, and when in place, you can still lock your vehicle, keeping both your contents and your dogs secure. You can check it out here: https://pawstrading.co.uk/bootlock-car-van-ventilation-vent-lock-car-van-secure-15745-p.asp
Blocking the Sun: Window Coverings
Window coverings are absolutely essential in my book. It's the sun beaming through those windows that will heat up the inside of a vehicle incredibly quickly. Blocking that sun out with silver sheeting is surprisingly effective. There are a few variations on the market, but they all do the same job. Woodland Agility sells these online and at shows: https://woodland-agility-group.uk/
Staying Hydrated: Non-Spill Bowls
Road refreshers are fantastic non-spill bowls that can stay in your dog's crate even whilst travelling. Seriously, they are non-spill – I've tried a few times to tip the water out, only to remember they won't empty like a normal bowl. It's like magic! However, one of my Staffies loves to chew anything plastic, so for him, a metal bowl that hooks through the crate bars is perfect. I actually treated him to a new one last weekend at the Worcester Agility show from the Jewlnick stand (side note, they make and sell the most gorgeous leather dog collars! Go check them out: https://jewlnickleather.co.uk/).
Active Cooling: Portable Fans
Lastly, and certainly a device I would never be without, is my Transcool. It's a nifty fan that, when you add cold water or ice, blows out cooled air! I currently have this one: https://www.transcool-uk.com/shop. However, when (or if!) this one finally gives up, the one I'm eyeing up is the Totalcool (https://totalcool.co.uk/). I've heard it blows air with more force and at a cooler temperature.
I truly believe that you can never be too cautious when it comes to the care and comfort of our beloved dogs, and I'm always looking for more effective ways to do this.
What tips do you have that you're happy to share with the wider Bee Happy Community? Email them in or post them directly in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1144872576650247/
That's it for now! I look forward to seeing you at your next Bee Happy show.
Catch you later!
Sian