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Topic: Keeping dog cool in France in summer

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kitcat

05/5/2015 at 10:53pm
Location: Uk
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Hello friends
We are taking our lab with us this year to France. It's the first time as she's a rescue and we don't want to leave her. So the plan is she will be camping with us for about 10 days in SW France. Despite last years shocking weather I am optimistic that this year it will be business as usual. However now I thinking how do we ensure she stays cool ? There is a river she can swim in and lots of shade but any suggestions really appreciated!

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Baguette95

05/5/2015 at 11:03pm
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We have a static on a site & folks who bring their dogs over bring one of those paddling pools with rigid sides & 1/2 fill them with water so the sides stand up.
I've seen many a happy dog having a paddle & splash about!

kitcat

06/5/2015 at 6:22am
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That's a really good idea thanks !

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Val A

06/5/2015 at 6:27am
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We did the same thing with our babies - but with an inflatable soft sided pool with just a couple of inches of cool water. If they seemed hot they used to love being popped in the pool for a few minutes for a splash around. It also served as a baby bath when filled with warm water in the evening, and packed up into a very small space.

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feeblecat

06/5/2015 at 6:45am
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Like you say, ensure there is plenty of shade and try to always be near some kind of river/stream/lake. We always carried plenty of water around with us and a sweetie tin or plastic dish for drinks for our dog and we always carried a small 6x6 tarp and small bungees/ties so we could ensure shade in open areas (attached to anything nearhand - fencepost/tree). Very handy when picnicking.

JuneR101

06/5/2015 at 12:07pm
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Good shade plus one of these cool mats:

Link

Useful in the car too when travelling.

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blueexpo97

06/5/2015 at 4:39pm
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We use one of these along with this which comes straight from the freezer. Of course this is for use in the car.

We are going to get him this as well this year.

Our dog hated the cool mat and would not go near it.

* This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, as an eBay Partner Network member we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

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XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.

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kitcat

06/5/2015 at 8:56pm
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Thanks everyone , I'm assuming it will be pretty hot so want to be well prepared !

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firstclass67

06/5/2015 at 10:54pm
Location: Co Durham
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Our BC Toby used to go and lie up under the van when it was really hot - I think the breeze under the van and the deep shade seemed to keep him quite cool.

We did once try putting a t-shirt on him and soaking it but he wasn't keen!

AlanGlynSmith

07/5/2015 at 7:27am
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Hi our GSD izzy didnt have any real issues (temps some days of 30)

We were by a river with a dam for swimming and we went there at least twice a day which she adored.

The pitch was shaded by trees but she amazed/confounded us by actually going and laying in the direct sun somedays!!

So if there is access to bathing/paddling (6" deep is enough for them) don't worry too much I think they know how to look after themselves quite well.

minicamper2001

07/5/2015 at 8:32pm
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Have you thought of trying a homemade neck cooler? You just need a strip of fabric, and a couple of teaspoons of Miracle Gro water retaining gel crystals . Instructions are easily found online. I am thinking of making some for myself and DH.

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

kitcat

07/5/2015 at 9:42pm
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Some good ideas ! I think I need a few tricks as I don't know how she will react. Thank you

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iggycamper

07/5/2015 at 10:31pm
Location: Devon
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Kept our dog cool when out walking etc. by pouring water on her 'waistcoat' jacket. (This was in the cooler Sept/Oct temperatures in Spain and Portugal.) July and August too hot for me in southern climes so I wouldn't even consider taking a dog (with a fur coat after all!)

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