Too much of a good thing is just too much
This post is really just a test of sorts for "blog by mail" with a different email client. the subject line is a reference that having fun outdoors with your pets during summer heat needs to bve something you do with a good deal of attention.
Today Zen and I went down to the farmhouse - aka building site - to look around. We ended up walking around the far side of the soybean field then down the dirt road to the back side of the property and then we checked out one of the tomato fields before returning. All along the way, I kept given Zen water and checking her temperature as well as paying special attention to her panting. She was definitely getting hot. So, we stopped a bit. I also took some of the extra water I was carrying and wet her head and tummy. We tried to stay in the shade as much as possible.
We managed to get back to the car and I gave her an extra bit of air conditioning for a few minutes to help her cool down. After about 5 minutes, she started to chill out <bad pun> and we made our way home. But not before making a detour to one of hte many road side vegetable and seafood stands. I’m still trying to find just the right crab meat for New England crab meat sandwiches <yum>
August 31st, 2008 at 00:45
Poor Hot Zen! You might need a Swamp Cooler Coat.
http://www.ruffwear.com/Swamp-Cooler-Dog-Cooling-Vest-Sun-Protection-Prevents-Canine-Heat-Exhaustion-from-Ruff-Wear?sc=2&category=12
Works great!
August 31st, 2008 at 06:33
Hi CordyBrown - I made it look worse that it was to get extra attention. My dad and I really should have been paying attention to the bugs. WE GOT EATEN ALIVE !
I’m going to try and find a good insect repellent for dogs (and humans).
September 5th, 2008 at 21:10
Hate bugs. There are plenty of bug sprays out there. But they mess with your scenting ability and your snout. (do you have a snout?)
We find that if you put some bug spray on your ear flaps and top of head and on the back of your neck and near the top of your tail (curl?) that is enough. You won’t mistakenly lick it off that way. Some dogs wear a bandana with some bug stuff on it. But it always slips around so the stinky part is right under my chin (and nose)-ugh. You can get a bandana like thing that is made by Canine Cooler people. It holds water and keeps you cool and you can also put bug stuff on it.
Bugs suck
September 5th, 2008 at 21:13
If you get bug bites have your Dad dab them ASAP with one of those cortisone dabbers you get at the human store. If you are totally eaten alive, you need a benedryl and a bath (rinse really) with 1 cup vinegar to 1 quart water. You will smell like SALAD (hah hah bark HAH) but it takes away the ouch and itch.
September 6th, 2008 at 06:52
Wow - thanks ! I like any solution that makes me itch less. I’ll ask dad for one of those dabbers - it will be nice to come home tired and happy after my playtime on the farm !
September 6th, 2008 at 06:54
For got to answer about the snout business. I have a pretty good sense of smell but no sense of direction. My dad tried me at tracking once and I circled the article and nearly walked over it a bunch of times before I found it - it was not much fun.