Service Dogs in lines advice

[Stellapedia]

We have a bowl very similar to these that we got at Petco for ~$10. Attach a carabiner to it and hook it to anything. We hook it to the stroller mostly, but I've hooked it to a belt loop before. Just shake it a bit and then collapse it, it'll dry itself, and it takes up very little room.

I always reach down and place my palm flat on the ground for ~10 seconds to see how hot it is. I do this roughly every 20 minutes and whenever we change surfaces. Blacktop in the summer is too hot, other than that I've never noticed a problem. I take gel ice packs (the super flexible rubbermaid ones that are 1x2" and come in a sheet) and cut them to fit under his vest and give him some of those every hour or so. Also I'll dump water on his feet to cool him. But with a long haired black dog, he's surprisingly held up to the heat very very well. In September you should be fine.

 

[cinderella73]

I can help you with your water bowl question, I have used Petco folding plastic bowl for years. It folds up into a 2" x 3" holder and lasts for a long time. Try their site www.petco.com/product/7369/PETCO-Fo...owls.aspx?CoreCat=DogSFC_BowlsFeedersWaterers

Very cool ! U know I think I saw these at Ikea in the pet section. I had no idea what they were though! I am definately getting one of those. Thanks

 

[cinderella73]

We have a bowl very similar to these that we got at Petco for ~$10. Attach a carabiner to it and hook it to anything. We hook it to the stroller mostly, but I've hooked it to a belt loop before. Just shake it a bit and then collapse it, it'll dry itself, and it takes up very little room.

I always reach down and place my palm flat on the ground for ~10 seconds to see how hot it is. I do this roughly every 20 minutes and whenever we change surfaces. Blacktop in the summer is too hot, other than that I've never noticed a problem. I take gel ice packs (the super flexible rubbermaid ones that are 1x2" and come in a sheet) and cut them to fit under his vest and give him some of those every hour or so. Also I'll dump water on his feet to cool him. But with a long haired black dog, he's surprisingly held up to the heat very very well. In September you should be fine.

Thats very good advice thank you. I wasnt sure that I could find a service dog vest that would also be a cooling vest but I will try just using the cooling sheets like you mentioned and placing them underneath somehow. You said they were Rubbermaid . Do you mind my asking where you got them?

Glad to hear you think the dog will be ok. We will go slower or do shorter days if we have to. Im glad to hear your dog has managed well. I know how hot I can get down there. I cant imagine having a fur coat on as well!

I will definately try giving him cool water on his paws also. I bet he will love that . Thanks!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

There are a fair few fountains about for kids to play in; the floor all around this area is usually wet, so you could walk your SD across the edge of that to cool his paws a bit. I'm not sure whether it would be OK for him to actually go in the water, for health reasons, but walking on the wet bit at the edge will be fine (the water goes straight down the drain afterwards, so there will not be any toddlers trying to drink it ).

 

[Stellapedia]

You can buy them anywhere. Target, wal-mart, probably grocery. They're made for lunch boxes, like ice packs but more versatile.

 

[dclfun]

Actually, it is quite hot and oppressive in September and often rains every afternoon. That said, you can take breaks in indoor attractions and go with a slower pace. We've rested in First Aid before or gone into a QS dining location just for some a/c. My SD's trainer mentioned giving ice frequently as it cools the body more quickly than water and not to splash water on her fur as it just makes "steam". We've used cooling bandanas and gel packs but they don't last long at all. Do splash cold water on the belly area though to do a quick cool down. Often SD's do not let on that they are uncomfortable as they are so very focused on helping their partner and can quickly die from overheating. It's tough in the summer at WDW. Who knows though- it's still in the 50's here right now so maybe we'll be lucky with a cooler summer!---Kathy