Ti' le verano, le peek’o’obo’ jach choko’ob, le beetike’ ku jóok’siko’ob u yaak’o’ob, yéetel le propietarios Mantats' taak u preparar yaan suministros enfriamiento utia'al u paalalo'ob peludos. But which one should I choose, an ice pad or a cooling mat?
1、 Ice pad: a small helper suitable for short-term local cooling
The ice pad, in a nutshell, cools the dog by absorbing heat from the polymer gel or ice sand inside. The measured data is quite true – the dog’s skin can cool 2-3 ℃ after being pasted for 5 minutes, and the temperature of gel is stable at 25-28 ℃, which will not stimulate the dog suddenly when it is too cold. However, it also has its shortcomings: its breathability is average, and if a dog lies on it for a long time, it is easy to sweat profusely; If the ambient temperature exceeds 35 ℃, the cooling effect of the ice pad will dissipate quickly, and the cooling effect will be compromised. Suitable scenarios for using ice pads: assisting in cooling in air-conditioned rooms and taking dogs out for a short period of time.
2、 Cooling mat: an “old buddy” suitable for long-term safe use
There are many types of cooling mats, including linen mats, rattan mats, bamboo mats, and woven mats, each with its own characteristics:
Linen/rattan mat: moisture absorbing and breathable, it feels neither cold nor dry to the touch, like a “breathable blanket” for dogs. No matter how big or old the dog is at home, it can be used (especially suitable for elderly dogs who are afraid of catching a cold). It’s just necessary to expose to sunlight regularly, otherwise it’s easy for mites to grow.
Bamboo mat: The coolness is weaker than that of an ice pad, about 80% of that of an ice pad, but the advantage lies in its direct coolness. It is quite comfortable to use for medium and large dogs who are not afraid of the cold, such as the sturdy German Shepherd. The texture is a bit hard, and the dog may get caught in the fur when turning over.
Straw mat: Soft and non prickly to the skin, super comfortable for small milk dogs and short haired dogs to use. But the drawbacks are also obvious – humid weather is prone to mold, and it won’t be long before it needs to be replaced.
The core advantage of the cooling mat: pure physical cooling, no chemical risk; Breathable and moisture resistant (linen/rattan mats can regulate 30% more humidity than ice mats); High quality rattan mats can last for 5-10 years and offer excellent value for money.
3、 How to choose? According to the dog’s situation and scene!
Dogs that prioritize the cool mat:
Small and elderly dogs: choose linen mats (such as the “silly pet” home style), soft and breathable, so that furry children don’t catch a cold;
Dogs that love to sweat (such as Golden Retrievers and Huskies): Set up a marching bed on a rattan mat, 10 centimeters above the ground, with better ventilation and cool air;
Dogs that are prone to anxiety: Putting their owner’s old clothes on a cool mat with a familiar scent can help the dog sleep more peacefully.
Ice pads are safer to use in this way:
Don’t use it for a long time: a maximum of 2 hours per session, be sure to turn on the air conditioning (26 ℃ is most suitable);
Choose sturdy ones: those with reinforced PVC fabric on the surface (to prevent dogs from scratching), such as “Long Little Pets” and “Equal Pets”, which are quite reliable;
Can also be used in emergency situations: Wrap a towel wrapped in frozen mineral water and place it next to the dog kennel, which can also indirectly cool down.
