Ancol | Dog Cooling Coat | Heatstroke Prevention & Summer Comfort

Ancol Dog Cooling Coat - Advanced Heatstroke Prevention & Comfort for Your Canine Companion (All Sizes)

GTINs (Barcodes) & Sizing Guide (Collar to Tail Measurement):

• XS: 25 cm (Barcode: 5016646097910)

• S: 30 cm (Barcode: 5016646097927)

• M: 40 cm (Barcode: 5016646097934)

• L: 50 cm (Barcode: 5016646097941)

• XL: 60 cm (Barcode: 5016646097958)

• XXL: 70 cm (Barcode: 5016646097965)

Help your furry friend beat the heat this summer with the Ancol Dog Cooling Coat! This innovative and essential coat is meticulously designed to keep your dog comfortable and safe on hot days by actively retaining cooling moisture. It's a vital tool in preventing serious conditions like heatstroke, ensuring your dog stays refreshed during walks, playtime, or simply relaxing outdoors across Ireland & UK.

How the Ancol Dog Cooling Coat Works:

The Ancol Cooling Coat leverages the power of evaporative cooling. Simply submerge the lightweight polyester/cotton coat in water for a minute. The advanced material will absorb and retain the cooling moisture for several hours, providing a refreshing effect as the water slowly evaporates from the fabric. When the coat starts to feel dry, just reactivate it by re-submerging it in water, gently wringing out any excess, and giving it a shake to help it maintain its shape.

Convenient and Practical Design:

The Ancol Cooling Coat comes in a reusable Ziplock bag, making it exceptionally convenient for storing the damp coat during walks, days out, or while traveling. This practical feature ensures it's ready whenever and wherever your dog needs a cool-down. Furthermore, the coat is machine washable and features anti-bacterial properties for effortless cleaning and superior hygiene. It easily slips over your dog's head and fastens securely with an adjustable Velcro belly strap for a snug and effective fit.

Important Pet Care During Heatwaves: Keeping Your Dog Safe

Keeping your pet safe during hot weather is crucial. Heatstroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition for dogs, even on seemingly mild days. Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily through panting and by sweating through their paw pads, which makes them significantly less efficient at cooling down than humans. The Ancol Dog Cooling Coat is a fantastic tool to help manage your dog's body temperature, but it's just one part of comprehensive heat safety. Combine its use with these essential care tips to keep your beloved companion cool and safe all summer long!

Understanding Dangerous Temperatures:

• Environmental Temperature: While most dogs are comfortable between 15-25°C, temperatures over 20°C can start to increase the risk of heatstroke, especially with exercise. When the temperature reaches 25°C, greater care is needed. Anything above 27°C is generally considered too dangerous for walking your dog.

• Body Temperature: A dog's normal body temperature is around 37-39°C. Heatstroke is defined as a non-pyrogenic increase in body temperature above 40°C (104°F), with systemic signs of illness. Direct cellular damage can occur at body temperatures ranging from 41.5°C to 42°C (106.7°F to 107.6°F).

• Pavement Temperature: Asphalt and pavement can become significantly hotter than the air temperature. On a 25°C (77°F) day, the pavement can reach 52°C (125°F), hot enough to cause burns and permanent damage to paws after just one minute of contact. If you can't hold the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Dangers of Hot Cars: Statistics You Need to Know:

Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for "just a minute" and even with windows cracked. This is one of the most common causes of heatstroke and death in dogs.

• Rapid Temperature Rise: On a 20°C (68°F) day, the temperature inside a vehicle can soar to 27°C (81°F) within 10 minutes, and to 46°C (115°F) within an hour.

• Minimal Effect of Cracked Windows: Research shows that cracking windows offers very little relief and makes almost no difference to the rate at which a car heats up.

• Legal Implications in the UK: While it's not explicitly illegal to leave a dog in a hot car, owners are legally responsible for their pet's health and welfare under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. If a dog becomes ill or dies due to being left in a hot car, owners could face charges of animal cruelty, leading to significant fines and/or a prison sentence. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999 immediately and ask for police assistance.

Essential Prevention Tips:

• Hydration is Key: Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Add ice cubes to their bowl or offer frozen treats. When out and about, always carry a travel water bowl and water for your dog.

• Timing of Exercise: Limit walks and strenuous activity to the coolest parts of the day – early mornings before 8 am and late evenings after 8 pm. On particularly hot days, it's best to avoid exercise altogether.

• Pavement Test: Before any walk, always test the ground temperature with the back of your hand. Stick to shaded, grassy areas where possible.

• Provide Shade: Ensure your dog always has access to shaded areas when outdoors.

• Cooling Aids: In addition to cooling coats, consider cooling mats, damp towels (avoid covering them completely, as this can trap heat), or a shallow paddling pool in the garden for a supervised cool-down.

• Grooming: Regular grooming, especially for dogs with thick coats, can help prevent matting that traps heat.

• Avoid Over-Excitement: Even when swimming, dogs can still overheat if they are over-excited. Supervise water play and ensure it's calm.

Recognize At-Risk Dogs:

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boxers are at significantly higher risk due to their compromised airways. They are four times more likely to develop heatstroke.

• Overweight dogs

• Elderly or very young dogs

• Dogs with thick coats (e.g., Newfoundlands, Chow Chows)

• Dogs with underlying health conditions (heart or breathing problems).

• Highly energetic dogs

• Large dogs, especially those over 50kg.

Symptoms of Heatstroke:

• Excessive panting

• Lethargy or drowsiness

• Heavy drooling

• Bright red gums or tongue

• Uncoordinated movements, stumbling, or collapsing

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Confusion or seizures

• Unconsciousness

What to Do if You Suspect Heatstroke:

Act quickly! Heatstroke is a medical emergency.

1. Move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately.

2. Begin cooling your dog gently. Pour small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water over their body, especially on their paws, belly, and armpits. You can use cool, wet towels, but ensure they are not left on for too long without re-wetting, as they can quickly heat up.

3. Allow your dog to drink small amounts of cool water if they are able. Do not force them to drink.

4. Crucially, contact your vet immediately or an emergency veterinary clinic. Even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage may have occurred, and professional medical attention is vital. Cooling your pet prior to arrival at the hospital has been shown to increase their chances of survival from 50% to 80%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1: How does the Ancol Dog Cooling Coat keep my dog cool? A1: The coat uses evaporative cooling. Simply submerge it in water for a minute. The material absorbs and retains moisture, providing a cooling effect as the water slowly evaporates.

Q2: How do I reactivate the cooling effect when the coat dries out? A2: Just re-submerge the coat in water, gently wring out any excess, and shake it to maintain its shape. It will be ready to provide cooling again.

Q3: How do I choose the correct size for my dog? A3: Measure your dog from the collar to the tail. Choose the corresponding size: XS (25cm), S (30cm), M (40cm), L (50cm), XL (60cm), XXL (70cm).

Q4: Is the Ancol Dog Cooling Coat machine washable? A4: Yes, the coat is machine washable and features anti-bacterial properties for easy cleaning and hygiene.

Q5: Can I store the damp coat after use? A5: Yes, the coat comes in a reusable Ziplock bag, which is perfect for storing the damp coat during walks, days out, or while traveling.

Q6: What temperatures are dangerous for dogs, especially for walks? A6: Temperatures over 20°C increase heatstroke risk, and anything above 27°C is generally considered too dangerous for walking. Always test pavement temperature with your hand; if you can't hold it for 5 seconds, it's too hot for paws.

Q7: What are key signs of heatstroke in dogs? A7: Symptoms include excessive panting, lethargy, heavy drooling, bright red gums/tongue, uncoordinated movements, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, or even unconsciousness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency; contact your vet immediately.

Q8: What should I do if I suspect my dog has heatstroke? A8: Move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately. Begin gentle cooling by pouring small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water over their body, especially paws, belly, and armpits. Offer small amounts of cool water if they can drink, and contact your vet or emergency clinic immediately.

Q9: Why is leaving a dog in a hot car so dangerous, even with windows cracked? A9: Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly (e.g., to 46°C/115°F within an hour on a 20°C day), and cracking windows offers very little relief. It's a common cause of fatal heatstroke.