Question regarding service dog in the heat of June

BethCPTSD

Mouseketeer
Joined
Mar 4, 2016
Hi.
So I have a question I'd like to ask that I wouldn't have thought of before I had my service dog, I guess! Now that I know we'll be at WDW the first two weeks of June (I know -- it will be super hot and humid -- it's unavoidable...) I'm wondering what you all think.

Harrison is about 50 lbs (goldendoodle) but he's all white, not even cream -- pure white. I've read some people feel that their dogs with BLACK coats can't even stay in the park sometimes during the days in the summer because of the heat. I don't think THAT will be an issue, but do you think with his semi-thick and curly (very poodley) white coat I will need a cooling vest even if I water him a lot and give him a lot of breaks? And can I use Musher's Secret instead of boots if I watch for the signs of his feet getting sore?

I want to be careful that he's okay while I'm there, of course. Any input is appreciated -- and I know your advice are just opinions, no one can know for sure. Thank you :)

Beth
 
I'd go back to the trainers that set you up with the dog and ask them. They put a lot of thought into pairing you, so most likely thought of where you and your dog would be traveling and took into account what would be required to ensure Harrison could do his duties. They will have an answer for what to do in the Florida climate.
 
call the vet and a cooling vest would not be a bad idea and also do some self cheek of your dog. ( if you do not know ask your vet or google it) it is best to take a break if your dog dose get over heated then have something happen to your dog so I would go on the safe side and if you think your dog is over heating go in some AC, get some water and cool off. you might need it too.

Have a great trip
 
Get him paw booties and get use to them now. The usual rule is if the pavement is too hot for you to be barefoot then it is too hot for your pups pads to be bare for too long. Mushers secret won't prevent burns. It would be like putting lotion on your hand then touching the stove.
 
Another thing I would discuss with your vet if I was you is will the dog's skin be okay out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. I have a dog that is white with cream high lights and is 75% poodle. Her hair is only slightly curly but you can clearly see her pink skin. Very light colored dogs are more susceptible to sunburn.
 
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I would ABSOLUTELY use boots versus Musher's Secret. MS can melt/wear off because it's a wax. I'm going in early October next year but my SD will have boots for the day. Plus... you don't want to have to shave feet if he steps in sticky gunk or ice cream that's on the sidewalk. Yuck!
 
I don't know what services he provides you, so it is difficult to give advice that would separate you. However, if it's possible to be away from him for a few hours at a time, I would probably leave him at the resort while you go to the parks. If you must have him with you, I would have a doggy stroller, so his feet don't get burned on that asphalt, along with a cooling vest and fan on him.

We don't bring our son's service dog to Disney, although that would be the place is he most needed, ironically. It's just too hard on the dog. For him, it's not a life or death situation, and I am able to sort of take the place of his dog while we are there.
 
I don't know what services he provides you, so it is difficult to give advice that would separate you. However, if it's possible to be away from him for a few hours at a time, I would probably leave him at the resort while you go to the parks. If you must have him with you, I would have a doggy stroller, so his feet don't get burned on that asphalt, along with a cooling vest and fan on him.

We don't bring our son's service dog to Disney, although that would be the place is he most needed, ironically. It's just too hard on the dog. For him, it's not a life or death situation, and I am able to sort of take the place of his dog while we are there.

I don't think they let you leave the dogs at the resorts with out a handler present.
 
I don't think they let you leave the dogs at the resorts with out a handler present.

They don't allow you to leave them unattended. At least guests are not supposed to leave them unattended. If you need to leave them unattended, you are supposed to make other arrangements, like reservations with Best Friends Kennel on property.
 
You cannot leave your dog unattended in the resort. Also, a stroller may not be feasible for this dog, and honestly can give negative connotations about service dogs in general. Boots are going to be the best option and, honestly, are a sound investment. Ruffwear and Muttluks both have service dog discounts available. The new Grip Trex (Ruffwear) are super breathable but the soles provide good protection from junk, debris, and heat. I have never used Muttluks but I know many people who do really like them because they don't interfere if your dog has dews. Unfortunately when you cover more of the dog's leg, that's more material and the hotter your dog is going to be, which isn't fair in Florida.

Ruffwear also has two options for cooling jackets: the Swamp Cooler and the Jet Stream. The Swamp Cooler has a longer design, but the Jet Stream is designed to keep the belly and core of your dog cooler and the top isn't supposed to stay super wet so you can put a vest or harness on without soaking it. However, you can just sew patches onto your cooler, too. I know there's another brand, Saratoga I think, that people really love too. HOWEVER it is good to know that you need to keep coolers consistently wet and fresh, because they warm up to the dog's temperature quickly and are less effective that way. They are also slightly less effective in high humidity.
 
Thank you again for all your help! I do actually need him with me all of the time, and he is a good sized dog so even if I wanted to, a stroller wouldn't work. Besides, it would keep him from being able to help me.

I have ordered the swamp cooler so far from Ruffwear and will get some of the Grip Tex boots. He still has his dew claws, so I need to get the socks too, is that right?

Take care..
 

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