[NAGDU] it's never too early to begin preparations

Thu Jan 17 14:23:57 UTC 2019

All great suggestions. The only other thing I can think of is a cooling vest. This would be most useful for people who live in very warm climates or who need to be outside in the heat for extended periods. I have the Swamp Cooler from Ruffwear.

Danielle, Thai, and Jackie 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 17, 2019, at 8:47 AM, Tracy Carcione via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> What Julie says is great.
> I will add that I sometimes put a bit of cool water on my dog's head and
> ears when we're out in the heat.  They don't like it, but I think it helps
> them cool down a bit.
> Also, I had a dog who would throw up if she got a cool drink right after a
> walk in the heat, so I had to wait a few minutes after we got inside before
> giving her water.  None of my other dogs have had this problem, though.
> 
> It's nice to think about being warm, on this frigid day.
> Tracy
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie Johnson via
> NAGDU
> Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2019 8:31 AM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Cc: Julie Johnson
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] it's never too early to begin preparations
> 
> For cold weather:
> paw wax, like Musher's Secret, to protect paw pads
> boots to keep off salt or ice melt products
> boots for added warmth, but I don't think these are needed until you get to 
> truly artic weather  as in less than zero
> sometimes, depending on weather conditions, my dog's feet will stick to the 
> pavement.  There has to be some sort of ice or snow and just the right 
> temperature that their feet melt it a bit but stepping down causes a return 
> to freezing.  It doesn't happen often, but boots are an absolute necessity 
> when it does.
> Depending on the dog, a sweater or coat.  I have very short furred dogs, a 
> Boxer mix and a Doberman, so coats are a necessity.  The Doberman wears a 
> light coat at temps less than 40 and a heavier coat with temps less than 20.
> 
> The Boxer mix is okay until about 30 and gets his coat when it dips below 
> freezing.
> 
> Signs of a dog being uncomfortably cold:
> curling inward, which includes tail tucking, head lowering, sometimes a bit 
> of arching the back.  It's like when we are cold and try to pull everything 
> into the middle of our body to keep warm.
> Shivering is a pretty obvious sign of being cold.
> Whining or similar sounds of discomfort.
> Reluctance about going outside.  Increased speed when given the opportunity 
> to get indoors.
> Dancing or lifting the paws oddly.
> 
> Avoid letting your dog get wet when it is cold.  Cold plus wet is a very 
> dangerous combination.
> Keep moving.  Even when I am outside waiting for transportation, I give my 
> dog a bit of leash and encourage them to walk back and forth or in circles 
> around me.  If they are confused or reluctant, I will walk back and forth 
> with them. Moving keeps the blood pumping, increases circulation and 
> increases warmth.
> For hot weather:
> Try to plan long outings during the beginning of the day before the pavement
> 
> has heated up.
> Provide more opportunities for water.  Avoid super icy cold water in favor 
> of cool water.
> Use boots only if your dog shows discomfort on the pavement.  Dogs "sweat" 
> through their feet. If at all possible, let them naturally keep themselves 
> cool.  To determine if a dog is uncomfortable walking: This will be similar 
> to the cold weather tips, dancing or lifting up the paws oddly.  You can 
> also put your hand on the pavement and hold it there for a slow count of 
> ten.  If you can do this, the pavement will be okay for your dog to walk on.
> 
> Avoid blacktop surfaces as they are hotter than typical sidewalk pavement or
> 
> brick.  Blacktop is most often found in parking lots.
> If you need to stand in one place, like waiting for transportation, find a 
> shady spot or step off into the grass if possible.
> 
> 
> There's probably lots more, but it's early and this is all that is 
> immediately coming to mind.
> I look forward to what others will contribute.  We are expected to have a 
> good amount of snow and temps significantly below zero this weekend.
> 
> Julie
> On The Go with Guide-and-Service-Dogs.com
> http://www.guide-and-service-dogs.com
> also find my products in the Blind Mice Mega Mall
> <https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Directory_Departments?storeid=19
> 16046>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Mike Hingson via NAGDU
> Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 6:36 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Cc: mike at michaelhingson.com
> Subject: [NAGDU] it's never too early to begin preparations
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> 
> 
> As you probably know, our National Federation of the Blind National
> convention will be held this July in Las Vegas Nevada. Temperatures during
> the day, and most likely at night too, will be over 100 degrees. This means
> we need to prepare to keep our guide dogs safe and comfortable during the
> time we are in Las Vegas.
> 
> 
> 
> We are planning to write an article for the Braille Monitor to provide
> people with helpful and relevant information concerning how to handle the
> hot temperatures with our guides. I am inviting you to participate here in a
> discussion of what you do to keep your guides safe in extreme temperatures.
> Let's talk about both hot and cold situations.
> 
> 
> 
> All relevant ideas and thoughts are welcome. There is no wrong idea. We want
> to get the most information that we can so we can provide good information
> for all convention goers who bring their guides.
> 
> 
> 
> Thank you in advance for your help.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Best Regards,
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Michael Hingson
> 
> Vice President, NAGDU
> 
> 
> 
> The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
> 
> "Speaking with Vision"
> 
> Michael Hingson, President
> 
> (415) 827-4084
> 
> info at michaelhingson.com
> 
> To order Michael Hingson's new book, Running With Roselle, and check on
> Michael Hingson's speaking availability for your next event please visit:
> 
> www.michaelhingson.com
> 
> 
> 
> To purchase your own portrait of Roselle painted by the world's foremost
> animal artist, Ron Burns, please visit http://www.ronburns.com/roselle
> 
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