How Does a Dog Cool Coat Help Them Cool Off?

Summertime means the temperatures are going up. Here in Wyoming, we are hovering around 90-100 degrees most days during the summer. Many parts of the northern hemisphere are in the same range or higher. I kind of like the heat. Not too bad for me, but it makes people sweat a lot. Dogs don’t like it nearly as much as humans do since they don’t sweat like we do.

To cool off, they can sweat through the pads of their feet. While it’s not sweating, the other thing they can do is pant. Panting allows evaporation through the saliva of the mouth. Since these are such small areas, they don’t work very quickly and are not very effective for keeping your dog cool in higher temperatures. That's why they are at such high risk of overheating and even heat stroke.

What is evaporation and how does it help with cooling?

Evaporation is a process in which liquid turns to gas. It happens naturally with no help from us. While evaporation is taking place, the temperature of the air around it goes down several degrees. Maybe you remember something about that in high school physics class? 

For me, that was quite a while ago, but you can look it up at this site. And more importantly, you can feel it. Put your hand next to but not directly on something that’s wet and in the process of drying.

This process can be used to help your dog cool off in places where they can’t sweat, which is most of their body. Putting a wet towel on them can help, although it’s pretty messy. Your dog ends up drippy, and that dripping water ends up anywhere close to your dog. 

How can you use evaporation to keep your dog cool?

What if you could find something that allows evaporative cooling but doesn’t cause the mess of a wet dog. A few years ago, I started to experiment with this methods. I found this synthetic chamois made out of 100% rayon. It was being sold as a cleaning product but could be repurposed into clothing. Specifically dog clothing. 

It turns out that this fabric holds onto water for several hours. It can be wrung out so that it doesn’t drip and still keep cooling. And when the extra water is gone, the dog wearing the coat doesn’t get wet either. 

While there are many brands of cool coats out there, here's why a Made by De coat is better.

1) Made just for your dog

2) Constructed of quality materials

3) They really work

Find out more on my website, Made by De.

 

Show Dogs Have Special Needs

Show season is in full swing!

If you show dogs in conformation, you know that the show season is now underway.  You may be making plans for attending your breed specialty or maybe you're going to shows closer to home.  No matter how you participate in dog shows, if you're attending you may have a number of issues to deal with in order to be as successful as possible. Made by De can help! I make each item using your dog's measurements and with your input so I can most closely fit the needs of you and your dog.

Keeping your dog from overheating and feeling like a limp noodle is usually a challenge in the heat.  My cool coats, both functional and fancy. They work through evaporation to keep your dog feeling fresh and energetic. Just soak them in water and wring out the excess.

If you have a long haired dog like an Irish Setter or a Cavalier Spaniel, you may have grooming issues.  My slinkies and grooming suits often come in handy for keeping coats smooth and clean or taming those curls.  

And if you have a show dog, you have to have them intact, so diapers (britches or belly bands) may be needed to help manage any calls of nature that might come up.

I can customize to suit most any need so be sure to let me know what you have in mind and I can often come up with something that solves the problem. Be sure to check out my website, www.madebyde.com, to see my current offerings.  And feel free to contact me to discuss new designs, new features, different colors, etc.  That's the beauty of custom, handmade work!

Summer is a comin'. Is your dog ready?

Are you ready for summer?

Is your dog?

Made by De has lots of stuff to help your dog (and therefore you) have a great summer and beat the heat in style!

All my coats are made by me, custom, so they will fit! Check out my website, www.madebyde.com, for listings, diagrams, fabrics..........design your perfect dog clothes!

And so much more! Check it out!

Fleece dog jackets! Because the seasons are changing!

Spring (and fall) can be challenging for keeping your pups comfortable.  The temperatures are generally warming up, but mornings and evenings are still pretty cool.  And, in many areas, the occasional snowstorm is not out of the question.

That is why fleece jammies and jackets are so handy.  This girl is wearing some of the lighter weight fleece jammies that I make.  Fleece provides some warmth without overdoing it, like a sweatshirt for us.  Either the lightweight fleece or the warmer Polartec 300 fleece is easy to layer under coats for those blustery days that continue to occur, so they serve double duty.

This sweet bulldog is wearing my Ultra Fleece pajamas, made of a nice dense fabric with water and wind blocking properties. 

And I have Ultra Fleece jackets made of Polartec 300 as well.  They have a turtleneck and tummy coverage but your dog does NOT have to put legs through holes.  Also great for layering for changing weather.

As with all of my stuff, I make each one just for  your dog, using your measurements and giving you choices of colors and options.  Check out my website to see more!

Who wants that "Wet Dog Smell"? Dog raincoats keep the pups dry!

You know that "Wet Dog Smell"?  When it rains, that can be what you get.  Unless you take steps to keep those pups dry. My dog raincoat can help with that. Made of Ultrex outer and lined with cotton flannel, so it's lightweight and comfy for your best friend.

This coat is made of single layer P.U.L. nylon so it folds up small enough to stick in your bag or even a pocket.  Available with many options for fitting your dog.

I can install a harness port for any coat, as well as hoods or flip up collars, tummy panel or a strap, draping, darts, whatever! Let me know what you need and I can usually come up with something to meet that need.

Find out more on my website!

Dog Diapers; making an undesirable event a little better

Can we talk about

Dog Diapers?

Great Fit Dog Diapers were created to allow freedom of movement while keeping your dog comfortable and clean. While attending dog shows, I used to watch dog after dog stiffen up or cringe when it came to stuffing their tails through the holes of the usual dog panties.  Instead of accepting the status quo, I designed something different; straps that come around the tail instead of the tail threading through the hole.

Turns out these dog britches are great for fitting all types of dogs because they are so adjustable. They can be worn with or without crossing  to accommodate straight builds or very tucked individuals. Even better, these diapers anchor at the waist instead of the tail so they are also great for dogs without tails. And since there is velcro adjustment for the straps, growing pups can wear them from their first cycle right on through adulthood.

To put them on, the straps are first wrapped around the waist.  Then the tail straps are pulled up on either side of the tail and attached to the velcro at the waist.  These britches are designed to sit in front of the hip bones so they can use anatomy to help keep them in place.

I use soft cotton fabrics, mostly flannel, to make these britches so they will stay nice and soft; not rubbing or chafing sensitive skin. For the same reason, I avoid elastic or waterproofing.  Instead, to collect the flow, a human pantiliner with sticky backing is placed in the appropriate area and can just be changed as needed.  Although my diapers are washable and reusable, using a pad means less frequent laundering. I can even make these in manly colors and dimensions for incontinent boys. 

Take a look at my website, www.madebyde.com, to see current fabrics, measurement diagram and other pertinent info for ordering.  If your dog (and you) has to deal with heat cycles, at least it can be a little more comfortable and stylish.

Have you ever been to a dog show?

Have you ever been to a dog show?

Dog Shows are so cool.  Disclaimer: I've never showed dogs, so the specifics are a bit of a mystery to me.  But I HAVE been to dog shows, seen the action inside the ring and talked to the owners of these canines.  

It's pretty exciting.  So many gorgeous dogs of all sizes and shapes; all with different jobs.  The American Kennel Club, for example, has 205 recognized breeds, with more breeds added every year.  Dogs that you just don't see every day so it's super fascinating to watch and learn about them. And usually, dog owners are more than willing to talk about their dogs and breeds.

What I have learned is this;

1) A dog has to be purebred, registered with the registry of its breed.

2) To be successful as a show dog, they have to have the characteristics that are valued by that particular breed. Breeders spend years trying to improve their dogs.  They search for just the right combination of parents with just the right traits to make their dogs the best representatives of the breed. 

3) They have to have good manners. They need to accept all the activity around them and the judge examining them without nipping or other bad behavior.  They need to "stack"; standing in a formal position with front legs slightly apart but next to each other and back legs slightly apart but next to each other.  They need to "heel" and move on leash willingly.  They need to be upbeat and energetic.

4) Some dogs just need the basics to be ready for the ring; bathed and nails trimmed. Others need a lot more prep.  They might need extra brushing.  Or a special hair cut.  They sometimes use clothes or towels to help their coats look just right.  It can take several hours to have them ready for the ring. Sometimes, the prep continues the whole time between shows as well. Talk about time consuming.

5) They are judged by judges who are familiar with their particular breed and the desired qualities. One dog is selected as the best in breed.  That dog is then judged against the best of each other breed in their group.  The best of group is then judged against the best of each other group to get that one Best. In. Show.  Getting Best in Show is a very high honor and much celebrated. Quite an addition to a resume for a breeding dog.

6) The goal of showing is ultimately to produce generations of dogs that are increasingly better at what they're supposed to do. The show winners are valued for their contribution to the breed. Without their contribution, we wouldn't have border collies with such high level herding abilities or Weimaraners with such great hunting abilities.  

I make cool coats, grooming coats and other products for helping your dog show at the highest level. They're made using your dog's measurements and breed information for the best fit possible. My goal is to have your dog happy and looking good.  If you are interested in a custom coat, take a look at my website, www.madebyde.com. 

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