Dogs and fans

[lindapalm]

Do dogs get any benefit from a fan? I always thought they didn't because they don't sweat, but several websites I went on said fans help dogs.  

[dobelove]

Hi there, I always used a fan to cool down my Dobermanns and I also bought a collar that is made of cotton material and inside the collar was gel that would freeze up if put in the freezer, so you can put it round your dogs neck to keep cool, my Dobermanns loved it.

[Margot49]

This stupid iPad.  I really need to proof before I post.  ;-)

[Margot49]

Jerry us correct that dogs use panting as a way to cool off.  They do have sweat glands in their foot pads.  On a hot day, you might even notice the dog leaving footprints on a floor. And that is due to their foot pads sweating.

Some dogs  don't care for fans but that us usually because they might scare them.  Many kennels use fans to keep the dogs cool.  Dogs I have had here, the one I have now included, will lay under a ceiling fan when it is hot.  Just like us, it makes them more comfortable.

On the subject of dogs not sweating, it is important that owners keep their dogs cool in the heat.  On a hot day, let them stand in some water.  Some dogs love to go in kiddy pools on hot days.

When Greyhounds are raced, most tracks gave pools of water for the dogs to go in after racing as they can overheat quickly.

You can get a squirt bottle and must down your dog and rub the moisture into the coat.  

So yes, like us,midges can certainly benefit from the use of fans .

Used to help with Greyhound rescue and a Foster home had a Grey that barked at the ceiling fan every time it was on.  So, can't say that worked out too well. :-)

[Jerry_NJ]

Right, dogs do not have sweat glands on their bodies, must use the mouth to evaporate for cooling, that's why you see a dog panting when hot.  

All dogs I know seem to "migrate" to an area with an overhead fan, but then that's were I am and it may just be they want to be near people.

The heavy fur on most dogs prevent any body cooling for air moving over the body, likewise they are less troubled by the sun outside.. of course if they have a dark coat, say black or dark brown, the sun will drive their body temperature up, I believe.

I'd not leave a fan of for dogs, but I am sure it doesn't hurt and the dog may get some benefit from the moving  air over their open mouth.