I'm going to make a dog bed that stays cool

[jocoyn]

This is something only too small-actively ciruclates water.
but when I worked at the vet school they had a mat that recirculated water and that was in the late 70s.
The plywood idea was that the air would move through the holes.

Hound Cooler Dog Bed - Dog Beds at Hayneedle

[jocoyn]

Hey, I am very interested with your ideas on this because of where I live (as you know) and cooling down a working dog in the heat .....

The other issue I would have with aluminum shot is that, I know you don't think your dog would ever rip open the pad and consume the contents but the reaction of acid with aluminum is donwright explosive...so if they did it would probably be a fatal mistake. how about circulating the ice cold water under some of the newer phase change mats...made of polymerized vegetable oil, they are very nontoxic (would only cause some the runs if injested) and may present a better medium to transfer the heat from the dog to the chilling water. A 50F phase change material is also the optimal temperature for cooling the dog without closing off capillaries as would ice water and also be more comfortable for the dog.

[glinny]

When you get it figured out I would really like to get one for myself. The dog can take care of herself.

[hunterisgreat]

Originally Posted by jocoyn

Hey, I am very interested with your ideas on this because of where I live (as you know) and cooling down a working dog in the heat .....

The other issue I would have with aluminum shot is that, I know you don't think your dog would ever rip open the pad and consume the contents but the reaction of acid with aluminum is donwright explosive...so if they did it would probably be a fatal mistake. how about circulating the ice cold water under some of the newer phase change mats...made of polymerized vegetable oil, they are very nontoxic (would only cause some the runs if injested) and may present a better medium to transfer the heat from the dog to the chilling water. A 50F phase change material is also the optimal temperature for cooling the dog without closing off capillaries as would ice water and also be more comfortable for the dog.

There are a million options. Aluminium, steel, stainless steel, etc. Just aluminum would be lighter.

If the folks I just emailed about making me a chain maille dog bed cover follow through, there will be no worries of them tearing it open anyway lol

With a thermocouple and a temperature switch, it is not technically difficult to or expensive to have it at whatever temp you desire

[Chicagocanine]

That doesn't sound very comfortable.

[huntergreen]

in the summer we use ac inside, and a "kiddie" pool outside if my dogs want to cool themselves off. in the winter, we have a wood stove and a propane fireplace insert along with regular heat. my dogs always find a cool spot if needed, but they seem to prefer to be near the heat source in the winter. if we have some hot temps in mid summer we have some vest s that we put on them after running at the dog park. just soak in water and put them on.not sure why you want to do all this but will look for pics when you have this built.

[hunterisgreat]

well they got back to me fast... and had a good idea. A half filled Yoga ball, filled with water, and wrapped in stainless fine mesh maille....

[Mooch]

The maille will need to be really fine, that stuff can pinch
Interesting idea tho

[jocoyn]

I would assume you would have to cover the mail with fabric because the dirt and dog hair would be an absolute nightmare.