Summer is officially here, and the heat is on! How can you help your furry best friend stays cool and comfortable during those scorching summer days? We virtually traveled with two of our favorite pups to see how they use their But First, West Flora Bandana to aid in keeping their pups cool during their perfect summer time adventure! Nash and Gracie have got you covered with simple tips and tricks to help in keeping your hot dog cool and happy this toasty summer season!
"I will definitely use this technique again to help my pup cool off during the hot summer days! I truly believe that for us to enjoy our outdoor adventures to the max, we also have to be proactive and ensure that we’re doing everything safely!" - Jennifer + Gracie
Beat the Heat During Your Favorite Type of Adventure
Are you and your pup planning exciting outdoor adventures this summer? Don't let the heat put a damper on your fun. Remember to take frequent breaks in shaded areas, bring plenty of water for both you and your dog, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. We followed along with Jennifer + Gracie for a summer day in their Texas backyard and Alicia + Nash for a morning hike through the Columbia River Gorge to hear all about how they got extra practical use out our Flora bandana!
Go on and Give Your But First, West Bandana a Good Soak
One of the coolest (literally...) ways to help your dog stay cool is by soaking a bandana in cold water. Simply dip the bandana in water, wring out the excess moisture, and tie it around your dog's neck. As the water evaporates, it will create a refreshing coolness that can help lower your dog's body temperature. Plus, your pup will look extra stylish in their fashionable bandana no madder where your adventure awaits!
But First, West: How long did you keep the bandana in the water for before you used it?
Gracie: Before using the Flora Bandana, Gracie and I kept it in cold water in our cooler for a little less than 2 minutes. It was a quick submersion in cold water! To our surprise, even with it being 98 degrees outside, the bandana stayed cool for almost 3 hours!
Nash: The Flora was in action on 2 of our outings to the Gorge and a hike in Cascade Locks. It was in the water for about 20-25 seconds each time. I doused the dana in and out in the Gorge for our beach romp and I let the Flora Bandana float in a stream during our hike. We refreshed the soak a few times throughout the hike when we crossed paths with a stream!
But First, West: Tell us why the Flora Bandana makes a great option to use this cooling technique this summer:
Gracie: Not having to choose between a bandana that will keep your pup cool and a bandana that will keep them classy is what makes this bandana great! You get the best of both worlds in one! The embroidered flowers on the bandana add a special touch and pop of color. The bandana material itself is thicker than dry fit bandanas, but it’s the perfect thickness level to not feel heavy on your pup when wet. I love the simplicity of the bandana as well! It will be one that I take on daily walks, use for once in a lifetime adventures, and my go to for a typical photo shoot day!
Nash: The Flora bandana will be a new staple this summer. Nash donned 2 Non But First, West water scarves over his first two summers as a pup, but unfortunetly they did not retain water for a long period. Having a versatile and stylish dana that has longer water retention like the Flora Bandana is a big plus during the PNW summer heat. The Flora Bandana will be super useful during our summer hikes and city strolls and keep Nash looking like a Classy Mother Pupper!
Chill Out: Ways to Cool Your Dog
Educating yourself and seeking best and practices from your local Veterinarian for your pup in the region of your adventure is always of upmost importance! When the temperature rises, it's essential to find ways to cool your dog down. Aside from soaking a bandana, consider using a cooling mat for your dog to lie on or setting up a kiddie pool for them to splash around in. Bringing out popsicle treats made from dog-friendly ingredients can also provide a deliciously cool relief on hot days. Here are a few of their favorite adventure cooling tips from Gracie and Nash:
Wearing shoes! We know hot pavement can really injury a pups paws
Carry a mini portable fan during walks we can use when we take stops for water
Finding shade to lounge in on our adventures
Pack frozen yogurt treats or fruit to snack on mid adventure
Dousing those cute ol' paws and belly in water
Using a But First, West bandana soaked in ice water, of course!
But First, West: Do you think you would use this technique again to help with cooling off your pup on a hot summers day?
Gracie: I will definitely use this technique again to help my pup cool off during the hot summer days! Knowing that my pup can stay fashionable and remain picture ready, while also diminishing the risk of elevated body temperatures gives me peace of mind! This is a quick and easy step that doesn’t add much to our getting ready before we leave the house!
Nash: Definitely! Finding a water source during our summer activity: beach days or hikes allows me to utilize my access to nature to keep Nash cool with our favorite But First, West bandana in tow!
Keep Hydration at the Forefront
Just like us, dogs need to stay hydrated, especially when the sun is beating down. Always have fresh water available for your furry friend, whether you're at home or out and about. Consider bringing a collapsible water bowl or dog water bottle on your adventures to ensure your dog can easily access water whenever they need it. Hydration is a key aspect in keeping you and your dog cool and healthy all summer long.
Stay Mindful of Signs of Overheating
Understanding the signs of overheating in dogs is crucial. Keep an eye out for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and signs of distress. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them to a cooler area immediately, offer water, and consider wetting their paws and belly with cool water. Consider following the guidelines of local experts and veterinarians with your dogs health and safety. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog's health and well-being.
As the summer temperatures rise, remember to prioritize keeping your bestie cool and comfortable. By no means should soaking a But First, West Bandana in ice water be the only means of cooling your pups but this is an additional easy technique to add your toolbox to ensure your furry companion continues to enjoy a safe and fun-filled summer. Embrace the sunshine and make this summer an adventure to remember!
I love all of these tips on how to keep our pups cool during the summer. Temps are warming up here in the PMW and entering high 90's this week. I love how multifunctional The Flora is!
Love seeing how multifunctional this bandana is, a cute accessory and an easy way to keep your pup cool this summer! And these pictures of Nash and Gracie wearing it are adorable! 🤍
The cutest way to stay cool this summer, thank you for the tips!
Cindy and Cabbie 🤎
Love this idea for keeping our pups cool this summer! It’s been a hot one for us already! I love the idea of using ice water in a cooler, or dipping in a cool stream!