How do you keep your dog cool in the truck?

I have had dogs in the past, but they have passed away and am now in search of a new four legged friend.

I have settled on a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Anyone have one that can share some first hand experience?

Secondly, being a realtor, I am in my car a decent amount. I would never leave my dog in a hot car, but have been brainstorming ideas of how I can bring fido with me and not have to worry about him while showing a property for 30 mins. or an hour meeting at most.

My plan was to keep him in the bed of the truck with a camper shell. Obviously that is an oven, so I was going to get creative and try to rig up some sort of fan system or cooling system that will run when the truck is off.

I had plans of putting in a wireless thermometer as a safety so that I can monitor the temp. It doesn't get hotter than 60-70*F in the summer which is only about 3 months time. The rest of the time is rainy and cool.

Any ideas would be great. Cheers!

 

Shades

 

shame on me for thinking i could come here for real advice haha

 

Remote start

 

Sometimes even with shades there's flames.

 

OP - look at the entry level toppers (Leer 100R). The windows open farther, more ventilation.

Mike

 

I just don't leave them in my truck if I'm not in it. It's to easy to forget and/or cooling systems to break down, and they have no way of telling you "hey it's getting a little warm in here"

 

Shit...60-70F isn't bad at all. We typically get 100-110 here in the summers. Big block of ice if the pooch was in the bed usually kept my pitbull satisfied and cool. And lots of water available. Remember dogs dont sweat so cold air wont do them any good. They dont regulate body temperature through their skin. All about hydration and internal body temp.

 

It might be 60-70 outside but inside a sardine can in the sun it will be way more than that. If it's hot, give mans best friend a break and leave him in the shade of his own back yard at home.

 

Growing up I had a Ridgeback-pit bull mix. He was an amazing dog. Very self sufficient, loyal and protective. He wasn't a dog you wanted to become aggressive around because he'd be in the middle of it. He was my buddy and slept in my bed. Cancer was the only thing that could stop him.

I live in AZ so leaving a dog in a vehicle isn't an option. You'll get your windows busted out and a ticket from animal control. It's just too hot here and people are idiots.

 

I appreciate all of the responses.

With a little common sense, the dog will be fine. I would not take him if it is extremely hot out, due to risk of failure of whatever cooling device i rig up. As I said, most of the year it is a very moderate/cool temp, but would still like to figure something out for peace of mind and for short trips to camp sites in the summer.

 

...uh... Air conditioning...?

 

-_-

Haha yes! Problem solved.

 

Your climate is much like ours. I have no problems leaving my dog in the cab of the truck with the rear window (to the bed) open for 30 mins to an hour while I'm at the grocery store. Find some shade to park in to reduce the amount of heat absorbed. If you leave him/her in the bed of the truck, open the side windows and leave a bowl of water.

My old man is a veterinarian and has done this for years. His dog goes everywhere with him.

 

I just leave the Shepherd in the van with A.C going and HOPE someone tries to steal it. I think he's hoping the same, he's a workaholic about his job.