Question: Re Travelling in Dog Trailer:

Answer: The cooling vests have been a huge success in combating heat stress in greyhounds (as well as show dogs, flyball, agility etc). I have been an owner, breeder, rearer, trainer for over 40 years.
The Silver Eagle Cooling Vest is most effective when used travelling in a trailer and used straight after strenuous activity. It effectively lowers the core temperature of the dog and enables the dog to be presented in the best possible condition to trial or race. Used after race/trial the vest minimizes the rise in core temperature of the dog and enables the dog to recover more quickly.
Travel tips:  Activate cool vest in cold water and place on dog just prior to travel in trailer or you can place activated vest in plastic activation bag and keep in fridge prior to travel and get it out at the last minute to put on dog. As an added bonus many trainers have found that using the cooling vest on bad travellers has helped settle the dog. Important to use an activated vest straight after race/trial to assist recovery. I take an esky car cooler with some iced water for best results. Our cooling vest must be monitored at all times as the coat evaporates at varying rates depending on the climatic conditions - the best way to check the vest is to lift the back of the vest and place your hand across the back over the pin bones - if the dog is cool all OK - if warming up reactivate in cold water. Remember to squeeze out excess water after activation as the vest does not have to be dripping wet to be effective. In this months GRV Adviser (Feb 2010) Page 8 "Cooling Vests" GRV Stewards have set out guidelines for their use. Hope this helps and if you (or anyone) needs further information please don't hesitate to contact me on 03 59988336 (John Adlam)

Notice in Greyhound Adviser Victoria: February 2010

Cooling Vests:

At this time of year a number of queries are raised about the use of these vests for greyhounds on race days.  GRV Stewards have determined that trainers/attendants will be able to supply and use these vests with their greyhounds on the following basis:

1. Whilst the greyhound is kennelled;

2. Before and after fitting the race rug (not whilst parading); and

3. After the event from the catching pen to the kennels (unless the greyhound is being sampled, in which case it will only be given access to running water).  Clubs have agreed to provide a tub of water on hot days at the catching pen area to enable vests to be cooled.