Keeping Cool While Mantrailing – Summer Survival Guide!

Mantrailing is a year-round sport, but let’s be honest—some weather conditions make things a little trickier than others. Summer heat, in particular, can be a real challenge, especially since our dogs need to be safely secured in vehicles between trails.

Before we dive into kit and techniques, it’s important to note that heat affects every dog differently. As instructors, we’ll adjust session times and locations when necessary and will cancel sessions if it becomes too warm to safely work the dogs. However, at the end of the day, you know your dog best. If you feel the conditions are too much for them, it’s your job to advocate for their safety. That being said, remember that just because it’s too warm for your dog, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s too warm for others.

First Things First: Hydration!

Ensuring both you and your dog have plenty of water is non-negotiable. Mantrailing is thirsty work, and dogs not only lose water through panting to regulate their body temperature, but they also produce extra saliva when working scent and anticipating their food reward. More sniffing = more drooling = more water needed!

Top Tips for Keeping Your Dog Hydrated:
Bring plenty of fresh water – always more than you think you’ll need
If you’re using cooling coats or bandanas, bring extra water to keep them damp
If your dog isn’t a big drinker, try flavouring their water with broth or dropping in a few treats
Some dogs won’t drink near the car – offer water away from the vehicle if needed

Cooling Coats & Bandanas – Do They Help?

Cooling gear can help bring your dog’s temperature down, but how well they work depends on your dog’s coat type and the environment. There are three main types:

Evaporative Cooling Coats & Bandanas – You wet them, and as the water evaporates, it cools your dog down. These work best in dry heat but can actually make things worse in humid conditions.
Freezeable Cooling Coats – These have built-in ice packs or can be pre-frozen. They offer short-term relief, but once they thaw, they’re done.
Reflective Cooling Coats – These block sunlight, helping to keep the dog cooler. However, they only work in direct sun—if your dog is in the shade or inside a car, they won’t make a difference.

Cooling gear can be great in the right conditions, but don’t rely on them alone—they work best when combined with other cooling strategies!

Keeping Your Vehicle Cool – The Game-Changer!

We all know that cars can turn into greenhouses, trapping heat and putting dogs at risk of heat stroke. But with the right gear and setup, you can actually make your vehicle cooler than the outside temperature!

Shade & Sun Protection

Parking in the shade – The easiest and most effective option… if you can find it!
Reflective car covers – These bounce heat away, stopping your car from absorbing too much sun.

The Gold Standard: Aluminet!

If you only invest in one thing to keep your car cool, make it an Aluminet. It’s a reflective mesh that covers your entire vehicle, dramatically reducing heat build-up. Unlike solid covers, air can still circulate, making it much more effective.

To get the most out of Aluminet:
Cover as much of your vehicle as possible (roof, windows, bonnet)
Open windows & doors (if safe to do so) to create airflow
Secure your dog properly to prevent escape attempts

Many of us (and our clients) use Aluminet, and it’s been a game-changer – not just for mantrailing but for any outdoor adventures with our dogs.

Increasing Airflow

Airflow = cooler, more comfortable dogs.

Ventilation Tips:
Fans – There are plenty of battery-operated or crate-mounted options to keep air moving.
Tailgate Locks & Window Vent Guards – These allow you to safely keep boot doors or windows open without risk of escape.
More advanced cooling systems – Things like Transcool (portable air con units) can be a great option if you don’t mind the price tag.

What about air con?
If your car has built-in air con that runs without the engine, that’s great – but don’t rely on it. For most vehicles, leaving the engine running for hours isn’t practical and could leave you with a flat battery.

Heat Safety Is a Multi-Step Process

By using a combination of these techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and exhaustion for your dog—especially while they’re waiting in the car.

Most experienced trailers will:
Carry plenty of water
Use Aluminet to cover their car and reduce heat build-up
Secure their dogs properly so they can leave windows and doors open
Use fans & ventilation systems to keep air moving

No single solution works for every dog, every vehicle, or every situation, but taking proactive steps will help ensure you and your dog can enjoy mantrailing safely, all year round!

Should You Cook for Your Dog?

Cooking for your dog can be a rewarding and nutritious experience. There are plenty of recipes online that cater to dogs’ specific dietary needs. If you’re interested in cooking for your dog, websites like www.thenaturalcaninekitchen.com offer balanced recipes created by nutrition experts.