A/C whining - YouLookFab Forum

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A/C whining

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I know several of you suffer in the arctic A/C (including Angie) I need to live in it almost 24/7, because Biscuit needs it cold now, but Im SO miserable! Summers in MN are so short, I hate to spend it in long pants, socks and sweaters, huddled under a blanket I have arthritis and fibro, so I think it affects me more than usual...He cries like crazy if I leave which I must do to go shopping 2x weekly) I dont go any more than I need to and Im home w/him 80% of the time....I am very close to losing it....anyone in a similar situation? How do you handle it??

General

16 replies

Latest reply was from biscuitsmom

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Really? Nobody ?

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

All I have to say is: ugh, yes. Going to my recent writers' conference in the midwest I was reminded of how obnoxious this arctic A/C thing truly is. I have no real advice, just sympathy.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Thank you! Its SO great to know someone cares

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This sounds dreadful. No wonder you are feeling upset.

I have no advice, apart from layering, and maybe some of those little fingerless gloves?

Do you have respite? Because even though we are talking about a dog, you are doing a HUGE caregiving job, and all caregivers need some relief. At minimum to get out in the sunshine and get warm. It is important for your own health and sanity!

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

well, what happens to the Biscuit if you don't use A/C? Does he gets overheated, sick, what? I mean, I know how humid summers can get in MN(I lived there most of my life) and when I lived there, we had several cats with long fur and they were fine.
right now I live in tropical climate year around and have to deal with frigid Ac all year around(I don't crank it up at home usually) but its freezinly cold on the buses, stores and of course, at work. I usually carry a sweater with me for that(or a shawl).
Seriously though, can you not run A/C so much and only do it on intervals or something? I have some joint isssues myself and I know it would be a problem for me as well. Your health just as important, hon((hugs))
to add: can you get out of the house more often? Sound like your friend is suffering from separation anxiety which is not good because it makes him WAY too dependent on you.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Thank you SO much, Suz! I literally started bawling as I read your kind reply... he means the world to me, and I am with him almost constantly... I can get out for maybe a hour or two, max, once or twice a week I know he's 'just a dog' to some, but he's my baby, to me... Ive had him since he was 3 weeks old and needed to feed him w/a dropper and have hand-fed him every meal for the last 11+ yrs.... Im going to try and sit out in/soak up the heat when my DH gets home, and can distract him/keep oim company/ while its still warm....will try and find those gloves! Thank you again for your kind words

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Victoria, You're so sweet! He cannot physically handle it if it gets above 66-68 with all the fans and A/C blowing Feels much colder than that with all the fans going. He has severe breathing problems otherwise, so its NOT an option He does have seperation anxiety...you're right, but he's very high-strung and as he gets older (he's very old for a Shar Pei) I think its getting worse I had to take him when he was only 3 weeks old (he was being abused). I am on Disability, SSD, So I often dont feel 'up' to going out, but about 2x a week is all I can do, although I try and go out w/DH at least once during the weekend when he's off....it kills me that we have a beautiful (to me) gazebo on our deck and he just has a hissy fit if I try and go out there after DH comes home and will keep him company He wants his mommy nearby, I guess....he's been really sickly lately, so I REALLY hate to upset him

pil

Veteran

Biscuitsmom, I don't have any suggestions either but as the "mom" of a special needs pug can appreciate the effort you put into caring for Biscuit. I've looked at some old Biscuit threads and you have had your hands full. Have you seen the cooling jackets/vests for dogs? I've never used one but maybe that would be a way for him to go outside with you?

BethL

(website)

Veteran

Biscuitsmom, I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It's really hard taking care of an elderly dog, especially one with separation anxiety. What about a Thunder Shirt? They were designed to help relieve fear and anxiety in dogs during thunderstorms, but they often work really well on other kinds of anxiety. It's this kind of wrap thing that goes around the doggie's tummy and chest rather tightly, applying constant pressure, like a big hug. I have one for my 16 month old rescued Siberian Husky. I don't have to use it too much anymore, but when he was about 10 months old, he just couldn't calm himself down, and his trainer recommended it. It helped. They're kind of expensive, about $40, I think, but if it doesn't work, the company will refund your money.

catgirl

Veteran

I've seen those wraps as well. Also, do you have a deck where you can sit outside and Biscuit can see you? Or set up a fan and cool bed for him outside, like in a baby pool full of ice cubes with a pad on top?

You need to take care of yourself. I love Kona dearly, but if I didn't get out in the sun when it shines here, she would not have the kind loving mother she has. She was also an abused rescue and has separation anxiety as well but we can bring her to our office, and we are slowly training her to be left at home by giving her a toy full of treats when we leave, TV on, etc.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I don't know if this'll help with Biscuit's breathing issues, but my black lab *loves* this cheap plastic kids' pool that I picked up at the grocery store at the beginning of summer. I fill it with the hose, and he tentatively steps in ...

A minute later, he flings himself (full body) into the pool, sloshing water everywhere, and then leaps around the yard like some sort of maniac. I didn't get a chance tonight, but we've been taking mini videos of the doggie pool dunking as many evenings as we remember to do it - and one of these days we'll get the videos all put together and I'll share it here so everyone can have a good laugh.

The first time we used the silly kids' pool, my husband and I had to stand in it and coax Gus in. Now he loves it and goes for a dip every night. It's a goofy looking thing - blue plastic with different coloured fish designs all over it. It's *his* own personal private pool. Only takes me about ten minutes to fill it up from the garden hose.

If you want a plastic kid's pool, you'd better hurry - because I think all the patio-type stuff is being sold off right now, but I think it might be worth a try for some outdoor fun that keeps Biscuit cool and you enjoying the outdoors.

Just a suggestion you might not have thought of - you could fill up the pool, and let Biscuit cool off while you relax under the gazebo.

Do you think Biscuit might like to lounge in a super-shallow plastic kids pool out there in the yard while you relax right nearby?

rachylou

Veteran

Puffy coats, head scarves, sweaters. Do not be afraid to wear them indoors.

And socks for the feet.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I have another idea too....

When my last lab was recovering from a knee surgery, I bought this cute DVD/video to help her enjoy the outdoors, even though she was kind of cooped up and couldn't walk that much:

http://www.amazon.com/DVD-For-.....B000UZS9JY

It takes dogs on a virtual walk, and the whole 'walk' is "as seen through a dog's eyes" with soothing music. It's actually designed to comfort doggies who are on their own for a bit while their parents are off running errands or at work etc.

I would send you mine, but I already gave it to my dog trainer guy when his doggie was battling illness.

It's around $12 on Amazon. Totally worth it. It'll keep replaying itself over and over again, in a continuous loop and most dogs love it. Highly, highly recommended to keep a lonely/nervous/anxious doggie "company" while you're out.

editing to add - here's the "blurb" on the doggie DVD from Amazon and the publisher:

"DVD For Dogs: While You Are Gone is a collection of calming video and soothing sounds for the dogs we love.

As your dog takes a virtual walk through the woods, it encounters deer, ducks, geese, wolfs,
prairie dogs, birds, horses, fish, butterflies, and more. A virtual game of fetch follows.

The imagery is complemented with soft nature sounds, music, children playing, sonic sounds only dogs hear, and short stories to create a peaceful environment for dogs who are left alone.

The auto-loop function allows the video to play all day.

Professional composer Bradley Joseph performed with multi-platinum artists Yanni and Sheena Easton for over a decade. His original compositions bring to life this incredible collection."

It's a good DVD to have on hand. If doggie is sick, you can play it. If you have to go out and are worried about doggie, you can put the DVD in etc. Most dogs like it quite a bit.

Freckles

Veteran

I'm so sorry to hear such sad news for both you and beloved companion.

I have an old dog who follows me around but not near what you are dealing with. We have the a/c on more and more but it's half for me and half for her and not nearly as cold as yours.

Hopefully some of the ideas here would work. I know I live more North than you but around 6 a.m. it is quite cool now and if it has rained the dampness makes it feel cooler than it is. We sit out there for awhile.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, such great ideas here for caring for Biscuit. I hope something is helpful. You really do have your hands full.

I feel as if a dog-sitter - someone who would love him properly and keep him company for a couple of hours a week - would be really a great addition to your care team!

Caregiving is caregiving, no matter who we're caring for. And it's hard and often unrewarding work, but SOOOOOOO important. Biscuit is lucky to have you.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Thank you all SO much! My deep appreciation to everyone who wrote! This is such an amazing, supportive place and I *truly* appreciate everyone's suggestions and will definitely try them out! Except funfortunately, B is scared to death of water, so Im afraid that wont work....for the kind ladies who PM'd me, please know I will write as soon as I can! One thing I HAVE to do is get the computer put in the 'den' area, so I can be here more often and become active again! I SO miss all of you and hate to have my time restricted to a minute here and there, like it is now If its gotta sit on the freakin' floor, so be it! It'll be worth it to be in touch again!