New Harness Keeps Dogs Cool and Warm in Extreme Weather, Expert Says Helps Protect Sensitive Cardiovascular System
Kumfy Tailz Introduces First Dog Harness with Kumfy Pax Gel Pack Technology to Regulate Body Temperature

CHICAGO, IL, October 06, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Pet owners will do just about anything for their beloved Fido including protecting them from the elements. What they might not be aware of is that most dog coats fail to protect the sensitive undersides of their pet. This last Spring KumfyTailz (www.KumyTailz.com) introduced the first dog harness, and coats, using gel pack technology to protect the cardiovascular systems of dogs in extreme temperatures.

It was a bitter cold Chicago winter day with more than 18 inches of snow and temperatures well below freezing accompanied by double-digit wind chills. Gail Sanders-Luckman was warm in her car stopped at a light. She glanced over and saw a man bundled from head to toe walking his two dogs. Both had dog coats on but were visibly shivering. The coats only covered their backs leaving their tender undersides and cardiovascular systems exposed.

Luckman, a successful entrepreneur and independent business operator with extensive experience in sales and marketing, began to think about the extremes of winter and summer weather and how tough it is on pets, as it is on humans who have down coats, wool scarves and hats. Dog owners wisely dress their dogs in traditional pet coats and sweaters, but they still shiver and rush through their walks. In some cases, dogs might get less exercise during winter months contributing to weight gain. Extreme heat of summer also takes a toll on dogs as well.

"While it's cute to dress our pets up in human-looking coats and sweaters, these just aren't as effective on dogs as they are on us, says Dr. Jenifer Henderson, DVM. "Dogs lose, or gain, most of their heat in the chest and abdominal region, or the core, so covering their backs and sides doesn't help them stay warm."
Research shows that canine physiology is very important when trying to regulate a dog's body temperature and the core must be addressed. Dr. Henderson adds that dogs also have a higher body temperature than humans (101°-103°F), so to help regulate body temperature they need more efficient, as well as more localized, heat protection in the winter than a coat or sweater can provide, and more concentrated cooling in the summer.

Drawing on her longtime entrepreneurial experience and love for her canine companions, Luckman began to research the problem; consulted with veterinarians and pet wellness professionals, pet products wholesalers and retailers, and pet apparel manufacturers and learned that dogs exchange heat in different ways than humans.

"Existing pet clothes don't really do the job for extreme temperatures. Even the best winter pet apparel isn't specifically address canine physiology and doesn't help at all in the heat of summer," said Luckman. "Our beloved pets aren't very comfortable and, in some cases, risking potentially serious conditions like hypothermia and dehydration or heatstroke."

Inspired by her friend's longtime experience developing and marketing hot/cold therapy wraps for humans, Luckman developed a better solution- the first ever warming and cooling pet harness and coats called, Kumfy Koatz , incorporates patented dual-action gel pack technology called Kumfy Pax , to deliver heat or cooling to a dog's core. Simply by using the freezer and microwave, dog owners can help keep their beloved family member warmer, cooler and even more active. The patented Ultra Gel pack has shown to maintain desired temperature better than other gel packs.

Luckman adds that roughly 20% of all dogs have cardiac conditions. "It's more than a harness or dog coat. Kumfy Koatz is helping dogs stay healthier and happier for a longer life."

Kumfy Koatz are available in a variety sizes and styles online at www.KumftTailz.com and in several boutique retailers across the country and retails for $42.95 to $49.95.

Press Release Contact Information:

Jennifer Fortney
Cascade Communications
President
2551 N. Marshfield, Ste. 2F
Chicago, Illinois
USA 60614
Voice: 773-529-7547