Old dogs and summertime

Dear Fisher,

I am just tired and I feel like an old dog. Pretty soon it’s going to be hot out there and my boy always wants to play like it’s no big deal. I AM older, and I really enjoy a lot of resting around the air conditioned house. But, you know, I sure don’t want to disappoint the lad. He’s still young and full of energy and I am his best friend in the world. Got any ideas?

Sugar

Dear Sugar,

You may be a little on the older side, but certainly wiser for asking. You are right to get rest and not overdo in the heat of summer. My advice is to get up a little earlier each day – before the sun is bearing down and the humidity curls your hair even more.

If your boy is a slow starter, you will have to work on that. Egg him on and do your puppy-hearted best to get him moving with you. A small boy who loves his dog is just as eager to please as you are. He just isn’t aware that too much play can be harmful to you.

• Always know where your next gulps of water are just in case…and never go romping out in the heat just after a meal. Stay off hot sidewalks if you are a city guy, and if you have your own yard, play in the grass, preferably under a big shade tree. Hopefully that will give you enough room for the morning exercises.
• Don’t go to the beach – no shade trees there!
• As soon as you feel yourself overheating or dehydrating, grab your comb and coax the boy into the house for some quiet grooming time. It is great bonding and by now, he is probably a little tired himself.
• You might want to get a serious haircut if your coat is thick, but never get it shaved down to the skin, lest you want to join the rest of the sunburn crowd.
• Keep your walks to a minimum during the high heat parts of the day and do not stand around on hot asphalt. That can heat up your body very fast and your sensitive paw pads could burn.
• By all means, stay alert for signs of overheating, which can include excessive panting and drooling, mild weakness and elevated body temperature. Sound serious? It is if left unattended, so keep a check on your activities.

Repeat in the evening as the breezes come up and the sun goes down. Stay safe and happy! Go to ASPCA online for more hot weather tips.

Your friend,

Fisher