We have a pug and were advised not to walk him at 20 degrees as he'll find it difficult to breathe, last 10 days or so it's been a 6am walk before work
Walking dogs in the sun
- Thread starter Beans on toast Dave
- Start date
Soldato
my 2 girls let me know if its too hot to walk, they just wont go. Most of our walk is on grass or in woods, when its hot they pull me in a direction that avoids the very short road and I let them make the decision. When the temp is really hot they just lay down and dont go thier usual mental twhen I get the leads out. Both are Irish Setters, very strong willed, if they dont want to go, we dont go.
Soldato
A couple of thoughts:
1. Dogs aren't that intelligent, if its "really hot" ideally you shouldn't be getting their leads and leaving it 100% to the dog..
2. If they are lethargic around the house in hot weather, they may be suffering with the heat a bit, you could have their coats cut short, there are many owners (Not saying you are one) that care more about how their dog looks than how its feeling.
I get what you are saying though, some dogs feel the heat and naturally will be lethargic and reticent, but that's no guarantee, you should always try to think for them and act in their best interests.. if a dog is having to lead you away from the hot areas, that's not a good thing IMO.
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Soldato
Interesting thoughts and good points - I have had dogs, same breed, for over 30 years, never had a problem with any of mine suffering from heat stroke or even discomfort (due to a decision we have made - they have been uncomfortable with the rare occasions we get really oppressive heat and none of us want to go out - then they go and sit by the aircon and wait for me to turn it on! - I think I am more like staff to them than their owner!!).
If one of my girls did want to go out and I thought it was too hot I wouldnt let them (my latest when a pup hadnt quite got the understanding when she was young and learning but the elder one let her know), I just never have been in that situation, with multiple dogs, over many years. Too hot would depend on both the humidity and temperature on the walk route, which is mostly grass and woods so this would be quite a lot hotter than we normally get in the UK - the girls wont go anywhere when its much lower - they may not be as intelligent as us, but they have instincts - thats how animals survive in the wild without us as a safety net. Irish Setters are meant to be on the more stupid side, mine outwit me on a regular basis so that says a lot about me
!
I ofter have a similar issue with rain! More than drissle and they are not really interested, but for this I will give them some encouragement as they require excersise to remain healthy, it rains more than it doesnt, and one of them can be quite lazy!
Ps - I am also getting old, and my heat tollerance is likely much lower than theirs now as they are 3 & 2!
If one of my girls did want to go out and I thought it was too hot I wouldnt let them (my latest when a pup hadnt quite got the understanding when she was young and learning but the elder one let her know), I just never have been in that situation, with multiple dogs, over many years. Too hot would depend on both the humidity and temperature on the walk route, which is mostly grass and woods so this would be quite a lot hotter than we normally get in the UK - the girls wont go anywhere when its much lower - they may not be as intelligent as us, but they have instincts - thats how animals survive in the wild without us as a safety net. Irish Setters are meant to be on the more stupid side, mine outwit me on a regular basis so that says a lot about me
!I ofter have a similar issue with rain! More than drissle and they are not really interested, but for this I will give them some encouragement as they require excersise to remain healthy, it rains more than it doesnt, and one of them can be quite lazy!
Ps - I am also getting old, and my heat tollerance is likely much lower than theirs now as they are 3 & 2!
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