Over heating

Question
QUESTION: Over the summer I was walking my 14 month old cocker Joe. About a quarter mile into our mile and a half walk, his back legs became stiff and dragging his toes. It was hot and he was panting but otherwise acted completely normal. I got concerned about over heating and my husband carried him back to the car where we gave him water (which he didn't want) and turned the ac on high and went home. We cooled him off and he seemed no worst for the wear. A few days later he had a regular vet appt where I explained the situation. The young vet tech said that it was in fact over heating and to be careful because he will be prone to heat emergencies now. I think part of the problem was the heat and the fact that Joe strains against the leash. It takes almost a mile for him to no longer pull against me and by the time we are done walking, he is salivating excessively. How can I walk him better to not put that extra strain on him? I'm very weary of walking him in fear he is going to have heat stroke. We are on a military base and the vet here does not handle emergencies outside regular working hours m-f. How can I protect against over heating? If I cant then his walks can only be the cooler months. We take him camping and the lakes and hes fine. It only seems to be the walks. Thank you.

ANSWER: I'd like to know where you are?  How hot was it and were you in the sun?  What time of day?

What type of leash are you using?  Is Joe clipped down?

Yes, part of the problem is the pulling.  What do you do when he pulls?
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We are in South Central Missouri. The type of day we were having during this particular "incedent" was in the 90's about 6pm. It was pretty humid out too. During some of the hotter days he didnt have a problem. We usually dont go out until 6 or so.

He is clipped very short for ease of grooming and because we frequent lakes and camp alot.


Joe pulls on the leash fairly hard but I tend to give him a little tug and verbal commands. He listens fairly well but in the beginning of most walks has to be reminded. Also when people walk by I have to practically drag him because he wants to bark and follow them. We use a retractable leash and a regular collar. Should we use a harness or something else?

Thank you

Answer
Rather than walk him at 6pm - 6am would be better.  I'm in south Florida and know it's much more tolerable for them.  If it's in the 90's it really is just too hot for them and the heat & humidity just accumulates all day.  So early morning is the best time - ideally before the sun is really up.

Yes, I'd get him a harness because he's injuring his neck.  When he pulls - stop dead and make him sit for 10 seconds.  There's also the type of leash that goes around your waist so he's pulling at your centre of gravity.  This helps with training and you can alternate both leashes on a walk.  Once he figures out that when he pulls, he goes nowhere it'll stop.

You undoubtedly have him on heartworm protection but if you camp & hike and want to ensure he doesn't get ticks, I'd recommend the Preventic Collar.  It's really the only thing that works.

Now - when he barks and wants to follow people - anticipate that and correct BEFORE it happens.
When you see someone coming - stop and put him in a sit/stay.  When they've passed - "let's go".
Don't allow it to happen.

You're waiting until he's in "full flight" and then trying to correct.  Once a dog is in action it's pretty impossible to get them to stop.  So step in before that happens.
Delores