Rookie dog owner question about exercise and water

[Jersey Devil]

About a year ago my family rescued a 2 year old Wheaten Terrier mix (we think Pug, or something like that). He is very healthy and playful but I noticed something during our walks that I did not expect.

Whenever the temperature is about 75 or higher and sunny outside he will sometimes just stop walking when he gets to a shady area and just lie down (in a posture much like the picture) for maybe 5 minutes or so before getting up again and then continuing his walk. He never does this when it is cool. We walk about 2 miles at a time once a day on mostly concrete sidewalks and asphalt roads.

I've read that Wheatens don't tolerate heat well and have assumed it is a dehydration problem. He drinks about 2 bowls of water every day regardless of the weather. Here's my question: Do others have this kind of problem and, if so, is there such a thing as a doggy water bottle or portable water dish that you take on walks with you?

[livetohike]

1. What a cutie!

This sounds like normal behavior to me. My current dogs do this all the time especially in the summer here in PA. When we lived in southern CA, they would do this whenever it was warm and they were overheated. We took many hikes in CA and all of us were searching for shade :-). I've never had a dog as small a breed as yours, but this doesn't seem like a problem.

On hikes, we just take extra bottled water and a small bowl in the backpack. There is a nifty little plastic gadget called an Aquaclip and it secures a plastic bottle of water and you can tuck it in your belt. There are folding, cloth bowls at pet stores you could fold up and shove in your pocket, if you want to give your dog water while on walks. Another cool thing we have used is the bota bag, but you have to get your dog used to drinking from the water you squirt from it.

Good luck and have fun!

[BrklynLiberal]

2. That is an adorable little pup.

It can never hurt to take water along for your dog when walking..especially in hot weather.

http://stores.stuffonline.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=stuff&Product_Code=fc-6035&Category_Code=&gclid=CMGfgMiclqICFSQ65Qod_hZeFg
same as above, but less expensive
http://www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Water-Bottle-Bones/dp/B002LTL54S/ref=pd_sim_dbs_k_2



http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1530077/five_best_portable_water_bottles_for.html?cat=46

http://www.amazon.com/Thirsty-Dog-Portable-Water-Bowl/dp/B0002Z16E2







Perhaps you can even wet him down a bit. Do you have access to a hose or something like that?

I used to take a wet washcloth and wet my dog's belly and paws when he seemed to be getting hot.

[undeterred]

3. I bought a diaper bag for my old dog.

Carried water, plastic bowl, and treats. We'd sit down and have a picnic during our walks. He had arthritis.

[lukasahero]

4. He's a cutie

Something else to consider about your walks - you mention you walk primarily on asphalt/concrete - those surfaces can get very hot and might be making the pads on your pup's feet sore. He might be cooling his feet off by lying down in the shade. There are booties that protect dog's feet so if you have no alternatives to walking on asphalt that might be something to look into.

[Jersey Devil]

5. Thnx for all the great replies

I am definitely going to get him a water bottle like those described here and also try to find another route where there is more grass and dirt so that it is cooler on him in summer.

[MiniMe]

6. I taught my dog to drink out of a water bottle

I put a few ice cubes and water in it before we go out for a walk. When he gets warm, he looks for the shade too.

[Jersey Devil]

7. This was my solution

I got him a Water Rover. It clips on your belt or pocket and holds 7-8 oz of water. I put in 2 ice cubes, fill the rest with water and it has really come in handy in this heat wave. Whenever my dog stops in the shade to rest I put it down and he drinks, recovering pretty quickly to continue his walk.

http://www.waterrover.com/

[livetohike]

9. Nice find! Thanks for posting the link

:hi:

[MadMaddie]

8. Very cute!

We keep a gallon jug of water and a dog bowl in the car in both of our cars.

If it is really hot we will stop by a fast food place and get a large cup of ice water. They really like that.

[FloriTexan]

10. My dog walks the block according to where the shade is...

We can zig zag all over the place. Sometimes he'll stop in a cool place and just stand there for a few. Sometimes, they are smarter than humans ;)

[surrealAmerican]

11. Cute dog.

Bringing some water on your walks is a good idea. I carry a sierra cup for my dogs to drink from. It's just big enough to for the purpose, and I can clip it on my pack to dry off.

If your dog doesn't mind, you might also try wetting him down a bit to cool off. (I can't do this with my dogs - they hate to get wet.)

[elleng]

12. Our Bedlington did that!

No prob, if he's drinking, imo.