I’m sitting in this awful heat and our air conditioning broke!  (Thankfully, it should be fixed in a few hours).  As I write this I realize how sluggish and uncomfortable it has made me.  I’m not grouchy, just maybe a little less patient than usual.

Please keep this in mind as you interact with your dogs in this sticky heat.  They may also feel the drain that this type of heat causes.  They my be sluggish and less tolerant.  They may be having a difficult time regulating their own body temperature.

It’s not only OK to back way off from normal exercise routines in this kind of weather, it may be necessary for the health and safety of your dog.  This is especially true for the brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, who can’t cool themselves as effectively as longer-nosed breeds.

Dogs act like warriors and some want so badly to please us that they don’t know when to quit.  As long as we throw the ball, or walk, or whatever, most dogs will continue as long as we ask, even if it’s too much.  Be smart and don’t let your dogs overdo it.  Remember: it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Keep them safe, healthy and happy!

Stacie & Ronan