I'm glad Danke is alright. I always worry about something like that.

Several folks on my Border Collie board swear by a product called "energy edge" for dogs working in situations where they might be prone to overheat. It can be fed as a treat or mixed in water. But they say it makes a huge difference in their dogs recovery time and heat tolerance when used during times of stress (trials, working in hot weather or for extended periods)

 Quote: Kristel Smart

What are some creative ways to bait the water that even a picky dog can't resist?

I can envision shredding/chopping some of Falcon's favorite meat and freezing it in a baggie with a few cups of water. He loves plain ice so this will be a great way to ensure he gets more fluids and will keep him busy for a moment or two...

Thanks Jo for the information about the citric acid.

I knew there was a reason I never added water to their kibble but I couldn't remember why. I would imagine that ascorbic Acid would also be a risk as they are very similar. Its not worth the risk IMO.


The bigger empty butter tubs or even those round ziploc type tupperware work perfectly, to pop it out you just run a little hot water around the outside of the container.

It usually lasts about 15 or 20 minutes which is more than I get out of most treats, even frozen kongs.

I have also been known to make chicken flavored frozen yogurt in my ice cream maker, just for the dogs for a summer time treat.

I just put yogurt and chicken baby food or blend some cooked chicken.

I imagine pumpkin would be a good addition to it too!

They aren't spoiled at all!

Something else to keep in mind with heat stroke.
Once this happens to dogs OR people they will be more inclined to it happening again.
We've had a heat wave here the past couple of weeks. Temps in the mid 90s and humidity near the same.
NO workouts for my two kenneled GSDs and the inside JRT is watched constantly when he's let out. At 12 yrs old he's still a JRT and has no idea how to slow down. I think I saw him take a nap the other day...but I can't be sure.
Cool the dogs off with water on the feet and belly ONLY. Soaking them down, especially if they have no shade to take cover, will just intensify the heat transfer through the dog's coat.
If you don't believe this just place you hand on a wet dogs coat after it's been in the sun for a while. Yes, the coat is also hot when dry but it doesn't transfer to the skin because of the coat's insulation qualities. A wet coat nullifys that insulation factor.

Great advice Bob. We can always count on your years of experience to bring wisdom to any issue.

I never tire of old man jokes.

When I've been out hiking with the dogs in heat that's what I normally do - splash/soak their underbelly and leg pits with water, and their ears as well.

But this whole thing has really made me start wondering about what is safe to take them on in the summer, even if I give water every 1/2 hour and splash down as above.
....not that it's an issue right now, sigh.

"Old man jokes"!
Now I'm depressed!

This made me laugh out loud.

In the summer I try and avoid training or lots of activity during the hot periods. Take dogs out early morning & evening.

For example it's now 0600, I went and laid a mile track about 5 and I'm just about to take my male out to do it. We'll probably then throw a ball around - if it starts getting too warm he'll jump in the river. Probably 7/8/9pm when the sun goes down a bit, we'll go have a 'proper' walk.

By the same count I do think that dogs should occasionally be exposed to hot temperatures (not to dangerous levels), just to build up some kind of sensible behaviour pattern.

I am so grateful for all of the info you are all giving me. I live in Lake Elsinore,Ca and man is it hot here! Summers are boiling, or as we say in my area, scorching!
I have three terriors who never know when to slow down. ONe is a Jack russel mix I really worry about them in the heat. THis last weekend at 3:00 is was 107 degrees! Usually my 10:00 it is heading toward 80 something in the summer. So, I have to be very creative this summer on how and when to exercise my gang. I take all of them for a walk at once in the morning at about 6:30. Then I let them play in the back yard after we get back, by 7:30 or 8:00. but when temperatures are high, I can't let them play long.
They are getting very restless, so more time on the treadmill and playing indoor gavmes.
I have ordered the icepups, or icepops and I know they will love it, I also plan to make some of my own treats.
Thanks so much for the advise and I too am glad everything worked out and I pray it continues going well.
I had heat stroke myself once and I can testify that now I seem to get hotter quicker than before I had heat stroke, and I just don't feel well when it is really hot.
May God bless all of you. I haven't been on for awhile, and it is just so great to log on and hear what's been going on. I always come away with new very helpful info.
sharon