Last week Mother Nature surprised the Midwest with temperatures near 80 degrees. I watched from the executive suite, aka the three season porch, as dogs and people walked by. Many of the dogs were dragging as they walked past the house. One person said "We just walked two miles. It is so beautiful out." The basset hound was moving slow. I gave him water and then laid down and rolled in the dry grass.

Earlier in the day, Hobbes and I walked to the store. I thought for sure the store would have a water dish waiting for the dogs. I was wrong. We couldn't find any water on the walk. I really felt bad because I wasn't prepared for Hobbes. I started thinking about signs of heat stroke because Hobbes over heats very quickly. Remember just like many of us, the dogs weren't active most of the winter. Please take them for short walks at first and slowly increase the length of the walks. They need time to adjust to the warmer weather. 

Since I was calling the veterinarian's office anyway, I asked if the sudden heat affected when dogs took their first dose of heartworm preventive medicine in Minnesota. I was told to start the medication as normal. This changes only if the daily low temperature is above 57 degrees for two weeks. Also if the dog gets the heartworm parasite from a mosquito before the first dosage, the first dose would take care of the parasite. If you have any questions, please check with your vet. The vet's office also confirmed ticks are out as usual this time of year. So if you are in tall grasses, be sure to check yourself and your dog.

Recently I was asked to be guest writer for The K9 Reporter, an online dog magazine. I am so excited my article, "Making Life Easier for Your Senior Dog" can be read online. I highly recommended you check out this great online magazine. For a free subscription, click here.

Remember you can always call me or email me with any questions. I want to help you and your pets live their best lives!

Enjoy the wonderful weather including walking in the rain.

Take care,

Elaine