At Wits End..

[kodiakpm]

Theo, at the start, was eager to eat, to walk, to sleep, to be a part of his surroundings. Now, maybe it's the hot weather, he sleeps all the time, could care less about going out, and forget about walkies.. He pees and poops only because he HAS to go.... it's like he saves it up to see how long he can go!:uhoh2:

We take him for car rides, he goes to little league games, he comes to the office, he visits and stops with anyone who wants to meet him.. we keep him as stimulated as possible.. but when it's time to go out, like before bed, there is no way you can get him up and out.

It's almost like he's homesick but not really... he loves being groomed and loved but we are just worried and a little crazed...:icon_stupid:

We may have to start :tequila: heavily..... help?

Melissa

p.s. we even took him to a dog park where he just laid down and looked bored....

 

[ardeagold]

Ours get a LOT slower when it's over 70F. Cole won't even walk in the sun. He stays to the shade, and on a walk, once he's gone potty, he'll head directly back to the house.

They go outside now in the mornings...and swim, of course, then sleep inside in the AC most of the afternoon. Then eat, out, in again until almost dark. It's not terribly hot here (around 80F), but very humid and is even miserable to us. Humidity REALLY gets them down fast.

In the summer we keep any activity for the Newfs in the early morning or late evening...and if it's humid, it's still short lived, unless they're swimming.

 

[Bär]

The big heat has not hit here yet. But last year Bär was more lazy on hot days as well. One thing he never wants to miss though is his walk, even if it is just around the block.

 

[R Taft]

I think overall a lot of the newfs slow down when the weather gets hot..........A good test would be how he reacts if you take him for a swim. I bet he would love that. Most of our newfs, especially when they get older would just laze around most of the day. if he is responsive to your loving, he is just being a newf.
If he is a little homesick, I am sure he will get over it. I think sometimes a rescue from a terrible place is easier, because they are just so glad to have all the attention they did not have or to be away from the cruelty. A re-home from a good home can be more difficult and unsettling for the dog. Personally I have only had rescues out of a bad situation. :hugs: for both you and Theo...............Ronnie

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

Do you have other pets for him to buddy with? It may be that he wants a sibling. :devil: :run:

Actually, our girls are all pretty lethargic in the warmer weather. I have to take them out to walk before the sun is over the tops of the trees, if they're going to exercise at all.

 

[Blacknewfs]

It's not uncommon for their energy level to decrease in the warm weather -- the heat is hard on them.

You can mist him with some water to help keep him cool, and keep fans on him as well.

Also, is there a chance he is stiff or painful? Maybe he's just sore and doesn't feel like doing much?

 

[Brody the Newf]

Last week I took Brody to the dog park because he loves playing with other dogs. Brody used to be like the Energizer Bunny but not anymore. He ran around for a bit and one boxer puppy wouldn't leave him alone. Brody kept on looking back at me with a "Help!" expression on his face so I took him for a water break. When I brought him back to the other dogs, Brody sniffed around but had no interest in romping.

With walking, fetch or chasing games he tires a lot more quickly than he used to. I've switched to having him swim because he still needs exercise.

I'm guessing I'll see a big difference in activity level once the cool weather hits. In the meantime, I'll enjoy my mellow dog.

 

[newfy]

Get a puppy, make sure its another newf, Merlin was the same way until we got Tiki, now they are playing together many times a day, Merlin seems to now enjoy having the puppy, & the puppy is attached to Merlin.

 

[Bojie]

Melissa, It's gotten pretty hot here, not to mention humid at times. I'm guessing it's the weather. A floor fan blowing on him is a good idea. You can take him in the car to get some frozen yogurt to make it fun. He's also older, so might not be into playing and romping as much with other dogs? Bojie mellows out significantly in the warmer weather. As soon as the snow begins to fall...watch out. If you are really concerned, and think something might be wrong, you can always take him to the vet for a work up to rule out thyroid problems and lymes.

 

[kodiakpm]

Thanks everyone! We do have another dog, Kodiak, who is very senior and just as laid back, but not a newf. However, Kodiak always wants to eat and is always ready for his walk even if we just walk long enough for him to do his duty.. and with Kodiak it isn't really a walk it's more of an old-timers shuffle..

This morning, very early, Kodiak had to go out and I think Theo had had enough so he popped up and out he went.. so it must be the heat. We've had all the blood tests and everything so it isn't that he doesn't feel well...

Mike, thanks for the recommendation to get a puppy. wouldn't that be nice!

Kim b. from rescue also said that this was normal behavior but I had to get other stories too. Paul and I have decided to chill.... however :tequila: might be good too!

Happy Memorial Day,
Melissa

 

[kodiakpm]

cooler weather=success

UPDATE
After working hard in the garden all day, and after dinner, we decided to have a Klondike bar and guess who got super excited? that's right Theo! Now we know his trigger. This morning it is very cool and Theo got right up to go for a walk, he was very excited and chipper! whew what a relief.

Thank you !!
Melissa:sunflower:

 

[NinaA]

I think that the sudden increase of temps into the 80s has a lot to do with it as they still have a lot of winter hair left (see my thread on shedding). My girls are doing the same thing, and that's very, very unusual for Moonlight.