I'm so happy that I found this site!

[fee26]

Hi! I am the proud owner of my first Newfie. His name is Claude, and he is closing in on 6 months and doing well. My husband and I both love our boy so much that we have a million questions on how to raise him properly.
We come from an area with few Newfies, although Claude is much admired, and we were wondering about his health. You see, Claude pants a lot! Especially at bed time. I heard that panting comes from stress; I hope that is not the case here. I have tried opening the window, but he still pants and the room gets very cold! Should I take him to see his vet?
Also, Claude loves to be outside all of the time. Is this normal? He sleeps in snowdrifts for goodness sakes! That can't be a good thing.
I would appreciate any answers.

 

[Annie Milliron]

Welcome! This is a great place... you'll make lots of friends here and learn alot. We'll also learn from you as you post about Claude.... we'd love to see a picture, if you could post one. I live in Dayton, Ohio, and am a member of the South Central Newfoundland Club, which is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our membership comes from an area that is within a 200 mile radius of Columbus, Indiana. I'll look forward to more of your posts!

 

[Lynne]

Hi! How warm do you usually keep the house? My gang LOVE to lie in the snow, too, but they also love to all be in the house where I am (and in the BED where my husband and I are! <G>) How much time does your pup spend in the house? If he just comes in at night, then the warmth might be why he's panting. When was the last time you had your pup at the vet? Did the vet notice anything? Did you ask about the panting, or is this a new development? It never hurts to have them checked if they're doing something that concerns you. The worst that could happen is that you've spent a few $$, but your peace of mind is valuable, too.
Give that goofy pup a hug for me!
Lynne

 

[fee26]

Although Claude likes to be outside in the fenced-in back yard, he does spend a lot of time inside as well. We do, however, drop the temperature in the house when we go to work each day. We have our thermostat set at 50 for during the day. You may have hit on something, though, because our timer thermostat is set to start heating up after 3:00 p.m. and the temperature climbs to close to 70 until the thermostat lowers the temperature in the house at night again. I would be willing to bet that bedtime is the time when the house is warmest. Also, he drinks a lot of water before bed, too.
We love having him in the bedroom at night, however, so maybe I will look into purchasing one of those cold beds for him. I think maybe that will help.
He just went to see Dr. Bundy 2 weeks ago, and he checked out okay. Maybe we will bring him back just to be safe. I read about a Newfie who was panting because his heart was swelled up. It would be just devastating if something were to happen to his precious heart, but we are better safe than sorry.
Thanks for all of the help, smiles, and encouragement.
Also, Anne, I will put my husband on sending out a picture a.s.a.p.

 

[michlong]

Hi! I just found this site recently too, it's great. I had to laugh when I saw that Claude likes to lay in snowdrifts. It is warming up here and we only have a small pile of snow left by our driveway. So, Sampson lays on the side of the pile while he eats snow from the top. He makes us laugh every day. Have fun with Claude!