Beating the heat?

[Itooam1]

Are there no sheep were its sunny?
"if " my bc puppy doesnt take to the sun very well, she actually walks in the shade and lies in the shade ..she doesnt want to play or walk in the sun.(and if i can draw her out she pants like mad for an couple hours afterwards)
On a side note she is a rough haired bc.
We live in vancouver canada and its really not that hot, although today did reach 33.
What to do?

[Molly_24]

That sounds really hot to me

If you can avoid it don't take her out in the sun, particularly when it's at it's hottest. Take her out early in the morning and late in the evening when it's cool. I personally wouldn't play with my dog in that heat, they can get heatstroke which can be fatal Playing in and around water is best when it's hot as it will cool her down.

At least she is seeking shade, you should listen to her. If she doesn't want to walk or play in the sun then it's clear she's finding it too hot, whatever you do don't force her.

[PCarpenter]

My rough haired Sophie isn't a big fan of sunshine either. Her idea of comfort is Siberian temperatures that would make a husky stay indoors! I've gone to pet her on a cool but sunny spring day when she's been out there for maybe 10 minutes max and it felt like I was going to burn my hand her coat was so hot. So I don't much keep her outside for any length of time during the heat of the day. Of course, add the humidity of the Midwest to the summer temperatures and I have to keep a close eye on her even in the evening when the whole yard is in shadow or she'd run herself into heatstroke. Just a few minutes of dashing about and her tongue is nearly dragging on the ground--even back in the air conditioned house, she pants like mad for some time thereafter. Thankfully, most of the time she just finds a shady spot and watches the scenery or else begs to go back indoors. (She doesn't think much of mosquitoes either.) So as Molly suggests, listen to the dog. And if anyone's pup is too rambunctious to pace herself in the heat, the owner will have to do it for her. Better an unhappy dog than a dead one.

[jaren.aka.rabbit.]

In Texas alot of BC owners give them a light shave to make it through the summer. That might be too much for someone up North though.

[Seelie Fey]

For the flyball dogs, we have kiddie swimming pools out for the dogs. The dogs are encouraged to lay down in the water and water is splashed on their bellies and undersides. On warm days, this happens after every race. Definately, if your dog is indicating she's too hot, don't push it. Those black coats really soak up the heat. Also, make certain she has plenty of access to fresh, clean water. Don't give her iced or cold water. Pushing a dog that is already heat sensitive can just make them more so.

Panting and a lack of interest in playing can also be a pain indicator. Watch for things like difficulty getting up, excessive clumsiness, running with both back feet pushing off together or bunny hopping, excessive panting when the temperature or level of activity doesn't seem to warrant it. I massage my dogs all the time when they are active, and stretch them, so that I can feel if muscles start to tense up or the dog is reluctant to move a limb or seems sensitive. Talk to your vet if you are at all concerned that something like this is going on. A lot of dogs will hide injuries and pain. Also, maybe it's more a matter of the sidewalks and tarmac being to hot on her tender little puppy paws.

[dixiedog]

border collies have interesting fur it stores air and keeps them cooler but they still get hot i'd just let her rest and let her excersize when shes comfortable

[Dixie Dad]

I agree with Dixiedog that the fur helps with the heat.
I live in Georgia and have 4 rough coats that manage the heat with my help.
Brushing regularly and keeping the shedding undercoat groomed allows the outter coat to insulate.
The brushing also keeps the outer coat clean so it will fluff to help with the insulation.
A small kiddie pool is kept filled with just enough water to cover their bellies and it is located in the shade.
When they play and exercise I make sure they quit before they overheat.