German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

Butterfly · Junior Joined: 30 Mar 2003 Posts: 47

I am really worried about my 2 yr. old gwp Jake. After he has been in the field for an hour when it is hot he seems to get cramps in his hind legs.He lays down and can't get up for about 2 minuites. When he does get up he acts like nothing has hapened. Also when he is really hot and deep breathes we can hear a wheezing sound. Both of these occur when its really warm outside and he is really hot. Any suggestions?

Thanks

J Shelton · Junior Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 28

Not to sound mean, but wait for cooler weather before you let him run so long. My gwps basically melt in any kind of warm weather. We keep our runs short and near water, or have water w/me. Yours may be starting to suffer from heat exhaustion.

Butterfly · Junior Joined: 30 Mar 2003 Posts: 47

We do carry water with us but he won't drink it. We always take him where there is a creek so he can cool down but that doesn't seem to help. Maybe we better wait till its 20 degrees outside. Its just that my husband was told to start working him on pointing and thats why he was in the field. Although he has this problem if I take him out back for even a 10 minute run.

Wickwire · Member Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 14

That doesn't sound right. I'd have him checked out by your vet, maybe even a cardiologist.

Sandra

cheerio · Moderator Joined: 11 Mar 2003 Posts: 285 Location: Canada

Yes, I agree with Sandra, a heart condition comes to mind.
Asthma could also be a possibility. When it is hot there is more dust and this could produce respiratory problem on an asthmatic dog.

Butterfly · Junior Joined: 30 Mar 2003 Posts: 47

sorry folks that it took me so long in getting back. took Jake to be checked out and nothing horrible was found. We could be looking at some allergies. when this occurs it was very warm and humid. Now that it has cooled off when we run him the problem isn't there so hopefully we can control this. Thanks for all your help and info.

Marcia :D