[lacarids]

My 9 or 10-week old puppy, Smoky Bear, absolutely hates going outside during the day.

Is it possible that the Oklahoma heat is too much for him? It's 100+ degrees here. During the day, we take him out (carry him out) about 5-10 minutes after he eats. He seems to prefer "under a bush" to the shade; grass to white concrete; and white concrete to black concrete.

Is this normal? Maybe his paws are too soft? I tried walking barefooted with him, and realized that the black concrete was too hot for my 30-year old paws.

At night, or in the morning--no problem... we'll walk two miles and he's still wagging his tail when we get home.

Ideas?

[DoggieVogue]

Sounds like he definitely isn't a fan of the heat. Which is kind of difficult to get around! Is he peeing in the house or anything during the day because of it? Or just simply doesn't like it outside?

[Lara's mom]

I think you may be right about the pavement being too hot for his little paws. !00+ is awfully hot. I'd carry him out to the grass where it's cooler.

[Yogi]

At 9 to 10 weeks of age it still has its puppy coat which does little to guard against heat, cold or wet. Literally, it can feel very uncomfortable and this also applies to its pads. They have not developed enough to withstand hard hot surfaces. As others noted, it is reacting to the heat. Best to always keep a puppy in a comfortable environment until it is at least 6 to 7 months of age and has a chance to get its adult coat in and the pads have ample opportunity to develop so that it can withstand the elements.

[Todd]

I agree. Still take him out for short amounts of time. What about early in the morning or after the sun goes down? This would be ideal. Otherwise if you have to take him out for a short amount of time during the day wet him down and if he's in the yard fill up a plastic swimming pool for him to cool off in. Take him swiming if you'd like to teach him to swim. If the concrete is too hot consider buying dog boots of whatever or just have him walk in the grass. Don't shave the hair though. I learned from a previous thread that it's worse to do this because even a long coat insulates a dog and keeps them warm and cool at the same time.