I'm not sure why common sense seems to be so. . . uncommon these days.
Part of me wants to blame technology and all the "smart" gadgets that seem to be having the opposite effect and making people dumb. Humans are beginning to forget how to think for themselves. And if that's the case, maybe someone can create an app for that?
Common sense involves thinking with foresight while thoroughly contemplating the present.
Common sense involves not reacting - especially overreacting - to a situation, but taking a moment to asses it with a clear head after all the information has been gathered, then taking action. Common sense involves listening to intuition - that calm voice within that guides you.
Common sense says that an overweight, senior, arthritic, or physically challenged dog should not be hiking in the backcountry because these dogs are affected by strenuous exercise the same way humans with these health conditions are. This means extra strain is placed on their joints, their spine and their heart due to carrying extra weight, compensating for pain or being a senior dog. They tire faster and their bodies hurt sooner. Common sense knows that all dogs, regardless of physical challenges, can dehydrate quickly on warm days as they attempt to keep cool by panting, so pack water for a dog when going on a hike, especially if access to fresh water is unlikely.
Common sense says to stop and rest, and even turn around far before your destination, when a dog is lagging behind. And common sense knows that a dog's heart - meaning its desire to keep up and follow its owner anywhere, despite its limitations - is one of its greatest attributes and can also lead to its demise.
Common sense knows that dogs have a difficult time regulating their body temperature in hot, humid weather and shouldn't be made to exercise during the hottest time of the day, especially if they are carrying extra body fat, in pain or elderly.
Common sense knows that a dog's feet are sensitive like ours and can get burned when walking on hot pavement, sidewalks and even gravel trails. If it's too hot for you to walk barefoot on a surface, it's too hot for a dog. Common sense takes the time to learn the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs and takes precautions because heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke and possibly death. There is a plethora of information available at your fingertips on that trendy little smartphone in your pocket.
Common sense knows that it's not wise to bring a dog along in the car on a hot day because the inside of a car can heat up very fast very quickly when parked in the sun, causing a dog to unnecessarily suffer, even die, in those hot conditions.
Common sense also knows it's perfectly fine to bring your dog on a car ride as long as you don't plan on stopping and leaving it in a hot car.
Common sense knows a dog should be fully cooled down after exercise before it gets in a hot vehicle that has been parked in the sun, because a hot dog cannot cool down effectively in a hot car. Common sense also knows that when a dog is in a car that's parked in the shade with the engine running and the windows up that the air conditioning is most likely on and the dog is comfortable in the enclosed environment. So, there is no need to stalk the owner, call the police or become a vigilante and break the windows of the vehicle to rescue the dog. Common sense also knows that if you have a dog and any of the advice in this column seems unfamiliar, maybe you need to take the time to educate yourself on practical dog care, first aid, awareness, behaviour and, well, common sense!
Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for more than 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Contact her through her website k9kinship.com.
