UPDATE: Healing vibes for Apollo, please

Being proactive is wise - truly is, and going to the vet was a good thing.  It's not just the risk of injury to a leg or hip or something, but simply over-exertion of the heart isn't smart either. Dogs just don't know when to stop -- and man, when they're getting extra attention it's a big deal to them. 

Maybe you could get your brother interested in something different -- like a little bit of tracking, or teaching him tricks.  Something a wee bit less athletic to take the edge off??

I'm late seeing this, but am glad to hear that the vet didn't think Apollo suffered a serious injury.  Not that you need an excuse to spoil him, but you can shower him with extra TLC & massages to help him feel better (along with all the excellent info Callie offered).  Poor Apollo -- he just couldn't help himself with the boys and the chuck-it!  Give him some gentle pats from me!

I once heard a woman say that she had a very active dog (Border Collie, I think?) that would play fetch until he dropped dead if you didn't halt the game.  One time her boyfriend threw a ball to him so long that his paw pads were starting to bleed!  It's one thing for very young boys not to understand what could happen, but this guy must have been clueless!

 Hang in there, Apollo!

tacran

One time her boyfriend threw a ball to him so long that his paw pads were starting to bleed! 

Oh, that's happend to Apollo before, too. The first or second time we took Apollo hiking off leash in the woods he was doing zoomies basically the entire time. When we were leaving we started to notice little spots of blood- it was all 4 paws on his feet AND that little nub of skin dog have above their paw!! His pads were wrapped up after that until he healed. He does not know his limits at all. But, we know them now.

I'm glad the Vet didn't think it was serious and I hope he's better soon.  I think Callie's idea of having your little brother teach him some tricks is a great idea. Once Apollo is better, of course.  Kids love tricks and they usually love showing off the tricks they taught the dog.  Apollo will enjoy it too.  Give the big sweetie some scritches for me. :) 

JackieG

Kids love tricks and they usually love showing off the tricks they taught the dog.  Apollo will enjoy it too.

That's what my brother LOVES to do; show him off. Show how hard he runs and how high he'll jump for the ball *sigh*....I'm going to show my brother how to use the c/t. Apollo knows a lot of tricks (roll over, crawl, high five,etc) so hopefully my brother will like showing him off that way.