I am so happy to finally be able to tell everybody about all my secrets to keeping your dog fit and healthy! I have three lovely dogs and they are all amazing fit. Each in their own way. Spec my little min pin mix is a lean machine at 11lbs. He came to me a little sausage almost double that weight. Tigger is very fit and at his last vet visit she even commented on his low heart rate.....meaning he is very fit and healthy. He runs with me for most of my shorter runs and walks everyday! Daisy is my fittest of the bunch and my long distance runner. She amazes me everyday. She is 50% Doberman, 25% Dalmatian, 25% Shetland Sheepdog. How do I do exactly what she is? I was curious so I had her DNA tested. Don't tell me how crazy I am or that my money would have been better spent elsewhere....because I have heard it all. It was only 50 bucks through Wisdom Panel DNA Testing. Here the skinny little thing is with me!
Today was an awesome day outside in Vegas for most. By 2 o'clock my dashboard temperature in my car said 80 degrees. We had record highs and I thought it was a great day. My plan was to work until 1pm torturing all my clients in the gym and then go home get Daisy and go for a 10-mile run. 10-miles for my dog? Well we didn't just start out at 10 miles. During the winter months we slowly work Daisy up to it. She has been doing 8 to 10 mile runs in the past few weeks. We also do shorter runs during the week on other days. Daisy is a great endurance runner. She is an amazingly fit dog. She loves to run and can't seem to ever get enough of it......except when it is HOT! For Daisy a 10-mile run in 80 degrees would be too much. I knew that my plan would have to change when I realized how unseasonably warm it was in Vegas when I was on my way home from work. If you were to look at Daisy you wouldn't think she is the type of dog that would be so sensitive to the heat. I mean really it was only 80 degrees right? She is skinny, midsized (45lbs), short hair, and all muscle. On the other hand my lab/chow mix who is more bulky, bigger (65lbs) and has thick hair handles the heat like a champ. I decided to take Daisy for only 5 miles and that was just enough for her. I went back out and finished my 10 on my own.
It is so important to pay attention to your dogs behavior anytime the temperature changes drastically in either direction. I know my dogs as well as I know myself. I know Daisy could easily run 10 miles in 60 degree weather. She would probably still have energy to spare. The other day we went 7 miles and she finished with a 7:30 minute mile pace....that's fast! Today at around mile 3 she was doing great and having a good run but she wanted to hold a 9:30 minute mile pace. I know it was because of the heat. Usually she is running slightly ahead of me. Today she was running beside me.
During the summer here in Vegas I take my dogs outside for a walk or short run between 3am-6am. We all know how hot Vegas gets and it is so important to get your pets and your exercise in early. I also shorten their runs in the summer. The maximum I run in the summer is 5 miles with my dogs. I actually keep most of the runs to about 3 miles. We do more walking than running. Once the sun comes out in the summer the pavement is far too hot to take your furry friends outside. Imagine if you had to walk on the street barefoot in the summer, when you could cook an egg on the pavement! That wouldn't feel good and I wouldn't take out your pet during the day in Las Vegas.
The bottom line is that you need to pay attention to your dog. Always be prepared when going for a walk or run. I keep my runs close to my house typically doing a two or three loop course in case I need to cut it short. I never push my pet beyond their limits. It is always better to do slightly less than too much. This is good for people and pets. Don't overdue it.
Carry water or have access to water.
Stay close to home in case you need to cut your run/walk short.
Be very careful when temperature changes drastically in either direction.
If you are sweating and hot imagine how hot your pet may be!
Don't think because your dog has short hair or is small they can handle the heat better. The same goes for furry dogs just because they are have more fur does not mean they can handle cold weather better. The best option is to pay attention to them. If they are acting out of the norm for them something might be wrong.
People and pets need to gradually begin an exercise program. Don't just jump into running 5 miles. This goes for people and pets.
Your pet can be your best workout partner! All 3 of my dogs are fabulous and fit and yours can be too! Be smart and safe when exercising with your pet.
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