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| Daisy and I after a 8 mile trail run! She is fresh as a Daisy could go 8 more on this cool day! |
It is that time of year again and I hope all of you are exercising your mutts. Remember your dog needs exercise too and having a big back yard does not count as exercise! You need to get your mutt outside and get them moving and guess what that means you need to move too! As the weather heats up remember that you may be able to tolerate the heat better than your mutt! This applies if you are running or walking your dog. Both can cause him/her to over heat. My runner dog Daisy is an amazing runner in the winter but as soon as it gets to about 80 degrees outside she heats up quick. I have had her for 5 years now and I have gotten to know her limits and I listen to her. I keep the mileage down in the summer and we get out really early. Even if you think its not hot (because 80 for me isn't that hot) your dog may not feel the same. Listen to their body language:
- Are they slower than usual
- Are they panting more than normal
- When you return from the run how long does it take them to recover (stop panting)
- How much water do they drink upon return from the walk/run
Here are some things you can do to prevent heat related problems:
- Get out before the sun comes up
- If you normally run your dog you may want to walk/run in the summer rather than only running
- Use cool collars www.koolcollar4dogs.com. Don't think just because you have these you can go out in the heat. They are just a tool to keep them comfortable.
- Add some variety to their exercise routine. Take a trip to the lake for exercise to mix it up. Let them go in the water. Also try the dock diving for exercise in the summer. You can check it out at www.lasvegasdockdogs.com. My dogs have so much fun at this.
Have fun and be safe in the summer. The heat might be ok for you but your mutt might not be able to handle it like you can.