Tips For Exercising Your Dog In The Heat

Just as it is for us, exercising in the heat is extra tiring for dogs. Over egging it with your dog in the heat can also pose serious health risks - it could even kill your dog. Too much running and jumping around in the heat could cause heatstroke in your beloved pet, causing bodily breakdown and sudden collapse. It's an incredibly serious matter, so it's important that you know what to do to keep your dog safe, whilst keeping fit.

To avoid devastation and suffering, you must be aware that too much high energy exercise can be fatal to your dog in hot weather. Even when you would least expect it, dogs can become way too hot. There are many ways, however, that you can prevent your dog becoming too hot whilst keeping fit outdoors.

- Keep a bowl of fresh, clean, cool water available for your dog at all times, however, don't let your dog drink too much before or after exercise, as this could make him sick.

- Wake up earlier on hot days to walk your dog early in the morning. It's cooler at this time. Then, give your dog another walk in the evening, as the same is true.

- Invest in a cooling product for your dog, such as the Cooling Coat. Many dogs will happily exercise whilst wearing one. You can see our review and how-to of our own cooling coat last year, HERE! You could also invest in a cooling pad/mat for your dog to chill out on.

- Don't make your dog wear a tight headcollar whilst walking in the heat, as this will restrict his abilities to pant and drink, two vital ways for dogs to keep cool. Muzzles are the same - if necessary for your dog, always put your dog in a muzzle which will allow him to pant and drink. Also remember that dogs sweat from their paws.

- If your dog decides enough is enough, he should stop by himself. ALWAYS leave him to do what he feels is right at this time, never push him onwards. Some dogs however, will just keep going and going, so make the sensible and wise decision for him.

- If you're taking your dog in the car anywhere, to a show, for a walk, or anywhere else at all, NEVER EVER EVER leave him in the car! Even if it's just warm, cars heat up live deadly ovens.

- The main thing is not to push your dog in the heat when it comes to exercise, or anything else for that matter. It poses fatal risks.

PLEASE keep your dogs safe in the heat, especially when carrying out your normal exercise. There may be a few minor adjustments you have to make in the heat, but it's all for your dog's huge benefit, and trust me, is absolutely essential.

You can see our post from yesterday HERE, with an infographic on how to keep your dog generally cool in the heat.

We're joining our hosts, SlimDoggy, To Dog With Love and My GBGV Life, for the Fitdog Friday Blog Hop. We send many thanks their way, and you can join in below.