As summer approaches, it’s time to consider how you may need to change your dog’s exercise routine when the days get warmer. Heat can be dangerous for pets but keeping them cool doesn’t mean they have to sit inside bored and restless either!
Simple changes to your dog’s summer walking routine
- Walk earlier in the morning or later in the evening, when the weather is cooler and the pavement won’t be hot for their paws
- You may need to shorten your walks to prevent your dog becoming exhausted or developing heatstroke
- Walk slowly, avoid running with your dog or towing your dog behind a bike unless you’re confident it’s cool enough and your dog can cope
- Check in with your dog throughout walks to ensure they’re not panting excessively, dizzy, distressed or lethargic
- Take a portable dog water bowl with you on walks in summer
- If you live near the beach, walk your pup at low tide on the wet sand where the ground is cool. Just make sure your dog’s feet don’t burn while crossing the hot dry sand to get to it! Carry smaller dogs, or consider wheeling bigger dogs in a trolley or popping on protective booties to get to the wet sand.
- Wet your dog down or swim them when getting too hot
- Stop in the shade whenever you can
Mark Vette is a world-renowned Animal Behaviourist, Zoologist and Trainer. He brings together a unique combination of academic studies with 40 years of applied clinical animal behaviour consulting and treatment. Mark is a member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants. This article was written by Mark and the views expressed are his own.
Swimming
love to include swimming as part of a dog’s exercise regime! It is incredibly physically tiring, while also being gentle on joints. This makes it a great option for young puppies, older dogs and overweight dogs. Being suspended in water will also help keep them cool! If taking your dog for a swim, just make sure their feet are protected from hot sand or pavement as they make their way to the water - you can carry small dogs down to the wet sand, or consider pulling your dog in a trolley or popping on protective booties if the ground is hot.
Make sure you don’t overdo it, as swimming is very tiring work. Some dogs won’t self-regulate, and will keep chasing a ball into the water to the point of exhaustion for example - so keep swimming sessions reasonably short initially as you build their fitness to swim.
Consider your individual dog
- Some breeds are much more prone to heat exhaustion. Be particularly careful in the heat with breeds like pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, greyhounds, and pets with very thick coats. Dogs with short noses, long coats, or those breeds selected for cold climates are more at risk.
- Older pets and overweight pets will likely suffer more in the heat, so ease off even more for these dogs.
Finding the balance
Often hot summer days require us to ease off on our dog’s outdoor exercise routine, however it’s absolutely essential that they do still get an appropriate amount of exercise and mental stimulation on hot days! Dogs that aren’t having these basic needs met can exhibit concerning traits. Next we’ll look at some signs your dog isn’t getting enough activity or stimulation, and some great summer enrichment options.
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