First Coast Pet

While all of us are happy to see winter go, and we are all ready to get outdoors, we have to consider how to handle not only ourselves, but our furry, four legged friends as well.    We are all far less sedentary in the warm weather and this brings up a number of concerns for both people and their dogs. The secret to getting back into a more active lifestyle of course is moderation.  While it’s easy to get out and enjoy the nice weather, don’t forget that if you are like most of us and spend most of the winter in the house, returning to high activity levels in warm weather can mean heat exhaustion.  Vets and dog trainers alike warn about the high risk to dogs during this time, especially after a long winter spent indoors.

Start Slow and Work Up

{Every athlete knows they won’t win any medals on their first day of training.  The same is true for us and for our dogs.  Start out with shorter walks and gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts.  Watch your dog carefully for signs that he’s reached his limit.  Watch yourself too – you may reach your limit before he does!  As long as your dog is healthy, it won’t take him long to get back into shape and be able to maintain an active schedule.If you were going to run a marathon, you would not go from your sofa to a twenty mile run would you?  Certainly not – you would work up slowly.  Things are no different when dealing with your dog.  Start out slow, and every day adds time onto your daily trek with your furry friend.  Regardless of whether your dog is your special family friend or a hunter, be sure that the exercise that they are getting is in line with their overall health.  Watch to make sure that your dog is content, and not overly exercised and gradually increase the activity level.  For most dogs, going from low activity to high activity is not a long drawn out process. The more energy they expend, the higher their energy level will be.}

Timing

Always be cognizant of the hottest times of the day.  Take advantage of the early morning and late evenings when the heat is not intense.  Remember that concrete and asphalt get extremely hot and can easily burn your dog’s sensitive paw pads.  Planning on when the best times to exercise are will keep you and your pet cooler during your workouts.

Grooming

If you own a dog that requires regular grooming, be sure to brush him daily.  Also, ask the groomer to trim your dog shorter for the summer.  Long-haired dogs and dogs who have double coats are more susceptible to overheating.  Be careful, though, because if you trim it too short, your dog could get sunburned, especially if it has a light-colored coat.  Take note of your own comfort level – if you’re uncomfortable, chances are your dog is too.   

Cooling Off

We often wonder how our dogs perspire in the summer – especially in the heat of the day.  Canines unlike people do not perspire through sweating, but instead through panting – perspiring through the mouth.  Dogs’ bodies cool down from moving air and from shaded areas (or a dip in the water).  They do not however cool down as quickly as we do.  Keep your dog in an area where he will have access to shaded and if possible, moving air. This will help him stay cool and comfortable in the hot sun. 

Watch For Heat-Related Problems

Owners need to know the signs of heat stroke in dogs: 

                Labored or deep and uncontrolled breathing or excessive panting with broken rhythm

                Tacky and bright red gums

                Fatigue, unwillingness to move, or collapse

Immediately get your dog out of the heat when you see him exhibiting the above symptoms.  You can wet him down with cool or tepid water, but do not use ice-cold water as it could make the situation worse.  Use wet towels to keep your dog wet, but move them constantly so that air can flow over the dog’s body.  Do not submerge your dog suddenly or put him in a deep pool.  In a state of heat stroke, he cannot swim and could drown. 

Find emergency care for your dog quickly, or contact your vet for advice.  Even if he appears to be recovered, he may not be.  Only an expert examination by a veterinarian can tell you for sure if he’s really better.

Remember to pay attention to your comfort level and that of your dog’s.  Exercise your bodies and your caution to keep yourself and your dog safe during the summer.

 Having a dog is like having a child, they become part of you and your family, with the being said you have to make sure you have the proper training gear as well.  There are lots of great brands out there. Some of the most popular supplies include: Tracker Maxima 5000 and Innotek ADV300P Do you research and choose which one is right for you and your dog.

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