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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Dog Walks: Warm Weather Returns

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
© All Things Dog Blog
Warm Belly on a Cool Floor
Even in the dead of Florida Winters we're still warm after a long walk. Having removed my jacket, it often is tied around my waist and the dogs are ready for water as soon as we head inside.


Now is the time to start planning for the warmer weather ahead, to assure you don't overheat or dehydrate your dog. A few tips will easily deal with even the hottest of Summer days:

  • Leave water out for free drinking all day, replenishing as needed.
  • Skip walking on paved areas during the heat of the day, so as to protect the pads of your dog's feet.
  • Add ice cubes to the water upon return from a walk. Most dogs enjoy this pleasurable chill to their otherwise room temperature water.
  • Offer a treat to bring blood sugar back into line after particularly taxing exercise sessions. During the heat of Summer a frozen treat is my favorite way to offer a quick fix.
  •  When walking during the heat of the day is necessary, choose sidewalks or grassy areas and hose your dog down before leaving to keep his body temperature well within range.
  • For dogs who dislike a nice shower as described above, offer a soft ice pack wrapped in a rolled bandana. Worn around the neck, this chilling ice pack will help keep body temperature lower.
  • Returning to a swim or just a dip in a play pool will cool off your furry friend quickly. The hose can be an option as well.
  • When hiking longer distances, take water along for your dog, just as you would for yourself.
What strategies do you use to assure that your dog does not get overheated on a long walk in the summer? I'd love to share your ideas.




7 comments:



John Chanellor said...

Thanks for these tips on preventing dehydration - I'm sure every dog loves a swim in the pool after a nice long walk!



FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all,

How y'all doin'? Just stopped by for a visit. Yep, it's hot everywhere now in the southeast. Even the southeastern mountains, where I take refuge in the summers, are hot now, especially if you where a hairy coat.

Hope y'all are havin' a great week!

Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog



Katie said...

When I have taken my dogs for long car rides/walks I would stop at a fast food place and get them an ice water, after they drink all the water they want I splash some on their fur or rub an ice cube over them, I also make them freezy pups



Colby said...

Thanks for the tips on keeping our dogs cool. Stetson has especially sensitive pads. It's only about 70 degrees today and the ground is already too hot for him.

Our Guide Pup, Dublin just moved to Arizona so I'll ask him about tips for the summer. We hear he might have to wear doggy booties when working during the day.

Happy Wednesday!
Colby



Jennifer Diaz said...

Thanks for the tips. Nice article! I'm sure they will be like those Berlin dogs swim. Thanks! :)



evie said...

i freeze the water bottle b4 we go somewhere, i also have the cool collars that you soak in cold water and then i stick in the refrigerator to we get ready to go somewhere. i also have an battery operated fan in the car, b/c we you get in the car it takes the ac a few min. to cool down. i also have the cool pad, that reacts to body temperature, as well as flat icepacks that i put under the towels that my girls sit on....in the car. i have been trying to find the sun shield light weight jackets, like they have for people, for my girls. it will protect them from getting bleached out, they have black and silver coats.



evie said...

you can also make your own flavored ice cubes w/ yogurt and peanut butter or chicken broth.

my oldest loves to play with the hose. she goes to the hose and wants me to turn it on, so she can jump the water and try to catch it...

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