Exercising Your Dog Safely in the Summer Heat
The dog days of summer are here! We just got through our first couple of heat waves, and we all know that there are more around the corner. Recently, on a particularly hot day, a client asked, “What do you do with your dogs on days like this?” So, this month I’m diving in to answer that question! How do we provide enough exercise and enrichment for our dogs when it’s way too hot to safely spend much time outside? It’s easier than you might think!
Indoor Enrichment Activities
Don’t underestimate the benefits of indoor enrichment activities! Good enrichment provides brain exercise and allows your dog to exhibit species-specific behavior (in other words, allows your dog to act like a dog!). It’s an often overlooked and underrated option, and I encourage you to make it a part of your dog’s daily routine (regardless of the weather) to maximize your dog’s overall wellness.
Enrichment should satisfy normal, natural canine behaviors like foraging, shredding, chewing and sniffing. Some easy to implement indoor enrichment activities include feeding your dog’s meals from Kongs, puzzle toys and/or snuffle mats, hiding treats around the house for your dog to forage for, providing items for your dog to shred such as cardboard boxes or paper towel rolls with food hidden inside (supervise them to be sure they’re not ingesting the cardboard), and allowing them to chew on a bully stick or dog-safe bone. Check out this article from the ASPCA for budget-friendly ideas.
Another great enrichment activity is reward-based training! Spending time teaching your dog new skills is a fantastic way to exercise your dog’s brain and satisfy them mentally.
Want to add some physical activity to your indoor enrichment? Build an agility course in your living room! You can easily create fun obstacles with everyday items. For example, teach your dog to jump over brooms, weave in and out of chairs and run through a tunnel made from blankets and pillows. Not into D.I.Y. projects? Amazon has some affordable dog agility equipment to choose from.
Adjust Your Walks to Account for the Weather
Bring Your Dog Out for a Walk Earlier or Later in the Day
Try to walk your dog first thing in the morning or later in the day after the sun has set. Even if a long walk isn’t feasible, getting your dog out for just 15-20 mins will help them expend some energy.
Take Shorter, Easier Walks
On super hot days, shorten your walk, avoid hills and pavement, and stick to shaded and grassy areas.
Pavement can quickly become too hot for your dog to safely walk on. Always test the temperature before walking your dog by using the 5 second rule- place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t keep it there for at least 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on. Personally, I tend to wear sandals in the summer so I like to take my sandal off and step on the ground bare-footed. If I can’t comfortably keep my bare foot on the sidewalk for at least 5 seconds, it’s too hot for my dog’s paws.
Opt for a slow sniffy walk
Providing your dog with the opportunity to simply stroll through the grass and sniff to his/her heart’s content is a phenomenal activity choice (extreme heat or not!). You can do this at any on-leash, dog friendly park, field, or trail. Sniffing slows your dog down, so they don’t over-exert themselves, while providing TONS of mental stimulation. Dogs get most of their information about their environment through their nose and allowing them the opportunity to sniff is like allowing a human to read a good book or watch an interesting documentary. Most dogs really appreciate a good sniffy walk!
Enjoy Water Activities
If your dog enjoys swimming, he/she may enjoy a kiddie pool or a sprinkler!
Take Advantage of the Air Conditioning
If your dog is well-socialized and comfortable in public places, you can take advantage of the air conditioning at many pet stores or dog friendly breweries and coffee shops. This will get some steps in while also providing environmental enrichment. If your dog isn’t a candidate for public outings, no problem! They may enjoy a short drive with the windows rolled down to take in the smells and fresh air instead.
Safety First!
Always be sure to provide plenty of clean, fresh water while you’re outside with your dog. Give your dog frequent breaks to cool off in the AC or the shade, especially during any physical activity, and NEVER leave your dog in a parked vehicle, even for just a few minutes. Hundreds of pets die each year from being left in a hot car. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the interior car temperature can rise very quickly- almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes and 30 degrees Fahrenheit in 20 minutes! VCA Hospitals report that the most common cause of heat stroke is leaving a dog in a car with inadequate ventilation because a dog’s body temperature can elevate within minutes in this scenario.
Things to Watch out For
Keep an eye out for signs of heat stroke when outdoors with your dog and remember that flat-faced dogs (brachycephalic breeds) like pugs, bulldogs, shi tzus and boxers (to name a few) are at an even greater risk because of their restricted airways. When in doubt, don’t go out!
According to VCA Hospitals, signs of heat stroke include:
Elevated breathing rates
Dry or sticky gums
Abnormal gum color
Bruising in the gums
Lethargy
Disorientation
Seizures
Heat stroke can be fatal. If your dog is showing signs of being overheated, get them indoors or to a shaded location and call your vet or go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately!
Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your summer.
With wags and aloha,
Cori Tufano
