Too much s? Sorry, it kinda wrote itself there, ;).
Today's topic is all about the summer, and how to exercise your dog in the hot summer days without risking heat stroke - or worse. It is incredibly common for dogs to become too hot in the heat, and suffer for days because of it. From their world, they're not only exercising in the heat, which is already not too fun, but they are doing it with a fur coat on - and the inability to sweat it off, except from their paws, and panting, which stops being effective very quickly. Seeing as this summer is being called California North for Vancouver Island this year, we are going to address easy and innovative ways to exercise your dog - without risking their health.
1) Water!
There are tons of places around Vancouver Island that has water that is readily accessible - for dogs that enjoy it, that is. Swimming takes a lot of energy, muscle, and focus for a dog to do - and the cold water will help regulate their temperatures, especially in larger, bulkier furred dogs, or breeds sensitive to the heat - like bulldogs, or pit mixes. Most dogs can be trained to swim, and end up enjoying it. Make sure, however, to check algae and bacteria levels in lakes before letting your dog swim - and there are many saltwater access points that are just as great for dogs with little risk. We have also found that Lookout Lake is very good for dogs when fishing isn't too hot - it also has limited algae issues. If you're not looking to burn any gas, you can always turn your sprinkler on and play fetch through it! Many dogs love the sprinkler - once they realize it's not going to hurt them. You can also employ a kiddie pool for this - just toss their toy into it!
2) Early Morning!
I know, it sucks to get up at the crack of dawn, but it's not only cooler, it is the best time for your dog - its the breakfast of their exercise, so to speak. When you exercise a dog first thing in the morning, they can go through the whole day feeling exercised and satisfied - rather than wait for the evening to come to get it, and then have to sleep and recharge, and wait all day again. Dogs usually start their days between 6 and 8 am on average, whether or not their humans are awake. They prefer early rise and early sleep, with the moon - but they don't argue with human schedules, and once they adapt to it, they end up preferring following the sun instead. Humans tend to like sleeping late and waking late, with no real adaptation to the sun or moon - but for a dog, one or the other is normal. So, first thing in the morning is the utmost best for your dog, if you're a night-sleeper. If you happen to be on night shift, switch the clock around if your dog sleeps for you - or just walk them after work, before you sleep. Of course, the added benefit to a morning walk is that it is also excellent for your own health - humans burn the most fat and build the most muscle first thing in the morning! So, put on those sneakers, grab your tea, and take that pup out! Besides, what better way to spend the summer than to see the sun rising?
3) Indoor Activities
There are plenty of ways to burn your pup out indoors when the heat is especially high - and we are due for quite a few of those this summer. While indoor activities are not going to satisfy traveling needs, it is however going to physically and mentally drain them, which is the next best thing. While this should only be used on days when leaving the home is out of the question, you can include this every day on top of regular walking - and build your relationship while doing it! Great indoor activities that engage your dog properly are extensive - teaching it a new skill, trick, or behaviour; letting your dog jump over a solid coffee table (to exercise more muscle); indoor agility training (dining room chair weaving, for example?); indoor fetch (be aware of breakables because in the moment, your dog will not be); retraining a fear (such as fear of bathtubs); refining and working on speed of command response for basic commands; nose work such as searching for a treat or finding a treat in a series of cups or boxes; leash work and pressure response; the list goes on. Be creative - anything that gets your dog moving and thinking will accomplish this goal!
Words Of Caution
If you still need to take your dog out in the heat, make sure it is quick as possible, and as low impact as you possibly can make it. If you have absolutely no other choice, and must be out in the heat with your dog being active, watch for some warning signs that your dog may be getting too much heat:
-Glazed eyes, unresponsive or slow reacting eye movement and pupils. (This is a sign their temperature is too high.)
-Slow response or no response to name or commands (This is a sign their brain is too hot.)
-Slowing down, lagging behind, with heavy panting. (This is a sign they are too hot, not watered enough, or both.)
-A very hot spot just behind the base of the ear. (This is a sign that your dog is overheating and heading in to danger).
-Drooping, flat, too-relaxed tail and ears. (This is a sign your dog is too hot).
-Red, blackened, sore, cracked, or bleeding paw pads. (This is a sign your dog's feet have burned - they will no longer be able to sweat through their feet and cool off).
-Constant, heavy panting, as if they have been running all morning. (This is a sign your dog is no longer able to cool themselves off properly - they need to get out of the heat immediately).
-Laying down in the shade often, or laying prone at random. (This is a sign your dog's heat level has gone critical).
-Shaking, shivering, trembling, or other odd behaviours that are not normal in the heat such as turning, rotating, twirling, or backing up. (This is a sign their brain is over-hot and is affecting their ability to think and control their body - they will need emergency veterinarian service).
-Excessive drooling and lethargy. (This is a sign the dog has lost some motor control due to being overheated).
-Inability to bark, whine, or growl at stimulation. (This can be from overheating, or the dog's brain has begun to cook - the dog will need emergency veterinarian service).
-Inability to drink water, despite being offered and interested. (This is also a sign there has been some brain damage due to heat).
We hope we have helped! Good luck in all that summer heat, everyone!
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