I discussed previously about health issues that are more prevalent during summer months. Now, let’s talk about summer exercise safety. Exercise should be done year-round, but certain precautions should be taken during warm weather. First, timing and duration is key. The dusk and dawn ideology is ideal. Consider exercising early in the morning and later in the evening when temperatures are not at their peak.
If you’re a runner and your dog often tags along, a good suggestion is to exercise on grass as opposed to other surfaces that could cause a dog’s paws to burn. I recommend pet owners lookout for burning of the paw pads. When humans walk or run, we normally wear shoes. But, our dogs don’t. So, when they walk on surfaces that retain heat, such as asphalt, it can cause burning or peeling of the paw pads. Though, wearing dog shoes is also an option that could prevent such issues.
It’s a great feeling to jump in a pool on a sweltering day. Swimming can be a good activity that provides good exercise and doesn’t cause much stress on the joints. But, the caveat is that if your dog is not a good swimmer, has short legs or mobility issues, they may not fare well if they fall in a pool. Others may simply become exhausted if they are in the water, and drownings can occur. Sometimes a vet may advise against swimming because some dogs have medical conditions where their bodies cannot handle stress from certain activities.
When it comes to leaving dogs in vehicle, it is the same as leaving a child in a car. I don’t recommend doing so, even with windows cracked. A car is like a microwave because the heat intensifies since it’s enclosed. The glass is transparent, thus the temperature rises faster than when a dog is just outdoors. When temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit it can lead to heat-shock and death, sometimes within minutes. The body can only deal with so much stress before it gives in. Depending on the temperature and the breed, I’ve seen cases where dogs become ill and die within 10 minutes.
While outdoors, dogs should also stay away from venomous snakes (rattlers, coral, water moccasins), scorpions, brown recluse, black widow spiders, wasps and bees. There are even toxic flora to avoid which include oleander plants that are cardiotoxic, lantana plants that can cause GI upsets and hepatic injury, and Sago Palms that can cause liver failure. If you have a garden, be mindful that garlic and onions can be toxic. The ingestion of fertilizers or pest control products can be dangerous. Even if pest control products say “pet safe”, I recommend keeping your pets away. If you use fertilizer, allow the proper time for it to absorb and dry. In addition, if you have an old car, antifreeze is hazardous, too.
Outdoor activities are fun, but coupled with many risks. There are many things to think about, but nothing is too much when it’s all to ensure the safety and longevity of your pet.