Begin
your new routine with your pet slowly. Start with short
exercise sessions and gradually work into longer walks,
hikes or jogging sessions.
Avoid
working out with your pet during the hottest parts of the
day. Exercise dogs in the early morning, late afternoon
or evening.
Avoid
hot sidewalks and pavement. If it's too hot for your bare
feet, it's probably too hot for your dog's paws.
Take
a doggie water bottle along on walks, runs or hikes.
Watch
for signs that your dog is working too hard. Rapid breathing,
bright-red gums and lagging behind may indicate your dog
is fatigued.
Keep
an eye out for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs that
your pet may need medical attention include rapid breathing,
thick saliva, bright-red tongue, a temperature of 104 degrees
or above, or vomiting. Move your dog to a cooler environment,
immerse him in cool water and contact your veterinarian.
Train
her to respond when called, and to sit and stay on command
if you plan to let her off of her leash for any sports or
activities. These could be lifesaving lessons.
Some
dogs are susceptible to sunburn. If your dog has white or
short hair or lacks pigmentation on his nose, apply sun
block to your dog's nose or ear tips when you plan to be
in the sun for any period of time.
If your
dog is not as enthusiastic to join you in your sports than
you had anticipated, it could be she's suffering from arthritis
rather than from a sever case of couch potato. Watch out
for signs of arthritis such as reluctance to walk, run,
climb stairs or play; stiffness; limping; lagging behind
on walks; difficulty rising from a sitting position; soreness
when touched; yelping or whimpering in pain; or acting aggressive
or withdrawn. If you notice any of these signs, it is likely
that your dog is in pain, so you should contact your veterinarian
to discuss medications to help your dog stay active.
Invest
in proper equipment for you and your dog. If you're exercising
after dark, wear reflective clothing and attach reflective
material to you dog's leash or collar to increase your visibility
to vehicles.
Learn
emergency procedures for your pet if you plan to venture
out on long hikes or camping trips. As you would for your
family, include a small doggie first aid kit and manual
in your pack - just in case.
Most
important, contact your veterinarian if you have any questions
about pet's ability to engage in certain activities.
www.dogandkennel.com
