Exercise Your Pet's In Winter Or Summer

Exercise in Winter or Summer

In exercising your dog, take into consideration what the weather conditions are like in the area where you live. You need to consider the type of dog when dealing with winter or summer exercise, or hot or cold climates.  Your small Chihuahua may have trouble exercising outside on a very cold winter day because of his short coat. Alternately, a dog with a heavy coat, like a Newfoundland dog, may have trouble dealing with exercising in hotter weather.

Here are a few tips in helping to deal with exercise in varied climate conditions:

Summer Weather Exercise

When exercising your dog in hot weather, be sure that you have a water supply handy for him.  If he is in an exercise yard, be sure that water is nearby so that he does not become dehydrated.  If walking, hiking your dog, bring extra water for your dog, as well as a collapsible or travel bowl.   (Tip: Letting him drink out of a running stream or river may put him at risk for parasites. It is best to take along drinkable water for him.)

If your dog in a exercise yard, be sure that there is shelter or protection from the sun. A dog can easily become overheated and suffer from heat stroke in an unprotected hot sun area.

On very hot days, if your dog is heavy-coated, exercise for him in a climate-controlled air-conditioned area.

Swimming is a good summer activity for most dogs, large or small, light or heavy-coated.

Make Sure They Have Plenty Of Fluids

Be aware that the hot sun can heat up sidewalks to the point where your dog may burn his feet.  If the pavement is hot, take your dog to a grassy area or a dog park for a run instead.

The hot summer weather is also a time for ticks and fleas to be in abundance. Make sure your dog has adequate protection for these pests.

When exercising your dog in summer, be aware how much he pants as to how the heat is affecting him.  Dogs do not sweat as humans do, but pant to release the heat from their bodies. If your dog is panting excessively, it may be a sign that he has had enough exercise for the day.

A heavy-coated dog may benefit from a shorter haircut in summer weather to keep him cooler and more comfortable.

If you live in a hot area, you may also need to take into account the dryness of the area.  Excessive exercise in extremely dry climates can cause breathing problems in some dogs.

Winter Weather Exercise

If your dog is short haired, buy him a coat to help him keep warm on winter walks.

Be aware that ice and snow can get between your dog’s toes and may cause him to limp with pain. Check your dog’s feet and remove the ice and snow.

You may want to invest is dog booties for your dog’s winter walks. Both large and small breed dogs will benefit from these foot protectors.

The salt on city sidewalks can also affect your dog’s paws. As mentioned above, your dog may benefit from dog booties.  There are also salves that you can buy to help relieve your dog’s chapped or sore feet.

It is as important for you to take along water for your dog in winter as it is in summer.  Don't let your dog lick the ice on dirty city streets when he may be thirsty during his exercise walk.

Be sure not to leave your dog outside in his yard or exercise area too long when it is cold.  On extremely cold days, try to plan indoor exercise activities for him.

Make Sure They Have Shelter

Ice can be just as slippery for dogs as it is for humans.  Help your dog to avoid icy patches on walks or runs.  They can slip and injure themselves just as humans can. They can pull muscles or break limbs when falling on slippery ice. Try not to exercise your dog by throwing a ball in icy areas.

Ice can also be sharp and jagged and can cut your dog’s feet. Watch for it.

The wetness of snow or sleet can get under your dog’s fur and he could suffer from hypothermia.  Not all dogs are suited to extreme cold weather conditions or have water resistant fur. Do not leave your dog outside for prolonged periods in unprotected areas in wet, cold conditions. And, while you are on walks be aware of his body condition and temperature.  Again, perhaps a waterproof dog coat may help.

Another thing to be aware of when exercising your dog in winter conditions are the ice and snow covered trees.  Tree limbs laden with ice and snow can break and fall, and possibly injure your dog.  Try to keep your dog out of tree covered areas in these conditions.  Plan your dog’s outside exercise in safe areas.