How to Keep your Dog Fit and Healthy (Through the Summer)

Keeping fit is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. A regular exercise routine will keep them in shape and full of energy, supporting better health and a stronger immune system. Exercise regimens should include lots of play and opportunities to interact with you. Maintaining fitness means fewer trips to the vet and a more enjoyable life for your treasured pet. Keep your dog fit and healthy, particularly in summer, with our tips below.

Hot summer days

Summer brings fun outdoors; an opportunity to swim, games of fetch in the park, and long walks or runs. However, the heat of summer can put dogs at a higher risk of heatstroke. While we sweat to cool down when we get hot, dogs don’t have the same cooling mechanism. Without sweat glands all over their bodies, their main way of getting rid of heat is to pant. This is not a particularly efficient way of cooling down, especially in humid weather.

Most dogs pant harder and stop exercising when they start to overheat, but not all will. Heatstroke symptoms include a bright red tongue, very pale or red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and seizures. However, not all dogs will display symptoms first and the first sign may be them collapsing after exercise.

Skin fold pyoderma, paw pad burns and dehydration are other issues to watch out for in hot weather.

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How to keep fit in summer safely

Daily walks are probably the most common way to keep your dog fit. In summer months, try to reduce the length of walks but increase their frequency when the mercury begins to rise. This will allow your dog to still get out, but give them time to rest and cool down between walks. Remember to take water for them to maintain their hydration. Check the pavement isn’t too hot for their paws by holding your hand to it for at least 5 seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too hot for them.

Swimming is a great way to keep fit. This low impact exercise is great for older, hairy, and obese dogs, or those who find it difficult to slow down in the heat. Find a cool, clean pool of water and introduce your dog by encouraging them to get their feet wet. Give them lots of praise and encouragement. When they become acclimatized, try playing with a buoyant toy to encourage doggy paddling.

The space your pooch has to relax is just as important as the kind of exercise you choose for them. Dogs spend around 20 hours of their day lounging around and sleeping! In warmer months it’s advisable to get a dog bed that allows air to circulate so they can keep cool. Raised beds do this and provide additional benefits such as taking pressure off joints and reducing inflammation.

Diet and nutrition are equally important for summer health as careful exercise. Along with making sure water is always available for them, some foods can help keep your pet cool. Proteins such as cod, duck eggs and rabbit can aid in keeping them cool. Healthy treats of cool watermelon, apple and cucumber will also be welcomed by a hot dog!

Author – Elise

Elise is a freelance writer located in the mountains of North Carolina. She started writing about pets and home life with pets when she was in college, when she got her first furbaby! Since then, Elise has adopted another dog and a kitten (to keep the dogs on their best behavior!). When Elise is not writing or playing with her animals, you can find her trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or hiking the trails.