Have a Safe Summer with Your Pets

Exercising with your pet can be a fun, enjoyable experience and provides health benefits for both you and your pet. There are, however, several exercise related problems that may be experienced by your pet athlete. A few commonly encountered problems include heat stroke, burned foot pads, lameness, and cactus spines or foxtails.

These common problems can be avoided in most cases by a little planning and the use of common sense.

    • Always use a leash or harness to keep your pet safe from automobiles, cactus, unfriendly dogs, and broken       glass. You will also be complying with the Arizona leash law.

    • Condition your pet as you would yourself. Start slowly and work up gradually as you increase the distances you       go. During the warm summer months it is best to exercise with your pet in the early morning or after the sun has       set for the day.

    • Never walk or run your pet on concrete that is too hot to be walked on barefoot. If the surface is too warm for       human feet it is too warm for pet's pads. One solution is to use dog booties which are avilable at most pet stores.

    • During the extreme summer heat your pet will need water often to cool down and maintain hydration. A good rule       of thumb is to provide one liter for every 15 minutes your pet will be exercising in the heat. Soaking a dogs fur       with water will also help to keep him cool.

Heat Stroke

This dangerous condition is caused by overexertion and prolonged exposure to high temperatures and sun. Old, young and sick dogs usually have low heat tolerances, and many brachycephalic breeds (very short noses) are also more predisposed to heat stroke. Some examples are pugs, boxers, and persian cats.

Common symptoms of heat stroke include:

    • Rapid, open mouth breathing or panting
    • Bright red, or pale white gum color
    • Excessive salivation - vomiting or diarrhea
    • Body temperatures in excess of 106 degrees
    • Convulsions, loss of consciousness, or death

Treatment for heat stroke includes removal from the hot environment, hosing down the animal with cool water, placement of wet towels on the animals belly, and applying ice packs. Rapidly transfering your pet to the closest animal hospital could save their life. All heat stroke animals require intravenous fluids, and hospitalization.

Article written by Dr. Maren Troum, July 19, 2002

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