It might be cold in the U.S., but in Australia it’s boiling hot. Both very hot and very cold weather bring with them new points to consider when exercising with your dog.

Here in Australia, when I say “hot” in terms of dog exercise I mean when the asphalt is hot to touch. Different dogs have different heat tolerance levels, so it’s up to you to figure out how hot is “hot” to your dog. Let’s take a look at some points and exercise ideas to keep in mind when exercising your dog in the heat.

Your Dog’s Paws

As I mentioned, to Keeda and I “hot” is when the asphalt is hot to the touch. If you can barely walk barefoot on the road, don’t expect your dog to do it. You can either get special dog boots to put on your dog’s paws when going for a cycle, jog, or doing other activities on the hot surface with your dog. Keeda and I opt for another solution – when we run, cycle, or walk in the heat, I stay on the edge of the sidewalk and Keeda jogs or walks on the grass line. Grass doesn’t get hot like asphalt does, so there’s no danger of hurting her paws.

Your Dog’s Stamina

Some dogs don’t handle heat well. They tire out faster in hot weather. When dogs are hot, they use panting to regular body temperature. If your dog can’t handle heat very well, consider going out and exercising in the morning before the heat of the day or the evening after the weather is a bit cooler.

Water & Cooling Off

Taking a cool-down walk after exercise is very important in high heat. Also, make sure that you always carry water for your dog when exercising in the heat. Keep a close eye on your dog and watch for fatigue or overheating.

Go to the Beach

Why not take your dog to a dog beach when the weather is hot? Both you and your dog might enjoy spending some time in the cool water more than struggling through a run in the scorching sun.