5 Safe Ways to Exercise your Dog During Summers

With summer already at its peak, the days become longer and warmer; which gives you a perfect opportunity to exercise your doggy. But the problem is how to exercise your dog outdoors in the summer heat? As a responsible dog owner, you are fully aware about the risks of exercising your furry pal during this season. Hence, in order to help your dog beat the heat, while exercising during the hot weather of summer, it is important to follow some of these safe ways to let your tyke be active, despite the hot and humid climate outside:

Modify The Exercise Regime Of Your Doggy

During summers, early mornings give you a perfect window of opportunity to work out with your pooch; as it is the coolest part of the day. Modify the exercise regime in such a way that most of the dog's exercise gets over in the early mornings; preferably before 8 AM. You can even exercise during the twilight hours, when the sun is about to set which can give him a respite from the heat.

Be Flexible During The Workouts

Remember, when it is hot and humid, it is very difficult for your doggy to workout as his body will expend energy to stay cool. Just like human athletes, even dogs need an acclimation time to adopt the varying temperatures of the day. If it is extremely hot, cut down on the duration or intensity of the workout. Once your furry pal gets acquainted with the climate, gradually increase the intensity of the exercise. You can even divide the workout sessions into two or more parts. This will ensure that your doggy does not suffer from overheating. It will also give him time to refuel, re-hydrate and rest before continuing with the grueling exercise session.

Opt For A Different Surface During Summers

If you exercise your furry pal on the pavement, don't forget that blacktop will get too hot during summers. Since, dogs do not wear athletic shoes, they will notice the heat of the pavement. Instead of it, make him run on grass or a trail. He will be relieved from the heat wave. You can even move indoors to conduct some of the exercise sessions; where the climate can be controlled.

Closely Scrutinize Your Furry Pal's Behavior During And After The Workout

This is extremely critical. If you find your pooch dull, in a confident, wants to lie down more than usual, it is time to stop the exercise session; and get back indoors as soon as possible. It is very difficult to watch out for heat stress signs after workout. Hence, be vigilant and closely scrutinize his behavior during the day. If you see anything unusual, skip the exercise schedule for a couple of days.

Keep Your Tyke Hydrated

Even though dogs do not sweat, due to exercising in the heat and humidity, their water intake increases. A normal dog would need 50 to 60 ml of water per kg of body weight. But if you own an active dog who loves to stroll around in the heat and humidity, he would need even more water to keep himself hydrated. Always have access to fresh water available to your furry pal all the time. Also, make sure that you refill his water bowl several times during the day. This will keep him hydrated.

You may also be interested in reading : 

6 Amazing Things To Enjoy with your Doggy This Summer

5 Definite Signs of Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

In our country, it has been researched and found out that lameness and joint pain are two of the most common reasons for which pets are taken to veterinarian clinics. The causes can be varied and so it is very difficult to gauge whether your dog or cat is suffering from arthritis.

It has generally been found that in senior pets lameness is always a subsidiary cause to a major injury known as degenerative joint disease. This disease occurs when the cartilage of one or more joints wears leading to inflammation, pain and reduced quality of life. This causes joint disease and traumatic arthritis in pets . Generally, arthritis occurs in pets due to wear and tear in their life, but it can even occur due to an earlier injury, genetics, infection or even obesity.

The symptoms of arthritis in dogs include: lameness, reluctance to walk, difficulty in getting up and lying down. In cats, the symptoms of may be hidden as they are good at concealing their discomfort. Hence, in our country, it has been statistically proven that 90% of cats more than 12 years of age have arthritis, but only 7% of them are lucky enough to avail the treatment. Some of the symptoms of arthritis in cats include: gradual change in their lifestyle and behavior, reluctance to jump up or down, evading previously favored elevated spots, sleepiness, irritability towards the owners, reduced grooming and toileting issues.

Let us now focus on definite signs of arthritis in dogs and cats:

Limping

Limping is one of the major signs of arthritis in pets. You may not notice their limp during the early stages of arthritis. But remember, a pet that is affected by arthritis may limp during the early stages of the disease. he may limp after walking a few steps and then stand up. Then he may move normally. With time, you will observe that their limp will become more visible.

Decreased Activeness

Your pet who used to remain active and play for longer duration will find it difficult to move. He will prefer napping instead of playing with his favorite toys.

Difficulty In Moving

As the disease prolongs, your pet will find it difficult to move. Things like getting into the car, hoping on and off the beds or climbing the stairs becomes extremely hard for them.

Crankiness

When you are in excruciating pain, it becomes very difficult to keep your spirits up. The same is true with your pets. When your pet is affected by arthritis, it becomes very painful for them to move. Due to this pain, they even become grumpy. If you sense that your pet seems to be sensitive towards a particular area of the body like leg, and does not like it to be touched, it can be due to arthritis.

Licking And Chewing

Due to the soreness in the affected part, your pet may spontaneously bite, lick or chew the sore spots. If your pet licks a spot occasionally, it may be just an itch. But if he is constantly biting, licking or chewing at a single spot, it can be due to arthritic pain.

So, have you seen any of these signs of arthritis in your pet? If yes; then rush to your veterinarian immediately to get your pet treated.