So HOT!

Ugh! It's so hot and humid! We've been extremely lucky with the cool temps in the morning so far this year. This was the perfect summer for us to start this adventure. Sure, we've been MIA for a few weeks, but we probably wouldn't have been running most of these mornings, even if I hadn't hurt my ankle. It's just gross out!

Some dogs are really sensitive to heat (I'm talking about you, Henri!) and some don't seem to mind it, but it is always important to be aware of how your dog might feel, especially when running or playing outside. They won't always tell us (with words) how they are feeling. When it gets warmer we can opt for shorts and tanks, but our dogs always have a coat on. If we are hot and tired, they are more hot and tired. So, in that spirit, here are some tips for spending time with your dog outdoors, walking, running or playing:

Think about the time of day you are spending outside. Henri and I go running early in the morning. We've had a lot of luck avoiding the heat. Even the evenings can take awhile to cool off once the sun goes down, so Henri prefers the morning to the evenings, but both are good options for beating the heat.

Water is important. This goes for both of you. Sometimes you might need to take a water bottle or travel bowl with you so that you can take a break and re-hydrate. Water will keep your pups body temperature down, preventing heat stroke. We come across a water fountain for humans and furry friends during our run, but Henri isn't interested in stopping there. I try to get Henri to drink before we go on a run and once we get home I tell him to 'get a drink'. We use this command at the dog park, too, especially after a good play. Henri also likes ice cubes. If he doesn't want a drink, he'll usually take an ice cube. Problem solved!

Take a break. Speaking of breaks, make sure you are letting your dog sufficiently rest during or between activity. No matter what level of activity you are engaging it, it's always harder in heat. Move into a shaded area, drink that water and breathe. You both deserve it.

Cool products. There are many products to help keep your pup cool while outside in the heat. They have cooling collars and vests, which you wet and place on your dog to keep their body temperatures down. There are also cooling mats if you're spending more time outside and need a cool spot for pup to settle into. Then there are always good, old-fashioned hoses, sprinklers and pools to splash around in after a good workout.

"Listen" to your dog. Henri is a sissy when it comes to heat. I know this. I know this because he tells me. When he says he has had enough of the heat, we get out of the heat. Sure, I want him to play and burn off some of his energy, but I do not want to force him, especially if he's uncomfortable. Some dogs are not like Henri and don't know how to say enough is enough. You have to be more conscious of these dogs and know when to call it. You know them best!

Remember when I posted that picture of Henri's sweaty paw print and said I didn't know they sweat from their paws? Now I know that is THE place they sweat from. It doesn't cool them down as much as our sweating does, so they pant, expelling the extra hot air. Pay attention to your dogs panting and drooling. Heavy panting and drooling is a sign that they are overheating and need to cool down. 

Dogs don't cool down as fast as we do. Make sure to get them water, wet their paws or place a cool wet towel around their neck. A dog's main artery starts in their neck. This is a good way to cool down the entire body. 

If you notice your dog panting or drooling excessively, if their gums are pale or bright red or tongue turns red, they seem unresponsive, disorientated, uncoordinated or collapse, vomit or have diarrhea, these are all signs of heat stroke. Starting cooling your dog down and contact your vet. Heat stroke happens with a dog's body temperature rises, usually between 104-110 degrees Fahrenheit, causing blood to thicken, putting strain on the heart and decreasing the amount of blood circulating to vital organs. Make sure to contact your vet! Cooling your dogs body down too rapidly can cause it to go into shock, causing more problems.

Yikes! The best thing to do is prevent all of this from happening. What's that they say? "Prevention is the best medicine." They also say "Knowledge is power." Remember this? :)