This time of year in Perth can be even more challenging than winter for getting out exercising with our fur babies.
The RSPCA recommends that if you cannot hold your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds without discomfort then it is too hot for dogs to walk on. It is also often suggested that if the temperature of the day is above 25 degrees it is unsafe to walk your short nosed (brachycephalic) fur babies. Be aware that your obese or senior fur babies are at risk too.
Dogs' paw pads are sensitive to heat and can easily burn or blister when exposed to hot surfaces for prolonged periods. As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid walking your dog on pavement during the hottest parts of the day, typically midday when the sun is directly overhead and pavement temperatures are at their peak.
Tips to exercise your pet when it is hot:
Time to work on your early bird resolution! Walking around 6 am often provides cooler breezes and definitely cooler pavement. Not only is walking at this time of day cooler, often it is usually quieter and will give your own health a boost to start the day. If this sounds too early for you, give it a try and embrace the afternoon nap!
Go off-road. Spending more time at local parks or along shady banks at the river is a great way to keep your cool and keep your fur babies exercising. Just remember to take plenty of clean cool water with you. Walking your dog on grass or shaded areas helps to minimize the risk of paw pad burns.
If time or distance causes problems for either of these options, build more exercises into the walks that you can do. Sitting and standing facing slightly uphill is a great way to increase intensity without increasing the time or stamina required. Stepping on and off the curb on the way to the park is another great exercise to flex all joints and keep muscles strong until the weather cools down enough to get back to your usual exercise routine.
Walk your dog in the late evenings when temperatures are cooler. However, evening walks can sometimes be more difficult to do due to work schedule, evening/dinner routine and the bitumen might still be quite hot! On extremely hot days, the asphalt can retain heat well into the evening hours, especially if the ambient temperature remains high. It may take until later in the evening or even overnight for the asphalt to cool down to a more comfortable temperature for walking.
Head to the beach or river but make sure they don’t overdo it. Walking and running in the water can be quite a workout due to the resistance of the water and sudden twisting movements in the sand can also lead to injury such as cruciate injury or rupture.
Watch out for common dangers at the beach or river such as heatstroke, sunburn, salt water ingestion, snake bite, puffer fish/blowfish toxicity, jellyfish ingestion, and dog bite injuries.Playing indoor games with your pets is a great way to provide mental and physical stimulation, especially during inclement weather or when outdoor activities aren't possible. When playing indoor games with your pets, always prioritize their safety and comfort. Ensure you have a large area of non-slip flooring to prevent accidents, especially for senior dogs who may be more prone to slipping. Additionally, consider products like Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips for senior dogs to provide traction and prevent slipping-related injuries. Here are some fun and engaging indoor games you can play with your pets, along with tips to ensure their safety and comfort:
Hide and Seek: Hide your pet's favourite toy or treat in various locations around the house and encourage them to search for it. This game stimulates their natural hunting instincts and provides mental enrichment.
Puzzle Toys: Invest in interactive puzzle toys that dispense treats or require your pet to solve a puzzle to access their food. These toys provide mental stimulation and can help alleviate boredom.
Obstacle Course: Create a makeshift obstacle course using household items like cushions, chairs, and tunnels. Guide your pet through the course using treats or toys as motivation. Ensure the course is set up on non-slip flooring to prevent accidents.
Training Sessions: Use indoor time to work on obedience training or teach your pet new tricks. Break training sessions into short, fun activities to keep your pet engaged and focused. Reward good behavior with treats or praise.
Scent Games: Hide small portions of treats around the house and encourage your pet to use their nose to find them. You can also try hiding scented items or toys for them to search out.
Do you have a secret weapon for exercising with your fur baby in the hot weather? We would love you to share it or comment below.