| We like to take our pets on daily walks. After all, we | | | | stronger pace then the young puppies, even though |
| are concerned with their health and should want | | | | the puppies have stopped a number of times to rest |
| them to remain in good shape. But beware of the | | | | and take on water. |
| unseen health risks to your pet that can be | | | | By the time we reach the stretch of trail back to the |
| associated with the summer heat. | | | | kennel area, the fours dogs are showing signs of |
| Presently I have 4 dogs in our kennel that are being | | | | being both tired and thirsty. The last 10 feet lead |
| watched this month. They range in age and their | | | | straight to a waiting pool filled with fresh cold water. |
| general health conditions vary, and each must be | | | | The older dogs take a few moments to grab a quick |
| considered when taking these dogs for their walks. | | | | drink while the puppies play and splash around happily. |
| The current makeup consists of 2 puppies only 3-4 | | | | All four dogs are taking a well deserved rest. |
| months of age, an 8 year old but overweight | | | | By and far they all show some signs of being tired. |
| German shepherd, and a 13 year old mix breed. | | | | But keep this in mind that they each have reacted |
| A single walking session shows the effects that | | | | differently to the same walk, under the same |
| summer plays on each dog's individual condition. The | | | | conditions. The puppies did tend to pull more on their |
| two puppies are young, vibrant and full of energy, | | | | leashes, which will cause them to put additional stress |
| and do not hesitate at the prospect of a 20 minute | | | | on their collars and breathing. The overweight 8 year |
| walk through the woods. The 8 year old shepherd | | | | old, while younger showed more signs of fatigue |
| and the 13 year old mixed are also looking forward | | | | then the older 13 year old. The mixed dog is not |
| to the same walk. | | | | carrying around a lot of excess body fat. The extra |
| Within a few moments of walking into the woods, | | | | weight and fat is putting additional stress on the |
| (the woods are about 100 yards from the kennel), | | | | larger dog's legs, chest and his heart. |
| you can notice a considerable change form the harsh | | | | Be careful of walking your pets in the hot summer |
| daily sun to a much cooler shaded area of the | | | | months. Take then out during the early morning or |
| woods. At this point each dog is holding their own on | | | | later evenings when it is cooler. Make sure to take |
| this simple and short walk. | | | | water with you, for the pets and yourself, if you're |
| At the halfway point, now 10 minutes of walking, we | | | | going to be walking any kind of long distance. When |
| take a momentary rest, more for my sake then that | | | | they get back, give them fresh clean water from a |
| of the dogs. Each dog is panting quite regularly at this | | | | hose or kiddies pool. They have thick fur coats and |
| stage. None of them look at all tired, and none have | | | | only cool down through their tongues so please let |
| stopped to drink any water from my bottle. | | | | them relax in the shade and take a break during the |
| Due to a recent rainstorm the night before, we have | | | | walk to make sure they are not getting to |
| come across an occasional puddle or two for them | | | | overheated. |
| to wade in. This has helped them stay a little | | | | Be careful to avoid heat strokes or other conditions |
| refreshed. | | | | that can be avoided with a few simple steps. Bottom |
| As we head past the 3-quarter mark of this trail, | | | | line is that you should not risk your pet's health simply |
| there is a considerable difference in the overweight | | | | because it is the summertime and you went for a |
| shepherd's desire to lead the pack. At this point, the | | | | walk. |
| older 13 year old mixed dog, is actually keeping a | | | | |