Running Your Dog in Texas Summer Heat

I'm a distance runner and so are my White Shepherd dogs. They love to run as much as I do.

Just as runners can suffer from heat stress, so can our doggy running pals. Some of the factors affecting a dog's susceptibility for heat stroke are temperature, humidity level, breed, age, health, coloration, and fitness level.

Just like people, dogs need to be conditioned and acclimated to the heat for summer workouts. Even if they are acclimated, some days may still be too hot or humid or the air quality may be too poor to workout with your dog. Use common sense and keep in mind that your dog's ability to regulate their body temperature is not as efficient as yours. Move your running schedule to the early morning hours when it is coolest and the lawn sprinklers are running. Lawn sprinklers are Texas runner's (and dog's) best friend in the summer. My dogs have even learned to lap water from lawn sprinkler heads.

Your dog's loyalty and love of running may cause him to overdo to keep up with you. It is wise to pay attention to your dog's desires on the hot days. When he slows down, you should, too.