[caption id="attachment_50561" align="alignleft" width="150"] Photo: Erin F.[/caption]

Summer is finally here and so are the hot, humid days. Although it is a great time for you and your pet to exercise outdoors, you must also be aware of the potential dangers to him. The following are some simple tips to ensure that your pet enjoys the outdoors and remains healthy.

Tips

  1. Exercise early in the morning or late at night. Since these are the cooler parts of the day, this will make the walk more comfortable for both you and your dog. 

  2. Doggie Boots. If you can't walk your dog during the early and later hours of the day, this is a good way of protecting him. Heat rises from the ground, especially on surfaces like cement and asphalt, and dogs absorb and release heat through their feet. Cool Dog Boots are designed to protect your dog's paws from surfaces that are exposed to hours of the scorching sun, like sidewalks, concrete, asphalt, streets, boats, docks and sand. Cooling Boots are available at Braxton's.

  3. Take Breaks. Another way to keep your dog cooler is to take breaks between exercising sessions. Be sure to find a shady area for your dog to rest and recuperate. You also can try exercising in short spurts—like 10 minutes three times per day—versus one long period of exercising. 

  4. Keep Hydrated. Offer small drinks frequently rather than one large drink. Always carry water. There are many ways to accomplish this. Braxton's offers several options. Collapsible bowls, water bottles, fanny packs, etc. 

  5. Bottom Up.  Since dogs cool from the bottom up, make sure to spray the paws and stomach, not just the top of the dog, when spraying it with water. A wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than when laid on the top of its coat.

For more solutions to warm weather exercising, stop by Braxton's. We offer a wide variety of cooling devices as well as expert advice to be sure that you purchase the best product for your pet.