Keeping Pets Safe in the Summer | News

Camp Bow Wow Kentwood
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Grandville, MI
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Safety Tips for Running with Fido in Summer 

Start Slow - If Fido has never been out for a run with you, don't expect him to be up for a marathon. Start with a combination of running and walking for a short time until you notice that his endurance is increasing. Just as humans are, dogs are susceptible to stress fractures and heat stroke. Dogs' growth plates are not fully formed until 18 months old, so they should speak to their veterinarian before running with their dog if they are younger than 18 months.
Be Mindful of the weather - You know how torturous it can be to run on a brutally hot day with high humidity so don't subject Fido to that as well. Dogs can overheat very quickly and cause heat stroke. If you absolutely must run that day, go during the early morning hours, between 5 AM and 8 AM, before the sun becomes scorching hot or leave Fido at home.
Wear proper accessories - As mentioned before, it's wise to run during the cooler hours but this often means running before the sun comes up or after it has gone down. If running in the dark, be sure that you and Fido accessorize with some reflective gear so that you are visible to traffic.
Watch out for Fido's feet - Pavement and asphalt gets incredibly hot on summer days and can quickly burn your pup's feet. Gravel can be dangerous as well, as it can puncture Fido's paws. To be safe, only take Fido running on dirt trails, grass, or sand. Stop periodically during your run to check his paws for burns or cuts.
Hydrate - Make sure Fido has had a chance to drink water and hydrate before you take him out on a run. If you're going first thing in the morning, wait until he's had a bowl or two of water. Take a product like a Handi Drink so you can stop and give your pup some water throughout your run.
Keep a watchful eye - Dogs are people pleasers and if you want to keep running, dogs will often work to keep up even if they may be in pain. Be sure to check on your dog and make sure he doesn't look like he's in pain or suffering from heat exhaustion.
Lather up - Believe it or not, dogs are susceptible to sunburns. If you're running on a sunny day, be sure to apply sunscreen to both yourself and Fido if your dog has shorter hair or are a lighter color.
Eating before or after running - Make sure that your dog does not eat one hour before or after running. Some dogs are susceptible to bloat and eating too close to exercising can be extremely dangerous.