Utah Pets Still Need Exercise In Hot Weather

Summertime is here again in Utah! Hot summer weather may get you out and about, exercising with your pet. The Humane Society of Utah wants to make sure you have a list of tips on how to keep your pet safe during the hot weather. Follow these tips so that you and your pet can continue to enjoy exercising regularly this summer:

- Early mornings and evening times are a good time for exercise workouts to keep you and your pet cool. You’ll avoid the summer heat of the day and still be able to get your workout in.

- It’s a good idea to take a gallon thermos filled with cold, clean water on your exercise excursions. After time out in the heat, your pet will appreciate a cool drink of water.

- If you take your dog out for a walk, avoid hot asphalt. Dog paws can get burned. Stick to grassy paths if possible.

- You may think that your chubby pet needs extra time outdoors during the warm summer days, however be careful when exercising your portly pet in hot weather as you may accidentally over heat them by mistake. It is a good idea to consult with your vet on a healthy amount of exercise for your over weight pet before you take them out in the hot weather.

- Summer means lawn and garden care will be on the rise. Watch out for areas that have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. If you happen to be in an area that you suspect has been sprayed with insecticides and think that your pet may have been poisoned by chemicals, contact your veterinarian at once.

- Signs of your pet having heat stroke after a hard exercise session can include symptoms such as heavy panting, rapid heart beat, vomiting, lethargy, or fever. If you notice that your pet has these symptoms after exercising in the heat, you may want to contact your veterinarian to make sure it is not heat stroke.

Exercising in the hot weather this summer can be fun for your pet as long as you stay aware of your pet’s needs with hot weather exercising. Keep your pet fit, safe and healthy this summer.

For more information on how to keep your pet safe this summer or for information on Utah pet care, please visit the Humane Society of Utah web site.