Exercise is important to all animals. This short article is for those animals who have been examined by a veterinarian and been determined to have health adequate for routine exercise; please request modification of these recommendations from your veterinarian, for pets with illness.

When exercising our animals in South Florida, we need to pay special attention to our year-round heat and sun. Heat prostration and heat stroke are common occurrences in our climate and, can be lethal. Dogs(and cats) require panting to disperse their heat, therefore those animals particularly prone to heat illness are those with shorter muzzles, such as bull dogs and pug-types(awa persians).

Keeping in mind that our pets are much closer to the ground(the heat) and much more sensitive to heat, plan your trips outside with care. Early in the morning and late at night are the safest times for longer exercise. As we do, animals acclimate. If you both increase the amount of exercise and sunlight exposure in small increments, you'll find your pets have from small to large increases in tolerance of the heat(with time). As with us, a good rule is to increase the exercise no more than 10% per week. For example, if this week you are walking 15 minutes, then a safe increase next week would be to 17 minutes. Over a short period of time, you can get to the recommended 45-60 minutes/day.

Always be prepared with water when exercise is longer than 15 minutes. Just as for us, animals require good hydration in order to cool appropriately. Anytime your trip is longer than 15 minutes, please allow your animal water breaks. DO NOT RELY ON YOUR PET TO ASK TO DRINK. When they are having a good time, they will not care about thirst. This can be critical.

If you see your dog slowing, panting further or acting off balance, please immediately stop the exercise, find a shaded and hopefully cooled spot and offer water. If your animal stumbles or cannot stand, please seek assistance from the
closest veterinary clinic.
Cindy Rigg DVM
(Photo Credit Cyndi Lenz )