Hot weather advice for dog runners

[Maddee_6333]

For skysue16 , and anyone else that needs it.

Or, if you prefer:

humidity + temp (in F) < 120

[GoogleMe Graduate]

The notion that dogs would generally risk struggling/harm with running in temperatures over 10C seems a little overcautious... although much depends on how fast, how much shade, off lead and how long... But then I always assume people approach running with the same lack of seriousness I do, and maybe the driven need the warnings (the hot surfaces is a very good one though, not something the human is so likely to be aware of)

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Hmmm, I think that 'or' should be an 'and', and I've always read it as a part of the extra advice for Nordic breeds - because it was posted on a Husky site.

In fact the info is aimed more at people who do Canicross, like me. Skysue16 has recently got her dog kitted out to give it a try (with my encouragement) so it was mostly posted for her; I'd hate to be the cause of her dog getting heat stroke.

The advice about hot surfaces is one I hadn't heard till this year, but is totally common sense (and meant a FB friend realised what was wrong with a dog she saw at a local beach cafe when it was 'dancing' on the decking, and the dog was saved from a nasty injury).

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Oh yes, definitely when you've a dog whose genetic heritage is on the arctic side! And it is true that a slightly different metric applies when they are on the lead.

Off lead, G likes to do an "I'm just too hot so I'll plod wearily along behind you" and then go belting past looking over her shoulder saying "Fooled you! Call that a run?" But she does usually like to get in a puddle or river up to her tum if she can.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

😀

Ha! It was pretty cloudy here this morning and a lot cooler than the past week or so, so I went out and did some intervals - my Spaniel just pootled along behind me for the most part.

[skysue16 Graduate]

Thanks for posting this information, very useful. Here in the Highlands we haven't had the very hot weather that others have been experiencing down south. Squiggs has had a hair cut recently but he does still get hot. Good point about jumping in a river or muddy ditch GoogleMe - on the lead Squiggs is restricted to the odd puddle for a quick drink! But at least when he is attached I have control of the pace/distance whereas off the lead he just doesn't stop! We tend to run a bit, then a slow jog and walk so he gets a chance to cool down. Because the information is for Nordic breeds then I think Squiggs would be ok a bit over the 1000 total but it gives good guideline. I'm not good in too much heat either! Thanks very much Maddee_6333

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to skysue16]

Please be aware also that when he is in harness and pulling, he could actually be working harder than if he was free running beside you (even if he runs around like a loony when off lead). Muddy ditches and other watery places are our friends 😀 as long as they aren't stagnant.

ETA there's plenty of internet advice on how to spot heatstroke in our dogs.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to skysue16]

The 1000 total is a generalisation for all dogs Skyesue.