Canine athletes, like any athletes, require special attention to their safety and well-being. Heat stress is a serious concern that should not be taken lightly. By recognizing your canine’s limitations, creating a safe exercise environment, and incorporating gradual training sessions, you can help your canine become more tolerable to the heat and limit the chance of them developing a heat stressed-related injury.
- Condition them during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Eliminate workouts in direct sunlight or on hot pavement.
- Provide plenty of shade and fresh water for them to cool down and stay hydrated during and after exercises.
Balancing performance goals with health is important to not only prevent heat stress, but other injuries. Incorporating heat tolerance trainings into exercise routines can help prepare canines to perform at their best in hot conditions, and more importantly, keep them safe in those conditions.
When it comes to training and conditioning for heat tolerance, it’s important to take a gradual approach. Gradual exposure to heat allows the dog’s body to acclimatize and adapt to the increased temperature over time.
Slowly increase the duration and intensity of the exercise. For example, start with shorter sessions in cooler temperatures and then slowly extend the time spent exercising in the heat, this allows your dog’s body to adapt. Also incorporate regular rest days into their training schedule to give their muscles and joints time to recover.
Just like humans, dogs have different levels of tolerance to heat. Some breeds are more prone to overheating, while others may have underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible. Knowing your dog and their specific needs, allows you to be able to adjust their exercise route accordingly. If you notice any signs of distress, provide immediate relief and consult a veterinarian.