Despite the triple-digit temperatures, pet exercise — both physical and mental — are important, but safety must be a priority.
Dog Training Elite Arizona owner Neal Mestas, who works with dogs from all over the Valley and has an indoor training room, suggests early morning or after sundown to take a dog outside for 20 to 30 minutes. However, there are things to look for to keep pets from getting injured or sick.
“When you take dogs outside, you want to be able to hold your hand to the ground for 10 to 20 second and if you can, then it is safe for your dog,” Mestas explained.
He said while dog’s paws do have a callous build up, it is still uncomfortable and can burn. In addition, Mestas said dogs can get heatstroke and do not perspire; they instead pant to cool down. Having fresh water readily available is also important, he added.
According to the Arizona Humane Society, pet-owners need to know the signs of heat stroke. This includes red gums and tongue, loud and rapid panting, excessive or lack of drool, glazed eyes, excessive thirst, vomiting diarrhea and weakness. The website states to not force water or leave the pet alone and do not use cold water to cool the pet down in order to avoid shock. If pet owners notice the signs, call a veterinarian, move the pet to a cool place, direct a fan to blow on the pet and place a cool, wet cloth on their bellies, ears, paws and neck.
Keeping dogs active in the heat can be a challenge for seniors with larger dogs, but Mestas said for the smaller breeds, playing ball indoors is sufficient. Larger dogs can do the same, but space is limited at times.
“A hallway is the perfect space for small dogs to get exercise chasing a toy or ball,” he said.
Mestas said teaching dogs and owners how to put booties on dogs, can be helpful when they are out on walks. Most dogs start off not caring for the booties, but if it starts as a puppy it is a lot easier.
“A senior dog can take more time to get used to it, but eventually they will,” he explained.
Using an indoor treadmill is another way to get dogs some exercise, but Mestas discourages going out and buying a brand new one. He said checking for used options can be a cheaper option.
“I love the physical aspect of the treadmill, as well as the mental part of them focusing to stay on,” Mestas explained.
Puzzle feeding dishes can also help the animals engage their minds while eating.
Mestas recommends engaging with the dog in physical and mental activity for about 20 to 30 minutes a day. He said anything is better than nothing and breaking the time up to do activity in the morning, middle of the day and evening can help.
Sun City West Canine Companion Club Treasurer Teresa Broaddus said members of the club, such as herself, walk the dog at the dog park in Sun City West right when it opens at 5 a.m. This location has plenty of water and grass to keep the dogs cool she said. Others from the club choose to visit the park during the evening hours when the sun has gone down.
“Sometimes people will put little booties on their dogs to help them walk up the sidewalk. My dog is lab mix and I have not found anything to fit him,” Broaddus said.
Rusty belongs to Broaddus and the way she keeps him mentally stimulated at home is to give him bone marrow bones to chew on, which is his favorite thing to do. She said many members get together for play days at each other’s houses and those with pools let the dogs enjoy the water, which is a change.
“One of the more popular things we do to keep our dogs energized and cool is once a week a group gets together and takes their dogs to Lake Pleasant and lets them swim and romp around. It is a big hit, the dogs love it,” Broaddus explained.
She said making sure she pays attention to her dog’s behavior is especially important when they are out in the heat. While some dogs skip meals when they are overheated, Rusty never misses a single one; Broaddus monitors Rusty to make sure he is healthy.
Visit https://canine.scwclubs.com/ to learn more about the club and visit the dog park from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, at 19803 N. R.H. Johnson Blvd.
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Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @scw_independent.
In 2020, Jennifer Jimenez began working for Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA. She began her career as a sports reporter in Peoria and Glendale, covering the very same schools she used to compete at. During this time, she also worked for television news, magazines and sports radio stations.
Community: Jennifer is a member of the Hall of Fame at Peoria High School where she graduated in 2001, alongside her father Joe Hernandez. She serves youth soccer players as a pro-trainer and coach.
Education: Grand Canyon University 2005 B.A. Liberal Arts
Ranom Fact: She has a street named after her in south Peoria “Jennifer Rose Court.”
Hobbies: Country dancing, coaching soccer, teaching private swim lessons and running are things she does for fun.
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