Pets are good exercise companions. Dogs in particular love to go on walks and hikes with their owners, or run alongside them as they ride their bikes. But it is important to remember that we are responsible for their health and well-being. A loyal pet will stick with his owner to the point of exhaustion.

Making sure that your pet has plenty of water before and after exercising is a must. They do not sweat, but they lose water by panting. It’s also a good idea to take along some extra water for your pet when you work out.

It’s also particularly important to exercise during cooler times of day when you’re bringing a pet along. Some are more sensitive to heat than others, but most have at least a moderately thick fur coat that they can’t remove when working out. Giving them the opportunity to rest in the shade during the hottest part of the day will ensure that they are feeling good enough in the morning or evening to keep pace with you.

Letting your four-legged friend go for a swim is a great way for him to cool off on hot days. If you can modify your route to go by a lake or stream, you could take a break and let him jump in when you get there. This will invigorate him and help keep him cool for the rest of the workout.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion in dogs may not be as noticeable as they are in humans, so it’s crucial to know what to look for. The signs include:
* Hard and incessant panting
* Dark gums
* Feeling hot to the touch
* Elevated body temperature - In dogs and cats, 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit is normal. If rectal temperature is over 104 degrees, veterinary care is advisable.

Know When to Make Adjustments

When you’re working out in the summer, it’s important to be flexible. We’re not talking about flexibility in your muscles (although that’s a good thing too), but rather flexibility in your workout regimen. Sometimes it’s in your best interest to make adjustments.

For instance, some days are hotter than others. If your only chance to exercise comes around at midday, that could mean a significant increase in temperature from one day to the next. And when you’re working out in weather that is hotter than your body is accustomed to, it is easier to become dehydrated. So it’s important to pace yourself and take in more fluids. Alternatively, you could find somewhere indoors to exercise.

If you’re working out with others, it’s also important to respect their limitations as well as your own. If you’re in better shape, don’t expect your workout buddy to keep up. And if she has been training much longer than you have, don’t be afraid to lag behind a little. It’s good to push yourself to a point, but overexertion in hot weather is just asking for trouble.
Also, if you’re planning on trying a new activity, try to do it on a day when the temperature and humidity aren’t extreme. You never know how a specific exercise will affect you until you try it, and giving it a go for the first time during stifling heat could be dangerous. If a given day is going to be your only chance to try something that you’re anxious to do and the weather is hot, try to schedule it very early or very late to minimize the potential impact. Be sure to listen to your body’s cues, and take a break or call it a day if you need to.

Events such as marathons and triathlons require a lot of training, and just getting in good enough shape to participate is quite an accomplishment. But some inexperienced athletes don’t realize that they also need to get their bodies adjusted to the heat if they plan to participate during a potentially hot day. Working out indoors in the air conditioning just won’t cut it. It’s important to adjust to hot temperatures, and to do so gradually. Start out working out for 15 to 30 minutes in the heat, then increase it a little each day for a couple of weeks until you’re doing your entire workout outside during the same time frame when the event will be held.

Summer Is the Season for Fun and Fitness

For kids and adults alike, summer is a season for recreation. School is on break, and it’s the most popular time of year for vacation. The weather gets us in the mood to get out and get active, and that’s why it’s such a great time to work on getting fit.

Getting into shape doesn’t have to cut into your summer fun. If you find activities that you enjoy, it can greatly enhance it. You can also spend more time with your kids or socialize with friends by convincing them to work out with you. So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to get started!