Seven Pointers for Safe Summer Dog Walking

Does your pet pooch hound you to take him out for exercise, even on the hottest dog days of summer? Canine companions need recreation every day. When the mercury rises to its highest points, along with humidity in warm-weather months, a few extra pet precautions are in order for walking the dog.

Seven steps to safety for dogs and their handlers.

What special measures must you take, so you and your dog can enjoy summer walks together safely?

Avoid peak heat index hours.

Obviously, dogs may need short outdoor recesses for pottying throughout the day. Puppies often require frequent outings.

However, longer strolls are safest in the early morning and later in the day, when temperatures usually return to more comfortable levels. By skipping the hottest hours of the day for extended walks, dog lovers may prevent heat exhaustion and even sunburns for their pets and themselves.

Seek shady spots for dog walking.

Dog parks, forest preserves, nature trails and neighborhoods with plenty of mature trees offer ideal options for hot-weather pet walks. Just be sure to bring the bug spray.

Wear reflective clothing for safety.

Light-colored apparel helps motorists to spot dog walkers. Many professional pet exercisers actually wear light-up sneakers for dawn and dusk strolls.

Pets may sport reflective collars and leashes for added visibility.

Leash your dog for walks.

Even the best trained dogs are safest with sturdy collars and leashes for stepping outside their home turf. In most communities, rabies and dog registration tags are required. Many owners also microchip or tattoo their pets for identification.

Protect pets' paws

Dogs' feet can easily be burned by hot pavement. Beware of the darkest tarred driveways and recently repaved roads, which soak up the most heat. Walk dogs on grass or on dirt paths, if available. Pet sneakers may be found for those who must stroll solely on cement.

Construction sites or brand-new subdivisions may feature another danger to pet paws. Look out for nails, scrap metal and other building debris that may litter walkways.

Keep your dog hydrated while exercising.

Dogs do not sweat, so they can easily become overheated. Panting helps these pets to cool off, but it also makes them thirsty. Carry water for longer walks. Collapsible water dishes are available, so you can share your own water bottle with your dog.

It's unwise to rely on ponds or puddles for your dog to drink. These may be contaminated with chemicals or filled with germ-laden runoff.

Don't forget to pick up after your pooch!

Courteous dog walkers will scoop the poop from their own pets, rather than leaving it on others' property. This polite practice preserves neighborhood friendships and fosters a safer and more sociable atmosphere for all.

These seven steps can make summer dog walking safe and fun for both people and pets.

More from this contributor:

5 Ways to Protect Your Pet's Paws in Every Season

Pet Care: Help for Dogs' Hot Spots

Five Tips for Summer Road Trips with Dogs

Linda Ann Nickerson, equestrian and horse breeder, brings decades of reporting and a globally minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor.