We all love our dogs. I love exercising with my dogs. They make great companions when jogging or walking. Well they make great companions all the time, but make exercising more enjoyable. Our dogs give us unconditional love. In fact, they will do anything we ask of them. Even if it means going out for a jog at 85 degrees that may just jeopardize their health.

Every day I see well intentioned individuals exercising with their dogs in this heat. Even in the mornings the temperature can be well above 80 degrees. What we fail to realize is that our dogs have an inefficient cooling system. The only way they can cool themselves down is by panting. Their panting is basically just an exchange of hot air when the temperature soars to 80 plus degrees. It can and often does put the animal in distress. If you were to put your heaviest winter coat on and go out for a jog, you would realize some of what your pet is going through. By the way I don't recommend exercising in the heat of the day with or without your dog. Heat stroke is a reality and can happen quickly to our pets and ourselves.

The best you can do to cool your dog down is to hose them off and bring them into an air conditioned room. It can take them a while to cool down. If you suspect heat stroke, get them to the vet immediately. Some symptoms of heat stroke are; excessive panting, swollen tongue, wobbly, and generalized weakness. Hose them down and get them to a vet or emergency center.

I do love to exercise outdoors with my dogs. But when the mercury rises, I exercise indoors and take my dogs to the river in the evening and let them swim for exercise. Keep yourself and your dog's cool during these hot summer months. Drink lots of water and just wrestle with them more inside. Enjoy your summer and think of cooling ways to have fun with your dogs.

For more information about fitness, please contact Kay Colgan, at Middleburg Pilates and Personal Training at K's, 14 S Madison Street in Middleburg or call 540-687-6995.