Walk this Way: Safety While Exercising

A lot more goes into taking a walk than simply tossing on a leash and bouncing out the front door - especially if you're a petsitter, responsible for the safety of an owner's beloved dog.

Between seasonal hazards such as heatstroke and year-round concerns like strange dogs approaching, you need to know what you can do to keep Fido safe in nearly any circumstance.

CONSIDER THE BREED

Size
Small dogs with shorter legs can't be taken on long walks like the bigger guys. Also keep in mind that for big breeds, sustained jogging is too hard on their joints. If you want to still jog with a big breed, do so in quick bursts, broken up by periods of calm walking so he can take a breather.

Features
Breeds with shorter noses (think French Bulldog or Boxer) may be prone to overheating more quickly than other dogs and may experience some breathing problems when faced with vigorous exercise. Watch for signs of tiring so the dog doesn't overexert himself.

Age
Like large breeds, puppies also experience too much stress on their joints if you take them for a long run or jog. They also don't tolerate the cold as well as older dogs, so you may want to stick to indoor exercising until the weather passes.

BE AWARE OF SEASONAL HAZARDS

Hot Weather
You may be one of those types who love to bask in the warm glow of the sun on a summer walk, but we can assure you, your dog does not. With the sun beating down, the pavement becomes very hot - you try walking on it barefoot. For 30 minutes. Ouch. That's what your dog may experience if you walk him during the middle of a hot day. Instead, choose mornings or evenings when the weather has cooled a little.

Another thing to watch for during the warmer months is heatstroke. Here are some signs:

• Rapid panting
• Hyperventilation (deep breathing)
• Wide eyes
• Salivating at first, then dry mouth and nose
• Staggering and weakness
• Confusion or inattention
• Pale or gray gums

Cold Weather
On the opposite end of the spectrum, in the colder, wintery months, your dog will still need exercise. It might not be the most pleasant thought to bundle up in a thick winter coat that makes you waddle like a penguin, but Fido still deserves some (safe) outdoors time. As you're bundling up, don't forget to give shorthair dogs an extra layer of warmth as well. Dog jackets and sweaters will help keep them warm.

Also, to combat the cold, check the dog's paws for ice that may be stuck to the footpads or in between his toes. Pay attention to how he walks too. If he keeps lifting individual legs up off the cold ground, he may be feeling the effects of frostbite (skin will look red or gray).

Another thing worth mentioning - if you've got the dog out when it's snowing, don't let him off the leash. Dogs can lose their scent in this type of weather (especially in snowstorms, but why choose that exact time to go all Richard Simmons?), which means they may accidentally wander off or get lost.

TAKE ITEMS WITH YOU

Collapsible Bowl and Bottled Water
Especially during warmer months when the dog can get dehydrated much more easily, bring with you a collapsible bowl and bottled water (for you and the dog). The fact is, if the dog is thirsty, he's going to find water. Drinking from a puddle on the sidewalk can be bad news - it's a total breeding ground for mosquitoes, not to mention harmful parasites, and may contain antifreeze from cars. Instead, when you notice the pup panting with a swollen tongue hanging out of this mouth, put out the bowl with water and let him drink safely.

Stick or Bone
Actually, this isn't for your pet. It's for you to throw in case you are approached by an unleashed animal. Most dogs mean no harm, so keep calm. Once the animal is distracted, you and your dog can quickly leave the area.

Treats
Nothing better to get your pet's attention than to wave a tasty treat in front of him. You can use these treats to reward good behavior, such as not lunging crazily at the terrified-looking bicyclist or actually listening when you tell him to sit so the neighborhood kids can pet him.

Emergency Kit
If you're the petsitter, the owners should have left you a physical description of the dog along with a picture and the vet release form. Just in case something happens during your routine walk, you'll want to be able to accurately and quickly describe the dog, and/or get him treatment as quickly as possible.