How Do I Exercise My Dog During Arizona Summers?

Exercising with Fido can be tricky during the Arizona summer months.  It's too hot in the middle of the day for your pet sitter to exercise him during his potty break and the sun doesn't go down until late in the evening leaving you to exercise Fido pretty close to bed time. So, unless you are able, and let's be honest, willing, to get up bright and early to take Fido out for his daily exercise the summer months can be rough for both you and your dog.

Well, how hot is too hot to take Fido for a walk?  There is a simple test you can do to tell if it's too hot for Fido to go for a walk.  Walk outside on the sidewalk barefoot...if you can't stand there for more than 3 seconds without burning your feet, it's too hot for Fido.  Your pets pads can and will burn from hot cement and pavement.  There is also the added element of heat exhaustion.  Your dog cools himself by panting.  If he can't stop panting, that is a sign of heat exhaustion.  You will need to take the necessary steps to cool your pet down, because heat exhaustion is fatal.

As a pet sitter and dog walker, it is my responsibility to know how to exercise and stimulate your pet when it's too hot to be outside for long periods of time.  Here are just a few tricks I have up my sleeve...