Is it safe to walk my Shih Tzu for 2 hours on a summer evening?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 9th, 2017

  It sounds like you are doing all the preventative measures to keep your pet hydrated and cool, so that's good. Now the final evaluation is to determine if Oli is in good enough shape to endure the long walks. I would recommend, if not done already, that you go on short walks initially and slowly build up to the longer ones. This is called condition training and it allows Oli to slowly build up the stamina to be able to go the distance! Nice popsicles. : )

  

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• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 8th, 2017

  Great question! Whenever you go to take Oli out for a walk, test the pavement with the back of your hand. If you cannot hold it on the pavement for five seconds, then it is too hot to take Oli on a walk. You do not want longer walks on hot days because he could get heat stroke. Heat stroke is very often fatal, so on hot days it's best to keep the walks shorter. He should always have access to plenty of cool water, and on really hot days, keep him in a dark room with a fan if you don't have air conditioning to keep him as cool as possible.

  

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