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 There is no clever, eloquent way to express a common mistake I used to make years ago, but continue to witness every summer between women and their best friends. Invariably during hot middays, women find the outdoors the perfect exercise arena, and generally it is. It’s hard enough to get motivated to work out and stay in shape, so naturally we look for distractions and a willing companion to help us get through the task. It’s usually our very best friend, and that often means the ever-willing family dog. Why not: The dog never says no. Not ever. The mistake we make is we protect ourselves from sweltering summer conditions but never consider the same for our dogs. Let’s fully understand the process. As women we carefully prepare and protect ourselves for grueling hot temperatures. We wear hats, sunscreen, cushy shoes, sunglasses and carry water. For our dogs, we put a leash on them and they quickly join us in their full-blown nose-to-tail fur coat, bare-skinned paws, big exposed eyes and hanging parched tongue. Does that make sense to you? Do you think that because they are animals they’re used to this? Have you forgotten we’ve domesticated and pampered these wonderful companions? Don’t you think that if they weren’t on a leash they’d retreat to a shady, grassy spot and say, “Catch me on the way back”? We may prefer to work up a good sweat or show off our bathing suit figure from noon to 7 p.m., the hottest, most humid hours of the day; but our dogs would not. I guarantee you the dogs’ ideal outdoor conditions includs some cloud coverage, a breeze and self-control to go inside or take cover when they want to. But when we say “Let’s go,” they willingly comply, with love and trust. Admittedly it’s not a difficult decision for them either since the opportunity quickly translates into new smells, new objects to mark or remark, new sites, maybe even new friends. Pure canine nirvana. This is all good – just not at the hours we find most convenient. I’ve been 2 degrees separated from two tragic overheated dog instances. If I could make an act of Congress happen to force every woman to reserve this wonderful active bond for the early morning or late evening, I would. But that is not realistic. Just carefully consider these Do’s and Don’t’s next time you’re about to step outside with your willing canine companion: 1. If weather reports tell you it’s danger levels of the three H’s – Hazy, Hot and Humid, and they tell you it’s not safe for people to be outdoors, then I can assure you, it’s not safe either for a dog on a leash with your vice grip. For the love of Pete, they’re wearing fur! 2. Pay attention! Dogs lumber, tongues hang out, they lag in the heat. Their pace slows. Find a spot of shade, a patch of grass and give the dog a break. If it’s really about you then leave the dog at home and then make a walk later about them. 3. Water, water, water. Like people, dogs also require a lot of water. All major and most boutique pet stores (retail and online) sell flexible, compact, travel water bowls. Buy one and stick it in your back pocket or sports bra – share your water with your best friend! 4. Keep the walk to a pleasant pace and a considerate distance. Dogs may have four legs but they are significantly shorter than us. A mile to a human feels two to four times that length to a dog. 5. Jogging in hot, humid weather with your dog … don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t do it. Your dog is your best friend, will do anything for you. Don’t dangerously take advantage of his or her unconditional nature during the summer. Nancy Pingitore invests her free time in pet advocacy, including volunteering for Basset Hound Rescue of George (bhrg.org), founder of The Pet Parade, a community event that has raised thousands of dollars for Georgia-based shelters over the past five years, and founder of a fledgling startup, www.getdigger.com, dedicated to keep a real-time location on your pet. Send your questions to Nancy@smartnow.com.
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