How often should you walk your dog in August in Miami?
How often should you be walking your dog in Miami’s heat, especially in August, arguably one of the hottest months in South Florida? Dogs still need their potty breaks, especially if their parents work eight or more hour days. Most pet parents we know don’t train their dogs to go on potty pads or grass patches indoors (hats off if you do!), so they still have to hire dog walkers to let their pups out for a midday break. As professional dog walkers, it’s our responsibility to make sure our clients’ dogs are getting their midday walks safely. We consider many factors when walking dogs in Miami’s August heat, specifically:
- The dog’s age
- Dog’s health/medical conditions, and fitness level
- The pup’s breed
- The temperature/heat index
- How much shade/tree canopy exists in their neighborhood
Most veterinarians will say that, in general, a dog should walk between 30 minutes to two hours a day. This varies according to many factors. More active, working breeds will need significantly more exercise, for example. Puppies and seniors will need less. We’ll go over how often each kind of dog should walk during the summer below. We hope this is helpful for you, too!
How often should an adult dog walk in Miami in August:
Dog walks during Miami’s hot summer months can be challenging. But dogs still need their potty breaks and exercise while their parents are working. So they should continue to get their walks, but with some adjustments. We recommend that active adult dogs get at least three walks a day. Their pet parents can walk their dogs for longer periods in the early morning before work, before the temperatures rise. They can walk their dogs when they return from work, too, closer to 7:30 or 8:00 PM. And they can hire a dog walker to let their dogs out for a midday break with some adjustments to protect their pups from the heat. For example, our dog walkers always check the asphalt for heat and avoid it as much as possible, sticking to grass and under shade. They always take water on walks, wet dogs down if applicable, and watch for signs of heat stroke. We’ll go outside for a quick potty break, and then come back in for fun, enriching activities that will stimulate them mentally as well as physically. Check out our blog post on the best indoor activities to beat the heat.
How often should a puppy walk in Miami’s summer?
Puppies are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures. You have to be extra careful with puppies when walking them, ensuring they don’t burn their paws on asphalt and that they don’t overheat. We recommend keeping your puppy indoors more often during the summer months if you can. Potty training a puppy can include a short walk, but after they’ve received their full vaccination schedule. Our dog walkers take puppies out for quick potty breaks according to their potty training schedule, and then have fun and safe indoor playtime with them. Potty pads are definitely your dog’s other best friend during potty training!
How often should a senior dog walk in Miami’s summer?
Senior dogs might have slowed down a bit in their older age, but walks keep them active and fit. The mental enrichment is priceless, too. But unlike adult dogs, senior dogs typically need shorter walks, especially in the heat. They are more vulnerable to overheating than their younger counterparts. You also have to factor in any medications they might be taking that affect how they handle heat.
We recommend short walks in the shade, and plenty of hydration before, during, and after the walk, for a healthy senior pup. They can have several walks a day, but make sure they’re shorter.
Thinking about dog breeds and health
Certain dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke and should have shortened walks and indoor exercise during the summer months. We’re talking about brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies, Boston Terriers, Shar-Peis, and Pugs. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. A quick potty break with plenty of hydration and indoor playtime will do them a world of good.
Side note: Make sure you are protecting your pup’s paws when venturing out for a walk in the summer! We recommend these items:
Best indoor activities for dogs to beat the heat
In the summer, our dog walkers bring our clients’ dogs back in from walking for playtime and enrichment in the glorious air conditioning. Some fun activities we enjoy indoors include:
- Practice tricks: sit, stay, paw.
- Brushing and cuddling
- Play in the backyard and come in often for AC and water breaks.
- Pool time if the pet the parent allows
- Tug of war and other low-key games
- Hiding treats around the home for the pups to sniff out.
When it’s as hot as it has been, we bring the dogs we’re walking in early. This applies especially to seniors, puppies, short-nosed breeds like Frenchies, and dogs with illnesses. Pet parents rely on us as professionals to keep their dogs healthy and safe. So, our dog walkers take their pups out for a quick walk in the shade, keep them off the pavement, and monitor how they react to the heat. We always take water on walks. Do you have additional recommendations for walking dogs in the summer?
