For a 30 minute work-out, be sure to include a 5 minute warm up, a 20 minute run, and a 5 minute cool down period of walking. An over-exerted dog pants heavily. Breathing may become irregular and the dog s gait may become uneven staggering. Breathing may suddenly become quiet and the dog might faint. Heat Exhaustion Exercising your dog on very hot or humid days could cause heat exhaustion.
Dogs cool themselves by panting.
If panting does not reduce the body temperature the dog will develop heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when a dog is subjected to prolonged exposure to high temperature or humidity to a point where the animal is unable to maintain normal body temperature. Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated immediately. Early signs of heat exhaustion include rapid breathing, heavy panting, and salivation. Other signs are fatigue, muscle tremors, and staggered walking.