Safe Summer Exercise for Dogs Carrying Extra Weight

Heat is harder on a dog carrying extra weight. Extra pounds mean more insulation, more strain on the heart, and less efficient cooling. But guess what? None of that means skipping activity. It means picking an activity that doesn't ask too much of them in high heat.

Slow Scent Walks in the Shade

Skip the brisk pace. A slow, meandering nose-down walk still burns calories. It also gives your dog plenty of mental stimulation without the cardio strain of a fast walk. Stick to shaded routes and go early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler out.

A husky lying in a cool dirt hole dug out in the shade

Swimming

If you can get your dog to water, this is one of the best options available. Swimming is near zero impact on joints. It's also great cardio. A dog that needs to lose a few pounds can work hard in water without the joint stress of running on pavement.

Short, Frequent Play Instead of One Long Session

Three five-minute rounds of an easy game beat a hot, hard 20-minute push. Shorter sessions keep your dog from overheating or overworking their joints. Spread these out across the cooler parts of the day instead of doing it all at once.

Swap High-Calorie Treats for a Portion-Controlled Frozen Treat

Treats don't have to derail a weight goal. A small, portion-controlled frozen treat keeps your pup cool without adding major calories to the day. Check out our frozen treat recipes for a few easy options.

Watch: extra weight and heat are a genuinely dangerous combination for a dog's heart. If your dog is overweight, talk to your vet about a safe activity plan before summer really kicks in. A little consistent movement goes a long way.

Looking for more ways to help your dog through the heat? Check out the full summer cooling roundup.