Hey Guys, I'm new here.
I'll be getting a 7 month old Husky late this month or early next month and have a question about exercising in warm weather.
I run a lot, and was hoping my pup could come along with me. I know I'll have to build her up to the long runs slowly, but since I live in MD our summers can be pretty rough. 80+, this past week was 90+

I know I can't run her at those temperatures, but I have two questions.
1. How hot can I run her safely, for about 5K
2. How do you guys exercise your dogs when it's too hot?


I apologize if this has been posted before, I couldn't find any threads about it.
Thanks for any advice you can give.

I wouldn't run her until shes a year old. Puppies joints are still growing and its not recommended to start running them regularly until a year old as it can cause strain on the joints, I'm personally waiting until 18 months as my female is very petite and I want to make sure her growth plates have plenty of time to settle in. As for temperatures, I would do your running in the early morning or late evening, and make sure you bring water for her on the way. I don't know exact temperatures only that I normally don't go out if its above 70 degrees, but my pups are more laid-back and since we're pretty much nocturnal most the time we wait until midnight for walks.

Since 7 months is still pretty young, I would avoid structured runs at that age (growing bones, joints, ect.) Short, trail runs should be OK- but avoid hard concrete or asphalt. As with any runner you'll need to condition her to get to your level. 5k isn't too long, and i'm sure the heat will bother her before the distance will. Walking breaks with water will be appreciated i'm sure.

Since hot temps are pretty much the norm here I tend to bring my dogs on runs only when i'm going on an evening run or an early morning run. Temps are more bearable for both of us.

So I just have a question, I have been starting to run my dog on short sprints. I have a really huge back yard, it takes me quite a while to get all the way to the back, and the last half of the run is up hill. It probably takes us about a full minute to get all the way from the front to back. She is over 6 months old, and it has been 80+ here during the day, but I only run her after the sun starts going down when it gets cooler. Is this amount okay for running at her age?

I can't say if it will cause any physical issues but here's the general goal on what to avoid: Running a young dog in a structured run (IE on leash next to you, pulling you on a scooter, pulling on blades, running with a bike ect.) for long duration (based on age and physical capability), on hard ground (cement, asphalt, brick, ect.) That's not to say that running them through a varied trail won't hurt them... You just have to use your best judgement.There is no cut and dry answer unfortunately.

Well she runs next to me with the leash, but she really only runs for a tiny bit, and notices my speed, then goes into a power walk speed, and this is on grass.

I belong to a local sled dog club here in Oregon, and the common rule is to NOT run your dog in temperatures over 50 degrees. These people are experts and I trust them. I will still run or bikejor my dogs in the 60s in shady areas, but I can visibly see the difference in how just a few degrees affects them. They don't run as hard and fast as they do when it's cooler out, and the heat takes a toll on their bodies with temperature regulation. A husky is known to NOT show signs of wanting to stop, which is why you have to closely monitor them and know when enough is enough.

Agree with others, wait until at least a year or closer to two to make sure the joints are stabilized and growth plates are closed before you start running your dog. I do not run my dogs once the temps hit over 55F, cooler if the humidity is high.

Thank you so much guys. The age thing is a good point, I had heard prior that 6mo was OK. I'm glad I am doing my research!

Is walking one to two miles at this age okay? (starting at one and building to two)

Thanks again!

The rule I have heard was 5 minutes for each month for walking so a 20-30 minute walk will probably be okay for a 7 month old..

We walk our pups (they are both 3 years) the last two morning for about 4 miles each time in the 70 to 80 degree temps. We bring water and give them several breaks along the way. I have one my female that wears our faster than the other one I give her more stops.

In the early evening we walk them for about 1 mile to 3/4 miles in hot temps we try to plan our walk in the shade,

First of all, wait until the dog is a little older (maybe a year or around the time she stops growing). I have a husky and I live in Nicaragua, where it is REALLY hot as well. I run for about 4km a day with my husky and he is fine. You also have to take into consideration that you are running. A sprint for you might be a jog for him. It would be different if you were rollerblading or biking or whatever. If you are really concerned about the dog, then change your schedule so that you run when it is not that hot. If you are running and you see your dog acting wierd, try to get him some rest and some water. There shouldn't be any problems