Lifestyle

Halloween Safety Tips for Spooktacular Pets

Pets Best — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Halloween! As pet owners everywhere gear up for the spookiest night of the year by shopping for costumes, getting out the doggie glow sticks and hiding the chocolate, we wanted to share a list of quick tips to help you and your pet have a spooktacular night.

Be sure to keep chocolate, raisins and other potentially harmful food away from pups. In some cases, chocolate has proven lethal.

Think like your pet. As cute as that Wonder Woman costume is, if your pet seems miserable, she probably is. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't have her in it long enough to snap a few hundred photos or so! On the flip side, if your dachshund absolutely loves his new skunk costume or your Siamese makes the cutest devil you've ever seen, remember to supervise him closely as costumes can be easily chewed or caught in surrounding trees or bushes when outside trolling for candy.

Realize that children knocking and a doorbell ringing every few minutes will most likely create moderate to severe anxiety in your pets and trigger the protective instinct in dogs when it comes to guarding their pack. Providing them with a safe place to wait it out-like the bedroom or their crates-will help alleviate some of this anxiety.

If your pup is out on the sidewalk and streets, pick up a Halloween glowstick for his collar. Not only will the kids think it's great, but he will be more likely to be seen by trick-or-treaters and drivers and not as likely to be trampled underfoot.

Lastly, as much as we hate to mention the tricksters of Halloween who seem to take pleasure in spoiling a perfectly good celebration, Halloween does seem to be the night that malicious pranksters enjoy preying on our precious pets. Knowledge is power, so understanding that not everyone that night has good intentions may prompt you to leave your furbabies in for the night. Know your neighborhood and realize that Halloween offers a chance for kids and teenagers to be naughty, as well as nice.

Be well, be safe and most of all, enjoy the fun!

Gearing Up for Winter: Preparing for Jack Frost Before He Comes

Pets Best — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Brrrrrrr! Is it just us, or has anyone else noticed that winter is rapidly approaching? As the cooler nights begin, it's more than just your car and house pipes that need winterizing. The outdoors for our four-legged friends can be more than just uncomfortable: they can be downright dangerous.

Shore up for winter by purchasing jackets and blankets with your pet in mind. Inexpensive blankets can be found at any local thrift store, but be careful as blankets have a tendency to trap moisture. No one wants to sleep in a wet bed! Also, be sure that if your pup is outside for more than a few minutes in a chilly environment that he has adequate shelter with lots of clean, thick bedding and clean drinking water (not frozen) at all times. One solution we have found to the frozen water dilemma is to purchase a heated water bowl. No more frozen water!

Dog houses can be warmed with hot water bottles, special heat-radiating pads or cedar chips. Some dog houses even come with their own electric heaters, though the risks should not be taken lightly. If the doghouse is wooden, be sure to raise it up off the ground several inches to prevent rotting and keep out rain, and cover the door of the dog house with a mat, piece of plastic carpet runner or carpet to provide an adequate door to keep out the snow and rain.

Remember, too, that dogs lose most of their heat through their paws, ears and skin, so extended exposure to cold will have an effect on them. Long-haired dogs like Elkhounds and Huskies fare better than smooth-coated dogs, Boxers and Greyhounds, for example.

All breeds, however, including cats, are susceptible to de-icing products, including salt. Be sure to wash their paws with warm water after walking on any of these substances.

Speaking of substances, be sure to monitor your car for any anti-freeze leaks and wipe them up immediately, as these can prove lethal for both cats and dogs. Also be sure to give a good tap to the hood before you start your car in the morning if you have kitties in your neighborhood who enjoy the warmth of your car motor. (Or if your own kitty sleeps in the garage at night.)

The general rule of thumb, as always, is to do unto others as you would have done unto you. Gearing up for winter before she comes blowing in will save you and your pets some frozen preparations later.

Achoo! Tactics to Fend Off Pet Allergies

Arden Moore — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Sneezing. Runny nose. Itchy, swollen eyes. Rash.

When most of us touch and pet the coats of our dogs or cats, it's a pleasurable experience. But some unfortunates - approximately 1 in 5 people - suffer from allergies that are set off when they touch an animal or even when they're simply in the same room with them.

"It's probably more common to be allergic to cats, and cats also are more clinically significant because they tend to spend more time indoors and find their way onto the bedding more often," says Oren P. Schaefer, an allergist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.

Although most people blame a pet's fur for triggering their allergies, the real cause is the proteins found in hair, saliva, urine and dander (dead skin flakes). The body views these proteins as foreign and manufactures antibodies against them. Those antibodies produce itchy eyes or runny noses - hallmarks of an allergy.

People who love pets but suffer from allergies are constantly on the prowl for a pet that won't set off their symptoms. A number of dog and cat breeds are believed to be hypoallergenic. Among them are poodles, bichons frise, greyhounds, soft-coated wheaten terriers and Siberian cats.

The disappointing truth, however, is that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat. All animals produce dander, even hairless ones, and of course, they all produce saliva and urine.

Scientists don't know why some people seem to be allergic to some dogs and cats, but not to others.

"Some people say, 'Well, I'm not allergic to my cat or dog' or 'I'm allergic to German Shepherds, but not spaniels' and what I tell them is 'dogs are dogs,' " Dr. Schaefer says. "They all have the basic antigen - it's identical. That said, some make more antigen than others, and some houses are cleaner than others from an allergic point of view, so there are a lot of reasons people might have trouble at the neighbor's house and not their house and vice versa."

One reason people might react less to a particular breed is the amount of grooming it receives. Frequent bathing and grooming can temporarily reduce the amount of dander produced.

Another reason is related to physiological changes that affect hair growth. Dogs with longer hair-growth cycles, such as poodles, may shed dead surface cells more uniformly than short-coated breeds, which shed frequently.

Size is another factor to consider. Big dogs simply produce more dander than small dogs.

In the case of Siberian cats, they appear to produce less Fel d 1-the protein that causes cat allergies - than other cats. But not everyone is able to tolerate them.

"I do not guarantee that the person will not be allergic," says Siberian breeder Karon Hansberger of Reigning Cats cattery in Clarksburg, Maryland. "I have had quite a few people who had mild allergies be able to have the Siberians, and I have had several tell me they are still having reactions. It's hard to say why some can tolerate the Siberian and some cannot."

The good news is that people with pet allergies can take steps to live with their affliction - without giving up their pets. Here are eight tactics to try:

* Minimize allergic reactions by brushing and bathing your pet frequently - a task best done by someone who's not allergic.

* Keep your pet's coat healthy with a good diet, regular grooming and parasite control. Anything that irritates the skin surface, such as biting, licking, scratching, external parasites, bacterial or fungal infections and hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism, can result in more dander.

* Use sprays or wipes - available at pet supply stores - that can help reduce the amount of dander on the pet's body. Baby wipes may also work.

* Restrict your pet's access to furniture and certain areas of the house, primarily your bedroom.

* Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

* Install a HEPA air filter or air purifier if you have a cat.

* Keep over-the-counter antihistamines such as liquid or chewable Benadryl on hand to help control reactions, and ask your allergist about prescription antihistamines and decongestants that may help.

* Learn to love a contemporary d�cor: metal, leather and wood are better choices than fabric upholstery and carpet.

Pet Sitters: Questions to Ask Before You Go

Shannon Steffen — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

You want to leave on vacation, but what about Duke and Fluffy? For some, boarding kennels are a perfect solution for their pets to receive the care they need, but for others, they want their pet to receive more personalized care during their absence. For them, there is no better option than a pet sitter. Pet sitters come in two forms: the personal pet sitter and the professional pet sitter.

Personal Pet Sitters

Personal pet sitters are family, friends, and neighbors of the pet owner. When the owner goes out of town, these individuals come over to the house and provide the basic necessities for the pets in the household. This may include feedings, walks, play time, or simple clean up.

Some benefits of hiring personal pet sitters:

Pets are already familiar with family, friend, or neighbor.
The pets remain in their safe and secure environment. All sights, smells, and sounds are familiar.
Customary diets are maintained.
Exercise routine is not disrupted.
Medical treatments are easily given as the person is already well known.
The pets are not exposed to illnesses or parasites from other pets in other facilities.
There is no traveling in a car or crate required.
The pets receive personalized love and support while you are away from someone they already trust.

When choosing someone you know to provide personalized care for your pets, you will want to choose someone that is:

Comfortable with your pets
Friendly and familiar to your pets
Available to provide all the care your pets' need
Prepared for the responsibility of taking care of your pets
Able to drive should emergency veterinary care be needed
Available to spend quality time with your pet

Some friends or family members may be willing to stay in your house while you are away. This provides the pet with a more personalized routine and adds a sense of security. Ask if they are comfortable with an in-house type of arrangement prior to outlining an "as needed" care routine.

When using a personal pet sitter, the owner should provide the following before leaving the pet:

Pet's history and habits
List of immunizations, vaccines, and any recent medical conditions and medication
Schedule of routine for pet; including eating, sleeping, walks, and playing
Emergency contact information, include veterinarian information and business hours, as well as where you will be staying with phone numbers
Collar with identification tags to be worn by the pet while away
List of any rooms that are off limits to the pet
Money for any emergency care needed

Professional Pet Sitters

There are a number of benefits to hiring a professional pet sitter. When you are away, the pet sitter will visit your home to feed, care for and play with your pet. Since they will have a responsibility for both your home and your pet, you should seriously consider both the pros and cons of having someone in your home.

Before hiring a professional pet sitter, make sure time is allowed for a formal interview. Prepare questions ahead of time for a smooth and thorough. Review the services and fees closely, as each professional pet sitter varies.

A bonded pet sitter will have commercial liability insurance coverage and should be willing to provide both personal and professional references. Check the references and other documents prior to hiring the pet sitter and insist on an introduction time between your pet and the sitter to ensure that the person gets along with your pet.

Some benefits of hiring professional pet sitters:

The pet remains in his or its safe and secure environment. All sights, smells, and sounds are familiar, creating less stress on the pet.
Customary diets are maintained.
Exercise routine is not disrupted.
Medical treatments are easily given.
The pet is not exposed to illnesses or parasites from other pets.
There is no traveling in a car or crate required.
The pet receives personalized love and support while you are away.
Owners do not have to impose on a friend, family member or neighbor.
The home is made more secure by crime deterrent measures provided by most professional pet caregivers.

When using a professional pet sitter, the owner should provide the following before leaving the pet:

Pet's history and habits
List of immunizations, vaccines, and any recent medical conditions
A schedule of routine for pet that includes eating, sleeping, walks, and playing
Emergency contact information. Include veterinarian information and business hours, as well as where you will be staying with phone numbers
Collar with identification tags to be worn by the pet while away
List of any rooms that are off-limits to the pet

If you have decided that a professional pet sitter is best for your pet, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) can help. NAPPS is a non-profit membership organization originally founded in 1989, to promote excellence among pet sitters and to serve as a voice for the expanding industry.

Professional Pet Sitters are easy to locate by zip code on their website at petsitters.org. Additionally, they provide an 800 number on their website for pet owners to contact them with any questions or concerns they may have about pet sitting.

Shannon Steffen is a freelance writer who has written numerous dog related articles, trains her own Labrador Retrievers as therapy dogs, and owns DogWireGifts.com and 8PawsUp.com dog gift stores.

Hiking With Dogs

Shannon Steffen — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

All the plans are set, the course laid out, safety gear purchased, and all preparations have been made. But what about your dog? This question is becoming increasingly popular as families decide to no longer leave their beloved canine companions at home but instead choose bring them along for the hike.

There is no more agreeable and easy-going hiking partner than a well-behaved and friendly dog. With the inclusion of a dog to the hiking pack, certain precautions and arrangements must first be made to ensure that everyone, including the dogs, have a pleasant time without worry of the rough terrain and possible disasters for both dog and owner.

Remember that you, your family, and your dog will not be the only ones on the hiking trails. Depending of the trail you decide to take, there could be several people or several hundred people with their families and other dogs (and possibly horses) traveling along the same path. This is not the place for an aggressive or poor-mannered dog.

Dogs that have not been well trained and those that have aggression issues should be left at home for the protection of other hikers as well as themselves. Dogs that do not listen well to their owners can also find them in very dangerous situations as they may stray easily from the hiking trail or encounter things along the trail that should not be touched, such as poisonous plants and wild animals.

Dogs that do venture to the hiking trails should carry their own packs. Packs should hold provisions for at least one week should you ever become stranded or found off course. Since a dog can hold up to one-third its body weight, carrying their own packs is not a problem.

Ethics

How well-behaved will your dog be on the hiking trails and around other people and their dogs? In order to maintain a friendly environment and enjoy your hiking time, the following behaviors should be enforced:

Do not allow your pet to chase wildlife.
Leash your dog around water sources and in sensitive trail areas.
Do not allow your dog to stand in any sources of drinking water.
Be mindful of the rights of other hikers not to be bothered by even a friendly dog.
Bury your pet's waste or deposit it in the nearest trash bin.
Take special measures at shelters. Leash your dog in the sheltered area, and ask permission of other hikers before allowing your dog in a shelter. Be prepared to "tent out" when a shelter is crowded, and on rainy days.
Do not let wet dogs loose in shelters as they tend to rub against other hikers and cause more muddy and slippery conditions within the shelter.
Clean up after your dog when leaving a shelter by sweeping up.
Do not allow the dog to beg or steal food from other hikers.
Verify that dogs are permitted on the trails you wish to hike. Many national and state parks do not allow dogs.

Health

Hiking is a very aerobic activity that should not be undertaken by those in poor health or those who cannot handle the rigorous conditions of a hike. This is equally important for dogs and because of this, the following should be considered prior to bringing Fido along for the hike:

All dogs should be wearing a collar with proper identification tags. Be sure to obtain a proper dog license and attach an ID tag to your dog's collar.
Make sure your dog has updated vaccinations, nails trimmed and is in good health. Get a rabies tag and attach it to the collar.
Dogs under 15 months of age can easily sustain bone damage as they are in their growing phase, and long walks can permanently damage the bones or growth plates. Remember to keep walks short while they're in this phase.
Long walks for older dogs with arthritis or other medical conditions that make it difficult for them to walk could also cause damage and pain, so consider this, too, before you take your dog out for a long hike.
Female dogs in heat could cause aggression issues in other dogs along hikes, and the owner could end up with an unwanted pregnancy. Those dogs that are spayed need the veterinarian approved resting and recuperation time prior to hiking.
Male dogs should be neutered prior to hiking and allowed time to rest and heal properly. Aggression and wandering are common traits in unaltered male dogs.
Fleas and ticks are abundant in the great outdoors, so be sure that your dogs are up-to-date on their preventive topical medications.
Pet first aid kits should be carried.
Feel confident that your dog listens to you and is well behaved.
To avoid sickness, do not feed your dog right before you exercise or hike. Feed them afterward when they are rested.
Bring lots of water and a bowl for Fido to drink from.
Bring food or treats, even if you plan on being gone for only a short period of time.
Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day to keep your dog from overheating.
Have a towel handy to clean your dog up or clean wounds that may occur during the hike.

Park Rules

Every national or state park will have different rules and regulations for their parks and those enjoying the hiking trails. These should be posted at the entrance to the park, but you should contact the park first to obtain a copy of the rules and regulations prior to setting off on your hike. Such rules are in place to keep you and your pets safe. Even with the rules in hand, dog owners should acquire the following:

Always keep your eye on your dog. Mischief can happen quickly.
Never leave your dog unattended.
Always fill in any holes your dog digs.
Always use a leash. (Each park has different regulations as to the length of the leash.)
Dog owners must obtain permits for their dogs (where necessary).
All dogs should be up to date on their vaccinations.
Always clean up after dogs.
Aggressive dogs are not allowed on any public hiking trails or open beach areas.

U.S. Parks

Now that you are armed with all this knowledge and are ready to hit the trails with your canine companion, where do you go? Lucky for us, there are many parks across the United States that allow dogs. To help you find them, here are a few "dog friendly" directory listings on hiking trails.

DogFriendly.com - http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/guides/park/park.shtml
Hike with Your Dog - http://www.hikewithyourdog.com
Pet Friendly Travel - http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/?page=state_parks

Hiking Resources

There are also many offline resources that can help you become more knowledgeable about hiking with your dog. Some of these resources include books, such as:

A Guide to Backpacking With Your Dog by Charlene G. Labelle
First Aid for Dogs: What to do When Emergencies Happen by Bruce Fogle
Ruffing It: The Complete Guide to Camping With Dogs by Mardi Richmond
The Canine Hiker's Bible by Doug Gelbert
The Pet Travel and Fun Authority of Best-of-State Places to Play, Stay & Have Fun Along the Way: 35,000+ Accommodations, Pet Sitters, Kennels, Dog Parks ... Tons-of-Pet Fun & More Guide! 12th Edition by M. E. Nelson

Hiking with your dog should be a fun experience that allows for not only exercise, but also the gift of bonding between owners and their dogs. By following not only the rules of the national or state park, but also by acting in an ethical manner that respects nature and others who are enjoying the hiking trails, your hike will be a positive and memorable experience. There is nothing better than fresh air, lush greenery surrounding you, and a furry hiking companion by your side each step of the way.

References:

Copeland, D. (2005). Backpacking Doggy Style: Basics for Hiking with Dogs.

Hiking with Dogs. (2007). Appalachian Trail Conservatory.

Shannon Steffen is a freelance writer who has written numerous dog related articles, trains her own Labrador Retrievers as therapy dogs, and owns DogWireGifts.com and 8PawsUp.com dog gift stores.

Travel with Fido Friendly: Booking a Fido-friendly Hotel

Pets Best — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The listing states "Dogs Allowed." But before you drive two hours to your destination and then find out that "Dogs Allowed" means in a crate outside, here are a few tips to help in the decision making process:

Are there pet restrictions?

Some pet-friendly properties enforce restrictions such as the amount of dogs they will accommodate. You may think three small Chihuahuas equal one medium dog, but better to check with management before making that reservation. If Fido weighs 50 pounds or more, you may be limited in hotel choices. And since you are asking, go ahead and ask if there are breed restrictions as well. The breeds that are getting a bum rap these days (and you know who you are) may be your cute and cuddly "buddy" at home, but he may strike fear in the hearts of those who don't know and love him like you do.

Are there pet fees or pet deposits?

You have a budget in mind for your vacation and that budget could be sent into a tailspin if you have not allocated an additional fee for your pet. As an example, your property of choice could charge you $25.00 and higher per pet, per night! The hotel could ask for a $100.00 non-refundable deposit. Ask the questions before you check in to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Do you offer any pet amenities?

Because dog travel is taking on a life of its own, many hotels realize how important your best friend is to you, and they want you to be just as happy with the treatment of Fido as you are with your amenities. Now I am not talking about a fluffy robe for your puppy, but you can expect extras such as: dog bed, dog food and water bowls, treats upon check-in, dog walking service, pet sitting and perhaps an on-site doggie masseuse. Don't expect these amenities for free, however, so be sure to ask if there is an additional cost.

Are there dog parks nearby?

One last barking request you may wish to pose to your innkeeper is that of recreation for Fido. Are there walking trails or doggie parks? How Fido-friendly is the town? Are there restaurants that allow you to dine al-fresco?

By being pro-active and asking the questions ahead of time, you will have no surprises waiting for you at the lovely B&B or historic hotel you are anxious to visit.

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Our thanks to Fido Friendly for permission to reprint this article. For a 20% discount on a Fido Friendly subscription, visit our Special Offers Page

Get Fit With Your Dog

Pets Best — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Say the word exercise and many people respond with one word: ugh. Or, they may come up with a half-dozen excuses why they can't make it to the gym or reasons why their bike gathers cobwebs in the garage.

But the secret to improving your health is just a tail wag away. Your best workout buddy just may be your dog. For starters, replace the word, exercise with motion. Each time you lift, bend down, twist, turn, throw, walk, run, or even skip, you're improving your digestion, melting away body fat, and fortifying your body against a host of medical woes.

Keeping your body in motion is like putting gold in the bank. A national study by the American Heart Association reported that burning 2,000 calories a week by performing a physical activity such as walking an hour a day for a week could increase life expectancy by two full years.

So, why not step into an exercise program with your dog? The payoffs: you and your dog can become fit and healthy together. You will enjoy happier, healthier years together, have improved strength and flexibility, be at reduced risks for heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and other conditions, and save money on doctor and veterinary bills.

An added bonus: You may discover that you have much better behaved dog, adds Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, a veterinarian and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Mass.

“Quite often, the cause behind doggie destructiveness in the home is sheer boredom,” says Dr. Dodman, author of If Only They Could Speak. “A dog who doesn't receive adequate exercise will find something to do to release that pent-up energy. That may mean chewing on the sofa or digging up the garden.”

Before you lace your sneakers and start getting serious about regular workouts, get a complete physical exam from your doctor. Then book an appointment with your veterinarian to give your dog a head-to-tail physical exam. Also, discuss the best optimal workout plan for your dog based on health, age, body shape, likes and dislikes.

Keep in mind that no two dogs are the same. What may work, exercise-wise, for one dog, may not work for another, even if they are the same breed, say experts. Generally, long-legged, light-framed dogs are best suited for jogging and leaping. Short-legged, stocky-framed dogs are built for short energy bursts and steady-paced walks. But, there are always the exceptions: the low-to-the-ground Dachshund who craves a spirited jog down the block or the Golden Retriever who prefers long, lopping walks over mile-long runs.

Begin major activities with a five-minute warm-up to stretch your dog's muscles. Using a treat for motivation, have your dog jump up on you. Then instruct your dog to get into a "play bow," (outstretched front legs, head down low, and rear end up in the air). If willing, have your dog do a figure-8 in between and around your legs.

Depending on your dog's condition, start with a five-minute walk, gradually working up to 30 minutes or longer. Equally important: size up your dog. Dogs of extreme sizes—the gigantic (like Bull Mastiffs) or the itty-bitty (like Yorkshire Terriers) – usually require less exercise than mid-sized breeds (such as Labrador Retrievers).

Make a date with your dog daily even if you can only spare 10 undivided minutes with them. For starters, break up the monotony of the nightly walk, says Susan Greenbaum, a professional dog trainer who operates the Barking Hills Country Club in Milford, New Jersey. Don't bring your dog back inside as soon as he goes to the bathroom. Vary your routes and stop occasionally to practice obedience commands and fun tricks. Have your dog sit or gimme paw. These actions reinforce your dog's mental focus and provide him a good workout so that when it comes inside, he is ready to relax.

Avoid turning your dog into a weekend warrior by only working out with him on Saturdays and Sundays. Devoting some time each day to exercise – even 10 minutes – can reduce you and your dog's risk for injuries to muscles and joints, say sports veterinarians.

Even a simple game of backyard ball can provide ample aerobic exercise for your dog. If your throwing arm is a bit achy, you can use a tennis racket to bounce the ball for greater distance in a game of fetch that will satisfy your dog's natural instinct to chase and retrieve.

During hot weather days, scrutinize the walking surfaces. Always place your palm down on the sidewalk to test for its heat intensity on a sunny day before allowing your dog's footpad to touch the asphalt or concrete surface. If it’s too warm to your touch, time your walks in the early morning or evening after the sun goes down to protect your dog’s footpads.

Bring a water bottle for you and a lightweight collapsible water bowl for your dog on your excursions beyond your neighborhood. On hot days, squirt a few jets of water into your dog's mouth every 30 minutes.

With your dog as a workout partner, your choices of activities depend on where you live and your interests. Your choices may be swimming, hiking, or even canine musical freestyle (translation: dancing with your dog to choreographed steps).

Take the TV Test

Is your dog exercising too much – or too little? Try this test when you are watching television at night. A dog craving more exercise will often get in between you and the television show in an attempt for attention. A bone-tired dog will flop on the floor and barely move, even during a noisy TV show. A dog who received adequate exercise will lightly snooze or contently chew on a bone near you, says Suzanne Clothier, a professional dog trainer and breeder from St. Johnsville, New York.

Dog-Tired Signs

Be careful not to overexert your dog on walks and during activities. Stop the activity and allow your dog to rest if he displays any of these signs:

Drooping tongue
Rapid panting – an early sign of overheating
Hesitation – taking a few extra seconds before retrieving a tossed ball
Weight shifting – using different muscle groups to offset soreness
Staggered walking
Muscle tremors
Limping – check footpads for cuts and bruises and legs for sprains or muscle pulls

By Arden Moore, managing editor of Fido Friendly magazine and author of Healthy Dog: The Ultimate Fitness Guide for You and Your Dog. Visit her website: www.ardenmoore.com.