Bad Angel Rule #86

The Beast, post-summer run.

Keep Your Canine Companion Cool.

Recently, something rare happened during an arbitrary afternoon run: I outran my dog.

For anyone who knows anything about my dog, you already know this is quite a feat. My furry freak of nature can run 12 miles with me, bark nervously for an additional two hours and then eat an entire jar of wood putty before she ever lays down for a nap. She’s a beast.

But there’s one thing my super dog can’t handle, and that’s the summer heat. While we humans do need to take precautions in the heat, our furry friends have a much lower tolerance.

Sure, that’s one of the awesome things that makes humans superior runners, but before you run Fido into the ground, take note on these hot summer days:

• If it’s above 85 degrees or especially humid, you need to amend your mileage and pace.
• Don’t forget about the sun. Our furry friends sport full coats year-round, so while you’re cooking up a tan, they’re just cooking.
• If you are stopping for water, your dog needs some too. Plan your run around hoses, sprinklers, water fountains or businesses that have dog bowls outside.
• Dogs cool down from the bottom up. After your run, put down a damp towel for him to lay on or spray his belly and feet with cool water.

So go get out there and beat the heat. You and your little dog too. – Aidz