Safe Spring and Summer Exercise for Dogs

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, many of us are keen to spend more time outdoors with our dogs. Whether it’s a longer walk through the park, a run around the garden, or a weekend adventure, spring and early summer can be a wonderful time for dogs to enjoy more activity.

But after a quieter winter, it’s important to build things up gradually. A sudden increase in exercise can lead to sore muscles, stiff joints, paw problems, or over-tiredness – especially in older dogs, puppies, flat-faced breeds, and dogs with health conditions.

Start slowly after winter

Just like people, dogs need time to rebuild fitness if they have been less active over the colder months.

Start with shorter walks, gentle play, or relaxed sniffing time, then gradually increase the length and intensity over a couple of weeks. Try not to jump straight from short winter walks to long weekend hikes.

Keep an eye on how your dog feels later in the day and the next morning. Limping, stiffness, reluctance to get up, or seeming unusually tired can all be signs that they may have done too much.

Watch for signs of overheating

Dogs can overheat quickly, particularly during exercise. This can happen even on warm spring days, not just during a summer heatwave. Be especially careful with:

• Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs

• Older dogs

• Puppies

• Overweight dogs

• Dogs with heart, breathing or mobility problems

• Dogs with thick or dark coats

Signs your dog may be getting too hot include heavy panting, excessive drooling, slowing down, seeking shade, weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, confusion, or collapse. If your dog seems too hot, stop exercising immediately.

What to do if your dog overheats

If you are worried your dog may be overheating or developing heatstroke:

• Stop exercise straight away

• Move them to shade or a cool, well-ventilated area

• Offer small amounts of water, but do not force them to drink

• Start cooling them immediately with water

• Use a fan or breeze if available

• Call your vet urgently for advice

Current veterinary advice is to cool first, then seek veterinary care. Pouring cold water over your dog can help bring their temperature down quickly. Avoid covering them with wet towels, as this can trap heat against the body.

Heatstroke can become serious very quickly, so it is always safest to call us or your nearest emergency vet if you are concerned.

Choose your walking times carefully

On warmer days, aim for walks in the early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.

Try to avoid energetic exercise during the warmest part of the day, especially in direct sun. Even if your dog seems keen to keep going, they may not know when to stop.

For dogs who love chasing balls, consider reducing repetitive fetch games in warm weather. These can quickly push dogs into overexertion, particularly if they are very enthusiastic.

Think about paws and surfaces

Pavements, patios and tarmac can heat up quickly and may cause sore or burnt paws.

Where possible, choose grass, shaded paths, woodland trails, or cooler routes through local parks. If the ground feels uncomfortably hot to your hand, it is likely too hot for your dog’s paws too.

After walks, check your dog’s pads for redness, cracks, tenderness, or licking.

Make exercise more than just walking

Exercise does not always need to mean a long walk. Mental activity can be just as satisfying for many dogs, and it is often safer on warmer days.

Try:

• Scent games in the garden

• Short training sessions

• Puzzle feeders

• Snuffle mats

• Hide-and-seek with toys

• Calm lead walks where your dog can sniff at their own pace

Sniffing is naturally enriching for dogs. It allows them to explore their environment, process information, and use their brain — often leaving them calmer and more settled afterwards.

Try this at home

Hide a few of your dog’s favourite treats around the house or garden and encourage them to “find it”.

Start easy, with treats in obvious places, then gradually make the game more challenging. You can also hide treats in cardboard boxes, scatter food in the grass, or use a snuffle mat.

This is a great option for warm days, rainy days, older dogs, or dogs who need lower-impact activities.

For older dogs or dogs with health conditions

Senior dogs and dogs with arthritis, heart disease, breathing issues, or weight concerns may still benefit from regular activity – but the type and amount of exercise may need adjusting.

Gentle, frequent walks are often better than one long outing. Letting your dog sniff, move at their own pace, and rest when needed can make walks more enjoyable and safer.

Short training sessions using simple cues such as “sit”, “touch”, or “paw” can also help keep their mind active without putting too much strain on their body.

If your dog seems stiff, tired, breathless, or less keen to exercise than usual, it is worth booking a check-up.

Need advice?

Every dog is different. If your dog is older, has an existing health condition, is recovering from injury, or struggles in warmer weather, we can help you plan safe and enjoyable exercise.

For tailored advice, get in touch with the team at Ollie and Florrie Vets, we are always happy to help.

Quick tips: safe warm-weather exercise for dogs

• Build up exercise gradually after winter

• Walk early or late on warmer days

• Carry water and offer regular breaks

• Choose grass or shaded paths where possible

• Avoid intense ball chasing in hot weather

• Watch closely for panting, slowing down, wobbliness or weakness

• Use scent games and enrichment on days when walks need to be shorter

• Call your vet urgently if you are worried about overheating