Hi everyone, I've been visiting this website for a year since we got our Corgi, but I've just joined up so I could post a question.  We really appreciate all the info we've learned from everyone! Our "Bella" is now 15 mos. old, and we live in a suburb outside of Atlanta.  For you Northerners, that means above 80 degrees all through the summer! Ouch!  We "power walk" an average of 1.5-3 miles about every other day and those little legs are going!  Lately here in May, she appears to tire around 1.5 miles, and we've had to stop at least 2-3 times during the longer walks.  I do carry water for her, and she gets it at every break. In addition, we started agility 6 mos. ago, and she's taken to it like "white on rice."  Suffice to say I have a little athlete that needs to stay in shape!  My question is...how far should I realistically expect her to be able go in the hot weather?  Sometimes I think she's just "faking" when she stops me and just trying to be "the boss of me," because after the walks, she'll "FRAP" around the yard like she never walked at all!  Would appreciate any info you could give, especially from others that live south of the Mason-Dixon line. Thanks y'all!

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Quin and I also walk about the same distance every day not really power walking for me. I throw a stick and she runs after it brings it back and I throw it again while continuing to walk, Our summers are above 90 closer to 100 from June to October. We walk as early in the morning as possible like when the sun gets up and take plenty of water and we may stop in the shade for a bit. But walking early is key:) Oh and Quin is about the same age.

Have you thought about trying a cooling vest for her?  I believe Melissa posted that she uses this for her Franklin to keep him cool in the heat.

 

This post recently talked about solutions for corgis out in the sun, if you want to look at other solutions.

We do our long walks early in the morning or right at sunset. The pavement gets so hot that I'm afraid it will hurt his paws.
Same here.   I test by standing on the pavement in my bare paws and if it's hot hot hot, we wait.
My Chepstow walks 2 miles with me every morning (early) it is just to hot later in the day.  I have found the best exercise in the summer is swimming.  It helps that we live at the lake.  But he swims constantly and our vet says it is wonderful exercise and it keeps them cool.  If she likes water (not all Corgi's do) and you can find somewhere to swim a couple times a week that would be great.
Franklin developed an over-heating issue around that age and was diagnosed with exercise induced hypothermia. I bought him a cooling vest from REI (canine swamp cooler) and it really keeps him cool. I walk the same distance each day (1.5-3 miles) and Frank is generally off leash most of it. Before I bought the vest he would have to jump in the river every 5 minutes or so to cool off, but with the vest on he doesn't need to get in the water at all unless its for play. When you put the vest on and wait a bit, then feel under it it is really cool. Here in Sacramento there is a lot of really dry heat (think 110+ degrees in summer) so the vest doesn't stay wet as long as it probably would in the eastern US or the south. Its also very lightweight and he can even swim in it without it weighing him down. REI also offers a lifetime guarantee so if you buy it and use it a bit then decide you don't like it you can always return it.

Hi Erica,

 

Use the back of your hand to feel the pavement, if it burns you, it burns the paws. The key to staying cool is pick your hours wisely, stay out of the sun, stop often and drink often. Dogs cool by panting, their only sweat glands are located in the paw pads, trust Bella, often dogs will go as long as you go, but when they stop, that means you really should. When in doubt, cool down in the lake (not FL).

Hi Erica, 

My dog does the same thing and drinks of water don't help and she'll even turn her nose away from water.  She just does not want to be out in the heat!  I've had to pick her up and carry her which is just hilarious to everyone around.  She lolls back in my arms with a big grin on her face and front paws bouncing as I'm buckling under her weight.  She did this to me in St. Louis at the Arch park.  She had a wonderful time, running through the grass, sniffing everything, rolling on her back, plenty of drinks...come time to go back to the car...nope, can't walk anymore.  ARGH!!!  

I also had problems with reverse sneezing but I think that was more an allergic reaction to dusty Phoenix.  When you're only a foot above the ground, there's a lot of dust.  But having said that, it's only happened on pavement not on a hiking trail.  Hmmm.  

but yes, after the walk she'll bounce around at home like nothing's wrong.  I just don't know somedays.  :)

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