Australian Shepherds And The Heat

by Dan
(St. Louis)

I love to go running and hiking. I do these as a way to exercise not only myself but my 2 year old Aussie named Sadie. I live in St. Louis where our summers get very hot and humid. Should I still be running or hiking with Sadie when the temps get into the 90s? When hiking I always have plenty of water and make sure to give her some roughly every mile (though she doesn't always want some even though she looks hot and tired). I always let her set the pace on hot days and if she slows down or drops behind me I make sure to slow down until she starts wanting to pick up the pace again. I know Aussies were developed out West so I had kind of assumed they would be used to the heat somewhat. Is it ever too hot to run or hike with her? I would assume these dogs were and or are out working in the heat for full days while herding and doing their jobs. What are the signs that the heat might be getting to her when we are out running/hiking?

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