During summer months, exercise your dog before sunup or after sundown to avoid pad blistering and other heat-related conditions. On very hot and humid days, let her sit one out in the comfort of air conditioning. She may not be too pleased with you, but it's for her own good.

If you must walk with your dog during daylight hours, stick to the shady routes. Dogs are susceptible to sunburn, especially shorthaired breeds and light-colored dogs, so slather sunscreen on the tip of his nose, over his tummy, and on any other place where he doesn't have an abundance of fur.

Dogs have no sweat glands, so they don't get soaked like we humans when they exercise. Their version of sweating is panting, and they lose a lot of moisture this way, so you need to keep them properly hydrated during exercise. Carry a water bottle and a cup and offer your dog a drink every 15 minutes or so.