Lyla and I are running 10-11 miles on Sunday. Lyla is female, black close to 3 and loves to run. We run around 11 minutes per mile and she will stop and drink water are go to the restroom. She will lay down when she is tired and rest. It is hot 80-90 and sunny. We do had some shade in places and water. Is this OK. She shows no sign of fatigue the next day.
Hi Kenneth and welcome to the forum. Do you run at all during the week? It's not really good for a dog to go from regular exercise to a sudden increase on a single day. We call these "weekend warriors" and they're more susceptible to injury. I would do no more than about 30% extra on a weekend day than I would on a normal day. I assume she's not on her leash, because you say she will stop? Assuming where you run is safe, that's a good thing, because she's able to choose her own pace a bit more - sometimes go ahead, sometimes stop for a sniff etc. If she has to match your pace, either because she's on leash or because she's running at heel, it's very hard on her joints. I wouldn't run for any real distance (say, over 5km) with a dog running alongside me. I'm a novice runner, but have started running three to four times a week with my two adult Labs (both coming up three years of age). They are off lead and free to choose their own pace. I run around a ten minute mile, but only up to around 10km at the moment. That temperature would concern me; it's very easy for dogs to overheat, which can be life-threatening. Even if she can stop to drink, that won't cool her sufficiently. I run early morning to avoid the heat of the day.
We did work up to 10 on Sunday, but I have been not been home to run with her during the week the last 5 weeks. Also we are running on the road with the first 1.5 miles in traffic. When possible it would be 3 on Weds and 3 on Friday with the longer run in the morning Sunday. This will sound backwards, but Lyla was a beast walking her. 45 degree angle gasping for air no amount of love or frustration would change it. Still on the leash we ran around the block she leading the way. 1.5 then 3, 8 up to 13 last week with her running in front. A tug on the leash to the right she goes right and left is the same. She will stop and smell sometimes like it is her first time through there. I keep a close eye on her. We are not in a hurry. I am 60 years old. Still rolling of an old guy. Walking her is now easy. From the lab site I withheld her daily walks for about a week. As soon as she started pulling back inside she went. The heat. I have water placed out where we run and pore some on her. We run to the river she get in and along the road back she likes to get in the 4-wheel drive holes full of water that are along the way. Key word is take it easy. I have been running 30 years and I have became quite tight with Laya so I worry about her. She is quit fit with a shiny coat. She is about 80-90 pounds and nothing but dry food and dry treats. Cheese sometimes. She is beautiful.
I don't know what dogs are capable of as far as running but I can say my neighbours who competed in marathons and ironman took their Lab on runs. BUT, they only ran her about 10 km, which is about six miles. Now, she had very bad hocks. Even so, she wanted to run further. That's the trouble, they don't show the signs right away that it's damaging them and they want to go with you. I'd worry about the heat. More if it's humid too.
I am always looking for a slight sign or any difference in Laya. I have ran through pain only to be injured. I take that responsibility for Lyla seriously. And yes heat is a killer. Little shade first mile and last. I pour water on her coming back. We do go slow her pace.
