Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Is it safe to walk my Shih Tzu for 2 hours on a summer evening?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | 1 year and 10 months old

Can I take a shih tzu out in the summer after 6 PM? It would be a longer walk preferably 1-2 hours. He would have plenty of water, ice, some froze treats, etc.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2017

Long walks in the evening should be perfectly fine on summer days that are not excessively hot and humid. If Oli seems to be walking more slowly or experiences heavy panting, stop your walk and take him inside where it is cool.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 9th, 2017

    It sounds like you are doing all the preventative measures to keep your pet hydrated and cool, so that's good. Now the final evaluation is to determine if Oli is in good enough shape to endure the long walks. I would recommend, if not done already, that you go on short walks initially and slowly build up to the longer ones. This is called condition training and it allows Oli to slowly build up the stamina to be able to go the distance! Nice popsicles. : )

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 8th, 2017

    Great question! Whenever you go to take Oli out for a walk, test the pavement with the back of your hand. If you cannot hold it on the pavement for five seconds, then it is too hot to take Oli on a walk. You do not want longer walks on hot days because he could get heat stroke. Heat stroke is very often fatal, so on hot days it's best to keep the walks shorter. He should always have access to plenty of cool water, and on really hot days, keep him in a dark room with a fan if you don't have air conditioning to keep him as cool as possible.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog rubs belly & scratches face, no fleas. Could it be allergies?
Does your dog rub her belly and scratch her face without fleas? A certified vet discusses possible causes like allergies, infection, or mites. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored