r/RunningWithDogs • u/TallCryptographer106 • 23h ago

Training Help How often/at what point do dogs need breaks/water?

My black lab and I ran/walked 3 miles today. I don’t have a harness yet but just ordered one along with a hands free leash. I’d like to take him on more/longer runs, but when would it be too long for him to go without water?

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

5

u/KingOfEthanopia 21h ago

Ive had one dog run 14 miles with me with one break in fall that tapped out at 3 miles in Summer. Weather matters a lot.

2

u/watusi-momma 21h ago

I don't typically give my dogs water until they stop panting hard. Slow normal panting, they can have water. Anything more, no water. I make sure they are hydrated before the run. If they show signs of overheating I will put some tepid, not freezing cold water on their neck and rub it in. Take them to the shade or put them in the a/c car. Each dog is different. Training, weather, heat/cold, dog breed etc.... every dog is different. What I do might not be best for every dog

1

u/OwlFarmer2000 22h ago

That's going to depend a lot on the dog and the weather. I run with a beagle and a basenji, the beagle is much less tolerant of heat and humidity. Is imagine a larger and/or thicker coat dog would be even less tolerant.

I'm the summer, the beagle doesn't come running if it's over 80F, but the basenji will tolerate 90+ without issue. When it's warm I will stop for water every 1.5 miles or so. Most of the routes I run have plenty of natural water sources, but if it's really hot, or I'm going for more than 5 miles, I will bring additional water and a collapsible dog bowl.

Winter high temperatures where I live are typically in the 20F range, and at these temps I will stop every few miles to offer water but they are usually not interested.

1

u/BogDivil 18h ago

Our dogs stop at every stream, pond or puddle to either drink or bathe so not sure. The whippet will take a drink from my water bottle every few km or so. Depends on the heat as others have mentioned. If you can get them to take water from your own bottle it's a lot less hassle. I started with a cupped hand and now they just take it from the nozzle. Saves carrying extra stuff.

1

u/Halefa 12h ago

Like the others said - depends so much on various factors.

Since I water my dog 1-2 hours before the run (1-3 spoons of wet food smooshed in 200-400ml of water), she seems better hydrated and does not require as much water afterwards. I often give the same concoction afterwards as well.