THERESA: Do any of you like to exercise outdoors with your dogs? At times in my life when I've owned dogs, I've loved running with them, and I often see people running with their pets in the Wissahickon. But you have to take certain precautions to make sure your pet exercises safely and comfortably. We recently received some tips about hiking or running with animals, courtesy of the Veterinary Pet Insurance Company:

1. Just like humans, dogs need to be conditioned before going hiking or other outdoor excursions. Take your dog on progressively longer walks and exercise him/her more frequently as your outing approaches. Since your pet can overheat in hot and humid conditions, make sure your pet gets plenty of rest in a cool shady area. Also monitor your pet's temperature by watching for excessive panting, rapid or frantic breathing, elevated heart rate and bright red gums. Make sure your pet always has access to clean cool water. Vomiting or excess salivation are serious signs of overheating and your pet should be taken to the vet immediately.
2. Train your pet before a trip to listen to you and to come when called. This will help if your pet gets lost. A strong collar with an ID tag is essential. It's also a good idea to have your pet microchipped and to carry a photo of your pet, in case it does get lost.
3. If you're planning a long hike, bring a special "trail mix" made just for your pup. Never feed your dog human trail mix. It often contains chocolate and raisins, both of which are harmful to your dog. Like humans, dogs should be properly hydrated before, during and after exercise sessions.
4. Research the area to learn about hazardous plants and other dangers that could be harmful to your pet.

Other thoughts on this topic, Girlfriends?

LAURIE: I don't run with my pooch because I don't run, but I do walk her quickly sometimes. Being a Jack Russell terrier, she isn't shy about letting me know when she's tired. She just stops and plops down, usually in the cool grass.

She won't drink creek water when we walk in the woods, so I always bring water in the car to give her. You can buy spill-proof water bowls at pet stores that have a cover but dog can get into them if you leave on car floor. And be sure to check a dog for ticks after being out in woods. One tip on that: If you find a female tick on your dog (or yourself), be prepared to find perhaps dozens more. The females (very large, shiny and a greyish-brown color) attract males. You can't crush a tick. Flush down the toilet or sink. Also, use tweezers to pick them up because they can bite you, too!

Also, in winter, watch out for salt on pavements. It burns doggies' paws. Better to walk in the street if you can, or carry pooch over salted patches.

JENICE: People need to remember abide by leash laws. I really hate jogging along and having someone's dog start snarling and snapping at me. Once I was walking along my sidewalk and someone's dog came charging right at me, growling and carrying on. At first I was startled. But when I advanced toward it threateningly, the owner started saying, "Oh, he doesn't bite." I was really furious. So remember to keep Fido on a leash.

LAURIE: You are so right, Jenice. My dog always wants to fight with other dogs, so an unleashed dog means a potential fight. Very scary.

JILL: Every Sunday, my neighbor and I take our dogs to the Laurel Hill Cemetery and we briskly walk while they cavort through the grounds. It's the only time my golden Retriever gets to run without her leash, and it's such a joy to watch her fly. Sometimes my other neighbor comes and brings her two dogs. In the summer, we bring a water bottle so they can have a drink. Otherwise, I just walk her through the neighborhood; I don't run and I never trained her to walk without a leash so I can't take the risk of her dashing into traffic.

WENDY: Perhaps this is coming from a cocker spaniel perspective, but I have to bring up the danger of doggie finding something interesting to eat while outside. My folks have a cocker that they bring often to visit, and we rarely take her on walks outside our familiar area because she will invariably find something she's not supposed to have and eat it. And she will eat anything, dead or alive, organic or no. But, like I said, she's a cocker spaniel -- all looks, no brains at all. Big heart, though. What is popular is to let our five-year-old "walk" her around the house -- and they both get worn out!!