Walking an older dog

Question
Hi Karen,

My miniature Schnauzer is eleven years old, but he's in excellent health, according to my veterinarian.  He has epilepsy, but thanks to his prescibed medications, he hasn't had a seizure or any other symptoms in several years.

My dog loves to go for walks.  If anyone says the word "walk," he will run to the leash and jump up and down.  However, I live in New Orleans, and it's already very hot and extremely humid.  Normally, I walk him for about 25 minutes.  He never complains or stops or falls behind, but he comes back exhausted.  Should I give the old man a rest?  Should I consider walking him a shorter distance?

Thanks for your Schnauzer advice!
Evan

Answer
Since I am not very familiar with your climate (Minnesnowta here), I would suggest that you try walking very early in the morning or very late at night (or both!).... hopefully it cools off a bit then. Maybe make two shorter walks for the guy instead of one big one. Having him come home exhausted is not good, and you risk heat exhaustion.

Does your dog retrieve? Maybe you need to do in the summer what we do in the winter (assuming you have air conditioning...) I throw a ball or favorite toy down (or up) the stairs and have the dog retrieve it, and do this several times until the dog starts to tire. It is great exercise for the dog.