For Your Dog's Health and Yours, Exercise Together
By Teresa Ambord
You can't find a much better exercise partner than your dog. Assuming a dog is in reasonably good health, a typical pooch is enthusiastic and persistent about walks. You may have noticed that dogs have internal clocks that tell them, this is the time you usually take them for their evening walk, and they are not likely to let you off the hook easily. You can take advantage of their enthusiasm to keep you both healthy.
But before you start out wind sprinting with your dachshund, think about whether or not you and your dog are a good match, in terms of exercise.
- If you're long-legged and pass slow cars while power walking, don't expect your short-legged ten-year-old dog to be your exercise partner. You'll both be frustrated. You need to walk with a dog like a German shepherd that is built for motion.
- On the other hand, if you're short-legged and, at top speed, your grandma is lapping you, your dachshund would probably be a perfect exercise buddy for you.
- Large, lumbering beasts are likely to enjoy a leisurely stroll more than a jog.
- With puppies and older dogs, easy does it all the way around.
- Beware of other dogs when walking your pooch. Your dog might be friendly to all, but there's no guarantee that another dog won't bare its teeth at your best friend.
- Not all dogs you encounter on your walks are as healthy and well cared for as yours, so be diligent about vaccinations.
- If you encounter a wild animal, don't allow your pet to socialize with it, especially if the animal seems drunk or playful. There's a good chance the animal is in the last stages of rabies.
- Don't let your dog run free unless you're in an enclosed area and sure you are alone. Retractable leashes are great for giving your dog some freedom while not stripping you of control. Even if your dog is perfectly behaved, the sight of a cat or a squirrel can send them running in hot pursuit... maybe into the path of a car.
- When you exercise, you warm up. So should your dog unless you are going to just stroll. If your are going to be jogging or wind sprinting, start by walking, otherwise your dog may end up injured, even if he starts out well.
- If you like love walking or running in hot weather, keep in mind that your dog is doing the same thing, wearing a fur coat and with bare feet on hot pavement. Remember dogs don't sweat, they release heat by panting and through their feet, which, once again, are making direct contact with hot pavement or cement.
- Before and after taking your dog out for exercise, offer your dog fresh, clean water... but not food. Just like you, exercising on a full stomach is begging for trouble. But your dog can't tell you he is having stomach cramps. Your first clue might be when he throws up on your expensive running shoes.
- Once again, your dog can't tell you if he's hurt. So if he slows down and seems to want to stop, pay attention and take a break. Check his paw pads for damage regularly. That is also why, if you are going to walk or run with your dog, tailor your program to his capabilities, not yours. If your dog's paws do get sore, consider checking into rubber boots made for dogs, that allow your pet to keep exercising while he heals. In so many ways, exercising your dog is just like exercising yourself. An active dog sleeps better, lives longer, is healthier, more alert, and more content.