GETTING FIT WITH FIDO
EXERCISING WITH YOUR DOG - part i
Spring is well underway and summer vacations will soon be here! More than a few of us may be hoping to shed a few winter pounds before hitting the beach or heading to the reunion. Adding some additional exercise to your routine may help you reach your goal. Adding your dog to your exercise routine can make the process more enjoyable and encourage you to stick with your plan.
The additional exercise can be good for your dog too - shedding extra pounds, enhancing the cardiovascular system, and burning off excess energy. At Beatin’ Feet! Dog Walking, we know the benefits of a well-exercised dog such as maintenance of a healthy body weight and support of a strong cardiovascular system as well as contributing to a calmer, more balanced dog by providing an outlet for excess energy.
We fully support your ambition to find a healthier you and a healthier pup! Before launching into a plan, here are a few suggestions to that will help assure this will be a safe and happy experience for your dog.
What’s up, Doc?
You’ve heard it many times. Before embarking on a new exercise program, check with your doctor to make sure your fitness program is matched appropriately to your physical needs. The same is true for your dog. Your dog’s vet can check for underlying conditions that might be exacerbated by specific types of exercise. Particularly pay attention to the needs of young, developing pups as well as our canine senior citizens. Some forms of exercise may be more suited to their physical condition - while some can be detrimental. |
Is your dog more of a couch potato?
Consider your dog’s current level of exercise. Start slow and build up. Starting too hard out of the shoot can put a strain on underused muscles and lungs. Let your dog build gradually along with you.
Consider your dog’s current level of exercise. Start slow and build up. Starting too hard out of the shoot can put a strain on underused muscles and lungs. Let your dog build gradually along with you.
Gee, mister, what kind of dog is that?
Look for a shared exercise that is suited to your interests and your dog’s breed. Trying to take a bulldog on a long-distance run is just going to make everyone miserable! Some breeds are better equipped for shorter sprints while others are built for longer distances or greater effort. Finding the right match will add to the fun and encourage both of you to continue.
Look for a shared exercise that is suited to your interests and your dog’s breed. Trying to take a bulldog on a long-distance run is just going to make everyone miserable! Some breeds are better equipped for shorter sprints while others are built for longer distances or greater effort. Finding the right match will add to the fun and encourage both of you to continue.
Neither rain nor sleet nor snow . . .
Before heading out the door, consider the environment you and your dog will be heading into. In our previous Puppy Pointer, Weathering the Winter, Cold Weather Tips for Your Pet, we offered some suggestions for safely adapting to winter conditions. Summer brings its own share of cautions as well. Dogs can overheat and sun-baked asphalt and concrete can burn a dog’s feet. Ever dance hot-footed across a parking lot or the beach in the summer? If it is too hot to be comfortable for you, it’s too hot for Fido. Consider scheduling your outings for early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. And if you’re heading out for rugged terrain, consider having a set of dog “booties” available to protect your pup’s paws. Just be sure to have the video camera ready to capture the adjustment period!
Before heading out the door, consider the environment you and your dog will be heading into. In our previous Puppy Pointer, Weathering the Winter, Cold Weather Tips for Your Pet, we offered some suggestions for safely adapting to winter conditions. Summer brings its own share of cautions as well. Dogs can overheat and sun-baked asphalt and concrete can burn a dog’s feet. Ever dance hot-footed across a parking lot or the beach in the summer? If it is too hot to be comfortable for you, it’s too hot for Fido. Consider scheduling your outings for early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. And if you’re heading out for rugged terrain, consider having a set of dog “booties” available to protect your pup’s paws. Just be sure to have the video camera ready to capture the adjustment period!
Water, Water everywhere . . .
Staying hydrated is a primary concern in summer temperatures and with extended workouts. Although this could be mentioned with the prior discussion related to environmental influences, this one is well worth mentioning on its own. Bring along enough water for both your and your pup to cool off and rehydrate. A range of collapsible travel bowls make it easy (and stylish) to provide a cool drink of water while out and about. |
Play it safe!
Trips, falls, scrapes, and bumps can definitely harsh your exercise mellow. To help minimize the risk of such occurrences, noted dog trainer Cesar Millan recommends training your dog to always stay to one side of you whether you are running, biking, rollerblading, walking, or hiking with your dog. Allowing your dog to dart back and forth in front of you can lead to tripping and injury to both you and your dog - not to mention your pride when your neighbor witnesses the mash up.
Trips, falls, scrapes, and bumps can definitely harsh your exercise mellow. To help minimize the risk of such occurrences, noted dog trainer Cesar Millan recommends training your dog to always stay to one side of you whether you are running, biking, rollerblading, walking, or hiking with your dog. Allowing your dog to dart back and forth in front of you can lead to tripping and injury to both you and your dog - not to mention your pride when your neighbor witnesses the mash up.
Keep it cool
Keep in mind, exercising with your dog should be enjoyable. If you notice signs of excessive panting or trouble breathing, it is definitely time to dial things back. Does your pup show signs of pain or soreness after the workout? Take a day or two off before starting up again . . . at a slightly gentler pace.
Keep in mind, exercising with your dog should be enjoyable. If you notice signs of excessive panting or trouble breathing, it is definitely time to dial things back. Does your pup show signs of pain or soreness after the workout? Take a day or two off before starting up again . . . at a slightly gentler pace.
Hit the showers!
Perhaps a cool shower might feel refreshing after your shared workout, but there are a few things you should follow up on after your exercise. Make sure you and your dog have plenty of fresh water to rehydrate. Check tender paws for signs of cuts, scrapes, or other pad damage. If your workout took you to grassy or woody areas, be sure to check your dog’s coat for burrs and other debris as well as for those unpleasant ticks (ewwww).
Perhaps a cool shower might feel refreshing after your shared workout, but there are a few things you should follow up on after your exercise. Make sure you and your dog have plenty of fresh water to rehydrate. Check tender paws for signs of cuts, scrapes, or other pad damage. If your workout took you to grassy or woody areas, be sure to check your dog’s coat for burrs and other debris as well as for those unpleasant ticks (ewwww).
Want some suggestions for some fun ways to exercise with your pup? Check out the ideas at Pick Your Play.