|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your Dog's Fitness: A Few Good Exercise Tips
Fetch is a great way to get your dog aerobic exercise and here's a simple way to do it.. Get an old tennis racket to get some real distance on those tennis balls.
Jogging is another way to get canine hearts pumping. If you don't jog and your dog is well-behaved on his leash, you may have a friend or neighbor who'd welcome the company and the added security.
Swimming is a natural for retriever types, and if you're lucky enough to be near an off-leash dog park, play with other dogs is a first-rate exercise option.
Bicycling is another great exercise, and three products are on the market designed to help you bicycle safely. They attach to the bicycle and so allow you to keep both of your hands on the handlebars - a much safer plan than holding onto a leash with one hand and the bike with the other. The three products on the market are the Springer, the Bicycle Dog Leash, and the K9 Cruiser.
Roadwork such as jogging or tagging alongside a bicycle can be good for dogs, but remember to pace your dog properly: A brisk trot is ideal.
Thinking of inventing an indoor dog exerciser? A treadmill for dogs? Don't bother: They've been around for years. One such product is The Trotter, a variable-speed treadmill used by show-dog handlers to keep dogs in top condition for the ring. The Trotter can be yours for a mere $1,000 or more so keep that high price in mind.
A few caveats about exercise, especially roadwork:
Have your veterinarian sign off on any exercise program, making sure that your dog hasn't any joint problems that rule out any particular kind of exercise. Make sure that you build up slowly, especially if your dog is overweight. Let your dog set the pace, and check the bottoms of his feet (the smooth parts are called pads) often for tears or cuts.
Exercise when the weather is cool - dogs aren't as efficient at lowering their body temperature as we are - carry water, always, and know the signs of heat stress: glassy eyes, frantic panting. If your dog gets in trouble, get him wet and call your veterinarian immediately.
Do not force puppies to sustain a pounding pace, especially on pavement, lest you injure their developing bones. That means no jogging or bicycling until they're through adolescence - two years old is a good ballpark figure, but check with your veterinarian.
For a complete survival guide on stress-free dog care, including detailed information on exercise, when your dog needs to see the vet, how to respond to pet emergencies, dog First Aid, and all common health problems, check out The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.
It’s a complete handbook on dog health care, and teaches you how to take a proactive and prepared approach to knowledgeable dog ownership.
You can visit The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health by clicking on the link below: