Many people exercise their dog at the same time that they exercise themselves. Regular exercise is very important for dogs as it is for humans. Exercising not only makes your dog fitter it also helps keep your dog calmer, happier and at a healthy weight which therefore decreases the likelihood of problems like arthritis, diabetes, behavioural issues and others. It is important however, to realise that dogs vary greatly in their requirements and capacity to exercise. The size of the breed, height of the dog (length of the legs), health and fitness status, weight or overweight, temperament and other parameters should be carefully considered when you first design the exercise program for your dog or when you plan to integrate your own activities with that of your dog. Large breed dogs for example are more prone to joint problems due to their size and it is therefore particularly important to keep them fit and at an appropriate weight. It is often worth protecting their joints from an early age by including glucosamine in their diet, and exercising regularly and appropriately as described below.
If you want to take your dog on long runs with you, build up the length of the exercise or time of the activity gradually to ensure your dog is fit for the task. Be especially careful if your dog is running with you whilst you are riding your bike. Also remember that your dog will age faster than you, small dogs over 10 years and large dogs over 7 years (giant breed dogs over 5!) are considered senior, and should therefore be fed and exercised accordingly. Over weight and arthritis are common restricting factors but heart and respiratory diseases, sight impediments and bad temperament (antisocial behaviours) also restrict the level of activity you can do with your dogs.
An appropriate diet to protect joints and keep weight down should be observed. Remember never to exercise your dog soon after eating or when he is not well or if he has a cough or respiratory disease. Your dog should not be lame after a run or be stiff and very slow at home later on in the day or the following day. If he is, it is a clear sign of overdoing and/or unfitness. If your dog does get injured or sick or lame for no reason, a veterinary check is definitely of value before restarting exercise.
When exercising with your dog you are responsible for it. Make sure you always take a plastic bag with you to clean up after your dog. Ensure that your dog is always on the lead unless in a designated off-lead area. When off lead make sure you are always in voice control of the dog and are observing its interactions with other people or dogs, do not run too far ahead of your dog or let it run too far ahead of you.
Remember also that mental exercise is very important for your dog. Try to include some basic training commends while exercising. Practise making your dog HEEL along the footpath and HALT, STAY or SIT etc at many opportunities throughout the activity, e.g. SIT at the street corner before crossing roads etc. This not only makes your dog happier and more relaxed but also ensures that you are in control of your dog and helps prevent behavioural problems. Praise good behaviour with pats and treats, positive reinforcement is essential. It may be useful to carry some treats with you to help with this training.
If you have any questions about exercising with your dog, don’t hesitate to call us at Caulfield South Veterinary Clinic. Our caring professional staff will be more than happy to help answer your questions and if necessary arrange for you to see a vet. Our number is 95282525.