~~EXERCISING WITH YOUR PET~~

Of course one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to diet and exercise. Don’t forget that Fido and Fluffy can benefit from YOUR New Year’s resolution too! When we excersice on a regular basis it is great for our body mass index, the health of our hearts and a better general attitude about life. When we miss our regular exercise we tend to be sluggish and cranky. The same goes for our PETS!

Activities that allow you and your pet to participate together are great. Sometimes we gain a little extra motivation to exercise out of a sense of responsibility to our pet. While the benefits of exercise to you and your dog are obvious, there are certain things you should take into consideration before introducing your pet to a new exercise routine.

Be cautious of large amounts of repetitive, physically demanding exercise- this is not typically natural for dogs. Just as you would do for yourself, gradually increase the length of time for exercise and include scheduled breaks. When left on their own, dogs generally run for a short time and stop frequently to sniff a tree or flower before running for another short time. Plan your exercise with your pet accordingly.

Also consider the age of your pet. Puppies are still growing and developing bone mass. Long periods of repetitive motion may cause injury to their growing bones and joints. Also, pets that are in the later stage of life simply don’t have the physical stamina they once did.

Medical conditions that your pet may have are also important to take into consideration. Just as with a human, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before introducing your pet to a demanding exercise regime.

Most importantly, be alert to what your dog is experiencing. Be prepared to take a break if he is lagging behind, limping, or working too hard to breathe easily. These are all physical signs that your pet has had enough exercise and you should stop.

For more information about exercising with your pet contact your local veterinarian.