Dog Exercise
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How do I get my fat dog on an exercise program!?
My dog, Kerri, a Golden Labrador has a touch of arthritis and doesn't walk as much as she used to. Also, since the kids have left she doesn't get as much exercise as she used to. she's gotten pretty round and lazy and used to be skinny and fast. I want to get her into an exercise routine and cant find info online about where to do it. Maybe some advice or sites with the proper information please!?
Whether you have a Great Dane or a Yorkie, dogs typically need 30-45 minutes of exercise a day whether it is a brisk walk, a jog, or chasing a ball.
Smaller breeds can exercise indoors, but outdoor space is essential with some larger breeds. In the coldest part of the winter, that can be a challenge. Always have your dog's health evaluated by his veterinarian before you begin an exercise program.
Always check with your veterinarian before starting a new and demanding activity with your dog. Once you get the go ahead - have fun!
Some ways to make exercise and play a part of your dog's life:
Check with breeders and dog clubs for direction. Ask when the next obedience or agility classes will start and enter your dog just for the fun of it.
Even if he is already trained, attending a refresher class will give him an opportunity to interact with other dogs and focus some of his energy into an appropriate behavior.
In the winter, wrap up warm and go for a walk. Even a short walk is preferable to no walk. Find a place with a windbreak and dress appropriately.
Treadmills are trendy for people and can be fun for dogs. You can teach your dog how to walk on the treadmill. Don't ever leave your dog unattended, don't allow the leash to dangle where it could tangle and, like you, build up his endurance slowly.
Have your veterinarian instruct you how to detect possible warning signs, which may indicate your dog has exercised too much.
Do:
Consider your dog's needs and present physical condition. Leisurely walks may be best for an older dog while a young adult dog will have ample energy for a vigorous exercise program. Puppies should not stressing their growing bones, joints or muscles through excessive jumping or strenuous exercise. Be sensible about what you ask your dog to do. Hard games of fetch or catching a flying disc burn off a lot of steam, but they also stress a dog's joints to the maximum.
Go slow! If you have not exercised your dog regularly and decide to launch a regular exercise program, begin with short periods of activity at slow speeds and gradually increase the time, speed and distance.
Begin walking or running your dog on soft surfaces such as dirt, sand or grass until his pads toughen. Keep your dog's nails trimmed so they won't tear as he runs.
Keep your dog on a leash; it gives you control when walking or running.
If you exercise at night, place a reflective collar on your dog, use a bright colored leash and wear white or light-colored clothing so the two of you can be seen.
Check your dog's feet for the presence of burrs, grass, thorns, rocks or ice and snow, all of which should be removed immediately.
Check carefully for ticks after exercising outdoors. Read more about ticks.
Obey local laws about cleaning up after your dog and using a leash. Your police department or animal control department can tell you more about laws in your area.
Don't:
Exercise your dog immediately before or after he has eaten; a full stomach may cause digestive upsets. Provide only small amounts of water before and directly after exercise.
Go out in the noonday sun. Running in the heat is dangerous for dogs, Just because a dog is willing to jog with you in 90-degree heat doesn't mean it is safe for him to do so.
Raise a couch potato. Dogs can live longer, healthier lives if kept lean and fit. If you love your dog, you'll exercise him.
Indoor cats just do not get enough exercise in their daily lives. The confines of the house do not allow for much physical activity, other than the frisky ones who love to play with toys frequently. Still, playing does not provide enough exercise on its own.
If your cat is the indoor variety, you might have always thought it would be impossible to walk your cat as you would a dog. Although it makes sense that this activity would be good for the well-being of your feline friend, many cat owners just assume that they would just pull out of the collar and run off. And this is exactly what would happen if you did not take these walks the proper way.
Indoor cats can be trained to enjoy an outing outdoors by using a leash and a harness. You have to buy a cat harness because a regular cat collar is made so the cat can slip out of it, preventing him from being hurt if snagged on a tree limb, or something else.
Choose a harness specifically made for cats, and not for dogs. It should be in a figure-8 design, Harnesses, as do collars, come in a large variety of sizes, styles, and colors, with lightweight leashes to match.
When taking your cat for a walk, do not expect him to do the same thing s a dog does when he is on a walk. For instance a cat will not heal, and will probably prefer to wander and explore more. If possible let him do it, as he will get the most enjoyment by doing it his way. Along the way, make sure and offer your cat plenty of praise and treats to keep him focused on being good.
Never leave your cat tied and and unattended for any length of time. This leaves him vulnerable to attack from another animal. He could also end up suspended from a tree or something else, providing a terrifying time for your pet.
Remember to be patient with your cat whenever you take him for a walk. Barking dogs, cars driving by, or even other people, might cause your kitty to tense up and become skittish on occasion, but the more often you treat him to a walk, the more he will get used to it, and learn to enjoy it. In the end, your indoor cat will be in much better shape and health than one who lies around the house all day, every day.
Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. His newest interest is in home appliances and products. Please visit his latest website that discusses and reviews home appliances such as wine cooler reviews and the best of the Cuisinart wine cellar and related products that every home wine lover could use.
