Friday, July 6, 2012

Canine Companions Can Improve Your Health

An article from the AVMA SmartHealth Brief......

Canine companions can help improve your health

Posted: Jul 05, 2012 3:33 PM CDT
We all know regular physical activity can help improve our overall health. The same is true for dogs.
"Dogs require a large amount of exercise probably more than what your average pet does get and so you exercising with your pet is definitely a good way to achieve that," said Penn-Ohio Veterinary Services' Dr. Nicole Pearsall.

Research from the University of Missouri found that people who walk dogs are more consistent about regular exercise and show more improvement in fitness than people who walk with a human companion.  But, before you leash up your pooch veterinarian Dr. Nicole Pearsall encourages you to check to make sure your dog is at a healthy weight, is current on its flea, tick and heart worm medication and is groomed.  Her suggestion, start off slow.

"Every breed is different.  Every dog is different based on the age and other health factors so that is just a general rule of thumb, but you want to listen to your pet. When they start to slow down, don't drag them and listen to them if they are tell you that they are too hot or too tired and you definitely probably need to stop at that point," said Dr. Pearsall.

On hot days, like today, it is easy to overwork yourself and your pet.  Dr. Pearsall says if your dog begins to pant heavily or drool excessively he or she could be at risk for heat stroke.  That's just one reason why she encourages dog owners to workout with their pets in the morning when it is cooler.

"Depending on how hot it is you definitely have to be careful with the pavement because it can get really really hot. It would be like you walking on the pavement in your bare feet, but if you walk your dog in the grass that tends to be about 10 degrees cooler than the pavement," said Dr. Pearsall.

Once you've wrapped up your workout, Dr. Pearsall suggests giving your dog a little water. Although, she discourages owners from feeding their dogs right away.  Her suggestion is to feed a dog no more than 1 to 2 hours before a workout and 1 to 2 hours after a workout. 

Dr. Pearsall also encourages owners to use harnesses rather than dog collars when walking or running.  She says they do less damage to a dog's windpipe. Also, avoid using retractable leashes. Dr. Pearsall says you have more control with non-retractable leashes.

2 comments:

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