Exercise and your furry friend

Exercise is very important for the health of your furry friend.

Benefits Include:

• Will help your dog maintain a healthy weight
• Keeps muscles and joints strong, agile and limber
• Engages the body and the mind
• Increases confidence and trust
• It will create a great bonding time for you, your family and your furry friend.
• Reduces common behavioral issues. A dog that is on an engaging exercise routine is less likely to develop bad and destructive behaviors including but not limited to:

Chewing on furniture

Digging in the yard

Knocking over garbage

barking excessively

whining for attention

jumping up on people

hyperactivity

Finding the right exercise and play activity for your furry friend will be well worth the time.

Some fun examples are:

Using toys for chase or retrieving/fetch

Squeaky toys

Find/hide and seek toys and games

Walking is great for your family to do with your dog.

Swimming

Dog sports are also a great idea to get you, your family and your dog involved in together, such as:

Agility

Obedience

Tracking

Flyball

There are many different types of dog sports and all of them are fun, active and engaging for you and your dog. They also create a social atmosphere for you and your dog.

Other ways to get exercise for your pet:

Dog Parks: There are many dog parks, some are off leash and dogs all play together with separate area for small and large dogs, some require dogs to be on leash. They are both great in their own ways. Off leash dog parks allow dogs to play and social together, on leash parks are generally trails and hiking. I recommend that your dog be up to date on vaccines and that they have learned their basic obedience and manners prior to going to them. Your dog will meet many different people and dogs at these parks. Knowing their basic obedience will help them to avoid distractions. Always follow the rules at the dog park and stay with your dog.

Doggie Daycare: Consider daycare for your dog. These are businesses that have professionals watch over your dog in a group with other dogs. They play and socialize with many other dogs. Do your research and look into ones in your area. Go visit them ask to be shown the facilities and what their policies are. All of them will have policies regarding age of dog and vaccinations. prices will also vary.

Dog Walkers/Pet sitters: There are many good dog walkers and petsitters out there. These people will be happy to come to your house and take your dog for a walk or to play in your yard. This is a good option if you have a puppy not yet old enough to go to dog parks or daycare. Also works great for senior pets that don't do well with the stress of being away from their home. In home visits vary in cost. Always set up a meeting with the potential dog walker/ pet sitter so that you can meet them and see how your dog is with them.

Before you start your exercise routine there are some things to consider for your dog.

• Exercise needs vary by size, age, breed and individual dog. Ask your Veterinarian.
• Larger dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis so consider brisk walking instead of sustained jogging and running for their exercise.
• Small, short-legged dogs may not walk the same distances that larger ones will. Shorter brisk walks may be best for them.
• Bloat....... Deep chested/narrow bodied dogs like great Danes, Dobermans and others are prone to a serious condition called bloat.... so NO exercise immediately following a meal. Bloat is when the stomach expands and can becomes twisted cutting off blood supply. A dog will be restless, uncomfortable and abdomen will appear swollen. Bloat comes on quickly.... so if you suspect your dog has bloat...... GET TO A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY!! BLOAT IS A SERIOUS EMERGENCY!!
• Always monitor your dog during play/exercise in your yard or home for safety reasons.
• If your dog loves squeaky toys, watch that they are not eating the stuffing or squeakers. This could cause a blockage and require surgery.

My own dogs: I have three dachshunds and they love to run in the yard, play with squeaky toys and go for walks. They enjoy going for a nice brisk walk on a cool evening meeting new people and smelling new smells.

Please get the whole family involved in the exercise and activities. Your furry family member will love all the attention and spending time with the whole family.

And the most important thing of all.......ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for reading

Teri

Next week: Supplies .......Leashes and collars and TOYS....Oh My!