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Is
my pet overweight? - Part II
Exercising
safely with your pet
"Before
I have her start actually running with me, is there anything else I
need to check out?"
-
Dave (53CLASSIC)
New
Year's Resolutions for me and my dog...
This is a great question!
It shows that Dave is thinking ahead and concerned for his pet's overall
health and safety. Whatever your personal level of fitness is, one must
consider where your pet is starting out, too. As mentioned in Part
I of this series, first on the "get fit list" is to schedule
a visit to your vet. A complete health exam for your pet is in order to
determine if your pet is overweight or has any underlying health conditions
that may interfere with or curtail exercise.
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Talking
about...
Poll
Do you and your pet exercise together?
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Dogs
and Exercise
As when starting any human exercise schedule, one must consider
the age, breed, and general fitness level of your dog. It is also important
to take the weather into account -- the freezing ice (and associated salt
and rocks) of winter,
and the sizzling heat and risk of heat stroke in the summer.
Young
dogs are active and enthusiastic, but they are still growing. Care must
be taken not to overdo it, and to be cautious of exercising them on hard
surfaces (jogging on pavement, playing fetch in the parking lot).
Middle-aged
and senior dogs vary in their levels of fitness, activity, and desire.
Starting out slow and for short time periods is best.
Different
breeds vary greatly in their exercise needs and athletic abilities. Working
and sporting dogs, such as Collies and Labrador Retrievers, need a lot
of exercise not only to maintain fitness, but to maintain emotional health,
too.
Be mindful
of the weather - all year round. Heat
stroke is a very real danger in spring and summer. Frostbite,
injuries on ice, and paw tenderness (from ice or chemical deicers)
are dangers in many areas that experience cold winters.
Suggested
Activities:
Walking - Great for any fitness level. Minimal equipment needed
- just a study collar or harness, and a leash. Hands-free
leashes are a nice accessory, and many dogs benefit from the Gentle
Leader® (formally Promise Headcollar) collar rather than traditional
collar. If going for an extended walk, be sure to bring fresh water for
your dog. A collapsible
bowl works well for this.
Jogging - Once your pet is able to walk briskly for 20 - 30 minutes
without tiring, you can work up to a jog. Not a jogger? Your dog can be
- with a dog treadmill!
Frisbee and Fetch - If you don't have a yard or place to run your
dog, check in your local area for "leash-free" areas where you
can play fetch or Frisbee with your dog. Be sure to use quality, "dog-study",
balls and Frisbees.
Biking - Not recommended for all people or dogs, but for those
inclined...there is a product to safely bike with your dog* It is called
the Springer
and says that it will release immediately should the dog become entangled.
Hopefully, you will be able to catch your dog should release occur. <g>
* Note: I have not seen or tested this product. Order/use at your own
risk.
Cats
and Exercise
Yes,
I know. A difficult mental picture...exercising with your indoor cat.
Many adult cats are asleep more hours than they are awake on any given
day. So make those awake hours count! Here are some ideas to boost the
activity of your cat-napping cat.
Suggested
Activities:
Videos - Might as well start exercising slow and work up to it!
Videos for cats, such as Video
Catnip, will at least get your cat's attention. Some cats do
get a work out while getting worked up watching the birds and squirrels.
Catnip - Catnip is an herb that is easy to grow. The majority
of the cat population responds to it. Some cats get quieter, many cats
get more active - chasing and playing and enjoying themselves. Click here
to learn
more about Catnip, its effects on cats, and why some cats are not
affected by it.
Cat Toys - There are many innovative cat toys on the market. My
favorites are the "fishing rod" types that encourage jumping
and chasing. All toys, especially those with any string in them, should
be used with human supervision only as cats
may ingest string, and this can cause intestinal problems, such as blockage,
which can be life-threatening. Toys that easily shed pieces, string, or
ribbons are not suitable - even with human
supervision - cats are too quick and may ingest bits before you know it.
Cat Games - A pen light or small flashlight in a dimmed room can
provide hours of entertainment for your cat. Chasing, jumping, and looking
for that point of light are fun for both cat and owner. It is important
to never shine the light directly into the cat's eyes.
Cat Furniture - A kitty
condo or climbing tree is a wonderful activity booster, especially
when the enticing herb, Catnip, is sprinkled liberally on it!
Humans
and Exercise
Exercise
Guide Paige Waehner has everything you need to get started on your fitness
training!
Exercise 
Don't
Miss...
Part
I of this series: diet and dietary management
for overweight pets.
Thanks
for visiting.
Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
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