Is my pet overweight? Exercising safely with your pet

Veterinary Medicine

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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.

Talking about...

Poll
Do you and your pet exercise together?

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