You’ve gone for your yearly physical and the news isn’t good. The doctor says, “You need more exercise.” No surprise there. But then he says something unexpected. "Get a dog."
The fact of the matter is, having a canine companion is one of the best motivators for getting up off the couch and getting some much needed exercise! According to a recent twelve-‐month study, exercising with dogs can be even more effective than exercising with your spouse or a friend. The People and Pets Exercising Together (PPET) study revealed what most of us already know – in order to stick to an exercise routine, people need encouragement. Who better to encourage and spur your on than an ever-‐ adoring, eager-‐to-‐please pooch?
When instructed to lose weight for health reasons, many people run out and buy the hottest exercise equipment or sign up for the latest fitness craze. After a week or two, that fancy new treadmill, with all its bells and whistles, becomes nothing more than an expensive coat rack in the corner of the room. However, Fido’s not going to let you off the hook that easily. After all, Fido needs to be walked, and it is your responsibility to grab the leash.
Of course, there’s always the temptation to just open the back door and let Fido go do his business in the fenced-‐in backyard, right? Well, if you care about his health, that’s not an option … at least not one for every potty break.
The fact is, dogs need exercise, too. Starting an exercise regime with a pet is a win-‐win situation.
For the health of it
The most obvious reason that exercise is good for both of you is health. By nature, dogs are workers. This new generation of couch-‐potato dogs is a recent phenomenon.
Just like people, dogs will get lazy if we let them. And just like people, their health will suffer as a result of that inactivity.
For both people and dogs that are not getting enough exercise, a variety of conditions, illnesses and diseases can, and quite often, will, emerge:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Joint and bone problems
- Digestive problems
- Constipation
- Heart disease
- and more!
A natural stress-‐buster
Boosting your serotonin level naturally is your best defense against depression and stress … and exercise is the logical solution! Just 15-‐20 minutes of moderate exercise every day will be enough to lift your mood and lessen your stress. But, again, you’re not the only one who will benefit from this. A brisk daily walk with your dog will help him to feel happier as well. And those behavior problems you’ve been noticing? Watch them fall by the wayside with each logged mile or so!
Behavior problems solved with a simple daily walk? Really? Really. What kind of behavior problems?
If your dog is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, or misbehaviors, the reason quite possibly is a lack of exercise and some serious penned up energy!
- Destructive actions (digging, scratching or chewing): Just think, a daily walk could have saved those $90 Nike’s you bought to wear on that fancy treadmill/coat rack!
- Hyperactivity: Yes, your hyper Eskie is capable of calming down … once she has her walk in!
- Roughhousing: While wrestling with the kids may be fun, and good exercise, when Smokey gets a bit too rough and starts baring his teeth, it is a sign of a frustrated energy pool that needs to be drained!
- Endless pacing: Do you really need an explanation for this?
- Barking and whining: Excessive barking and whining is not only an annoyance, but it’s also a sign of boredom and inactivity.
Remember, dogs are born with a purpose … and that purpose includes lots of activity and work. The couch-‐potato persona is unnatural and demeaning.
An action plan
If you are currently dogless and are thinking about heading down to the local shelter to pick up an exercise buddy, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. What kind of exercise do you plan to do with your dog?
Dogs are not created equal. Certain breeds lend themselves to certain activities and trying to fit the proverbial square peg into the round hole can have serious consequences. Once you decide what kind of activity you plan to engage in, check with a veterinarian to determine which breed is best for you.
Sustained running can damage the not-‐yet-‐developed bones of puppies and younger dogs. If you want to take your dog with you as you jog or bike, opt for a dog that is over 3 years old. Also, larger breeds tend to experience arthritis, hip dysplasia and ligament injuries. Running is hard on their joints and bones.
If your plan is to swim laps, find out which breeds are best suited for the water. Some dogs tend to have problems with their ears when they get wet. The last thing you want is pricey vet bills just when you are trying to lower stress!
2. How much exercise do you intend to do?
Small dogs, or those with short legs, like Welsh Corgis, do not need as much exercise as larger breeds.
3. When do you plan to exercise?
Watch scheduling exercise for right after your dog eats, if you have a breed prone to bloat. These deep-‐chested, narrow-‐bodied breeds need to rest after eating. Give it an hour or so before snapping on the leash.
4. How strenuous will your workouts be?
Some dogs are just not cut out for strenuous workouts. A brisk evening or morning walk is about as much as they can safely handle. Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and other dogs with short or flat noses, can only endure moderate exercise.
Carefully monitor your dog for indications that the exercise is just too much for him. If you see signs of stiffness or soreness, adjust your routine accordingly. The “no pain, no gain” philosophy should not ever be applied to your canine companion!
Basically, dogs are not suited for running for extended periods of time, no matter what. No matter what they are bred to do (herding, hunting, etc.), it has never included long-‐distance running, so don’t expect too much.
Periodically check her paws for blisters. While she may not have to break in any shoes the way you do, she still can suffer from blistered footpads, particularly if they are light-‐colored. One more warning – avoid walking your dog on hot asphalt! If the sun’s been beating down on the surface all day, find a grassy field and have some fun.
“You need more exercise,” the doctor told you. And then he gave you some excellent advice: “Get a dog.” A healthier, happier you is just around the bend.
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