TIPS FOR RUNNING WITH A DOG

Written by Steven Symes
www.mymakegreengogreen.com 

Dogs, like humans, need physical exercise to keep their body healthy. Running with a dog helps keep both you and the dog in shape and also helps diminish negative canine behavior such as barking, digging, and excessive chewing.
Even though running is beneficial to dogs, there are some precautions you should be aware of. Dogs, like humans, need to be eased into a new workout schedule. Running a dog for ten miles when it has never run before can result in serious injury to their pads, joints and muscles.
To make exercise with your dog an enjoyable and safe experience for you both, consider these points:

• Be aware of the surfaces you are running on with your dog. Hot cement, for example, is especially tough on a dog’s foot pads.
• Make sure to keep your dog properly hydrated. Allow your dog to drink both before and after a workout, and during the rest of the day. If you are doing a particularly long workout, consider giving your dog water somewhere partway through.
• Be sensitive to your dog’s limits. If your dog starts to slow down or needs to walk, allow your dog to do so. Do not push the dog too much.
• Periodically inspect your dog’s feet for blisters or signs of wear in the pads. Keep in mind your dog is not wearing padded shoes like you are. If your dog has problems with its pads, ask your veterinarian for suggestions for treatments.
• Be courteous and clean up your dog’s waste. Always carry a small bag with you, just in case your dog decides it is potty time.
• Choose softer running surfaces such as grass or sand to run on when possible. This will help not only your dog’s joints, but also yours.
• Keep your dog on a leash – it will help keep your dog safe, and in many areas it is the law.
• If you are running in low light or at night, look into buying a reflective vest or flashing lights to put on your dog. It is not a bad idea to have these safety devices for you as well.
• If your dog likes to pull on the leash, look into a device to cure this habit. Ensure the device you use does not constrict your dog’s airway like choke chains do.
• Help your dog warm up for a run by starting slow or playing before you go.
• Always be aware of other people or dogs in the pathway ahead. If necessary to maintain control, shorten your dog’s leash by wrapping it around your hand.
• Walk your dog around for a few minutes after a run to help it cool down and recover.

Before you start taking your dog for runs, it is a good idea to speak with your dog’s veterinarian. Different breeds and even individual dogs have their own capacity for exercise. Your dog’s vet may want to check over your dog and give it a physical before you start a new exercise regimen.