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Just like people, dogs who haven't exercised regularly in the past need to ease into a regular fitness program. Before you rush out to get in shape, take time to make sure your dog is in good condition and properly trained for your shared sports.
- Begin your new routine with your pet slowly. Start with short exercise sessions and gradually work into longer walks, hikes or jogging sessions.
- Avoid working out with your pet during the hottest parts of the day. Exercise dogs in the early morning, late afternoon or evening.
- Avoid hot sidewalks and pavement. If it's too hot for your bare feet, it's probably too hot for your dog's paws.
- Take a doggie water bottle along on walks, runs or hikes.
- Watch for signs that your dog is working too hard. Rapid breathing, bright-red-gums, and lagging behind may indicate your dog is fatigued.
- Keep an eye open for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs that your pet may need medical attention include rapid breathing, thick saliva, bright-red tongue, and a temperature of 104 degrees or above or vomiting. Move your dog to a cooler environment, immerse him in cool water and contact your veterinarian.
- Train her to respond when called, and to sit and stay on command if you plan to let her off her leash for any sports or activities. These could be lifesaving lessons.
- Some dogs are susceptible to sunburn. If your dog has white or short hair or lacks pigmentation on his nose, apply sunblock to your dog's nose or ear tips when you plan to be in the sun for any period of time.
- If your dog is not as enthusiastic to join you in your sports as you had anticipated, it could be she's suffering from arthritis rather than from a severe case of couch potato. Watch out for signs of arthritis such as reluctance to walk, run, climb stairs or play; stiffness; limping; lagging behind on walks; difficulty rising from a resting position; soreness when touched; yelping or whimpering in pain; or acting aggressive or withdrawn. If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that your dog is in pain, so you should contact your veterinarian to discuss medications to help your dog stay active. If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, the medication RimadylŪ (carprofen) now exists to help your dog deal with arthritis pain. Rimadyl, a product from Pfizer Animal Health, has helped over one million dogs across the country remain active members of the family. As with other pain relievers in this class, rare but serious side effects involving the digestive system, liver or kidneys may occur. Regular monitoring is required for pets on any medication. See prescribing information also available on the Rimadyl website at www.rimadyl.com for important information for dog owners and a complete product description. Your veterinarian can help you decide if Rimadyl is right for your dog.
- Invest in proper equipment for you and your dog. If you're exercising after dark, wear reflective clothing and attach reflective material to your dog's leash or collar to increase visibility to vehicles.
- Learn emergency procedures for your pet if you plan to venture out on long hikes or camping trips. As you would for your family, include a small doggie first aid kit and manual in pack-just in case.
- Most important, contact your veterinarian if you have any questions about your pet's ability to engage in certain activities.
-Bernadine Cruz, D.V.M., is an associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, California. She specializes in small animal medicine and has been practicing veterinary medicine for more than sixteen years. She also serves as a volunteer veterinarian for a number of organizations and has done veterinary consulting for national television programs.
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