Playing With Your Dog

We all need time to play and your pet is no exception. Your dog will sleep better and experience fewer behavioral problems with frequent exercise. Here are a few tips to help you and your dog on your way to better health.

If exercise is new to your dog or if you are exposing him to a new sport, begin slowly and gradually increase the duration and level of activity.

Make certain to keep your dog hydrated. Take along a supply of water and give some to your dog during rest periods. Always be aware of the temperature and the climate so your pet does not suffer from heat exhaustion.

Pay attention to signs of fatigue. If your dog sits down while you are playing she may be fatigued and need a break.

Walking and running with your dog are always good forms of exercise. The intensity level can be increases for dogs in good health or lessened for older, sickly or physically impaired pets. Try to keep walks between 20 to 40 minutes; enough time for your pet to derive the benefit of the exercise, but not too much to create fatigue.

Vary the games you play with your dog such as fetch, ball retrieval, Frisbee, agility training exercises and flyball.

When training your dog to play Frisbee, begin with a small fabric covered disk. If your dog takes to the sport and shows an aptitude, switch to a regular Frisbee for your play time.

Some dogs love agility training and even progress to competitions. Agility training exercises include jumping through tires, climbing steep inclines, running through dog tunnels, walking beams, and weaving through poles. The rapid pace of these events make dogs think and use their skills to navigate the course successfully. For more information on agility exercises and competitions contact the United State Dog Agility Association at http://www.usdaa.com/ or call them at 972.487.2200.

Before you take your dog for a jog, check with your vet to make certain your pet is in good health and capable of such strenuous activity. Avoid running during midday when the temperature is hottest. Running on grass, sand or softer surfaces help protect your dog’s pads and provide some cushion. If you run in the evening or at night, make certain you and your dog wear garments with reflective tape to make you more visible.

On inclement days, it is still important for your dog to get exercise. A good game of hide and seek may do the trick.

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Dogs and Obesity

Obesity in dogs is becoming increasingly prevalent and can cause serious medical problems. Every extra ounce or pound increases the stress on your dog’s internal organs (heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys), over works the joints, and makes your pet more prone to injury. Removing the extra weight will increase your dog’s mobility and improve his general health.

To check if your dog is overweight, examine your dog’s ribs and waist area. Overweight dogs tend to accumulate fat over the rib cage, along the spine, and around the tail. To check for fat around the rib cage, place your thumbs on your pet’s backbone, sliding your fingers along the ribs. If you have difficulty finding the rib cage, it’s time to institute an exercise and diet plan.

Dog food companies do sell low calorie meals for dogs, but beware. Dogs can lose weight on these diets, but prolonged use of “diet” products may lead to dry flaky skin and diminished coat health. Consult your vet to see taylor a weight loss plan for your pet’s age and general wellbeing
Establish a starting point. Before you make any changes to your dog’s diet and/or exercise program have a dog weigh-in. Record your pet’s initial weight and repeat this process weekly using the same scale. Two extra pounds on your pet is equal to 10 to 20 pounds on a person.

Mind the snacks. If your dog is prone to eating or snacking every time you do, curb this behavior or substitute a healthy food such as bananas, carrots, green beans, other low calorie vegetables. Adding more fiber to your dog's diet will help improve digestion and reduce the risk of constipation. If you see signs of intestinal upset, reduce the amount of fiber.

Be aware of the supplements you feed your dog as well as the fat content of the food he eats. Your dog needs fat to stay healthy and for a source of energy. But too much fat, left unburned, will put pounds on your pet. The fat content of dry food should be in the range of 11 to 15 per cent for active dogs and slightly less for older or more sedentary dogs. Also look for foods which contain Omega fatty acids.

Last but not least, don’t let those big soulful eyes suck you in. Feeding your dog a healthy well regulated diet will help shed pounds and gain longevity.

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Your Dog’s House

Whether indoors or out, your dog will enjoy having his own space. Here are points to consider as you go in search of a dog house.

Make certain the doghouse has nontoxic paint, especially if your dog likes to chew.

If the dog house is located outdoors, consider purchasing a house with a hinged roof or side to allow for easy access and cleaning. For indoor houses, a removable, washable floor pad .

If you choose to line the floor, avoid products which may become moldy or items such as newsprint which can run, discolor your pet’s fur, or cause an allergic reaction. Remember to clean the dog house regularly.

Consider ventilation. Look for windows and doors which allow good air flow.

Measure the dog house to make certain it is large enough for you pet to fit comfortably. Dogs depend on their body heat to warm confined spaces. If the house is too large, your dog will be unable to heat the space and may become cold. For a proper fit, your dog should be able to stand and turn around without touching the sides.

Point the front opening away from oncoming winds. For additional protection, attach strips of overlapping plastic over the front door to keep out the elements and unwanted insects.

Purchase a dog house with a slanted or pitched roof so rain and snow slide off.

During flea and tick season, lightly spray the inside of the house with weekly with repellant. Make certain to let fumes clear before your dog enters.

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Taking Your Pet to the Dog Park

As the number of dog parks increase, it is important for your pet to put his best paw forward when out romping.

Before going to the dog park make certain your dog’s vaccinations are current and your pet is familiar with commands such as sit, stay and come. Even when he is off the leash, make certain you have control over your pet to keep her out of harms way.

Make certain your pet is wearing an ID tag and that the information is current.

Leave little pups at home until their immune systems have developed fully and they are able to listen to and heed your commands fully.

Know your dog’s temperament. Some aggressive dogs will not do well at a dog park or more timid dogs may be overwhelmed by the number of dogs and general chaos. Plan ahead and have an exit trategy should events go awry. For his safety, watch your dog at all times.

Bring water in case your dog gets thirsty.

For a listing of dog parks in the United States and Canada go to http://www.dogpark.com/

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