Health & Wellness Basics

Taking Your Dog Running

Dogs can make terrific running partners as long as you take their physical condition and abilities into account. But keep in mind that your dog will need time to work up to your intensity.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when deciding if your dog can or should run with you. Make sure you check with your veterinarian before heading out, and follow your veterinarian's recommendation.

• Age -- If you have a puppy, wait at least until he has completed his first year's shot schedule so he’s protected from the environment and other dogs.
• Size -- Puppies are growing. They need intervals of training and rest to build stamina and give muscles and joints time to strengthen and rebuild. Check with your veterinarian for specific needs and timeframes.
• Maturity -- You’ll probably want to make sure your dog is focused enough to stick with you when you run. Puppies play in bursts and everything is a game and interesting. They'll want to sniff and explore rather than get around your intended circuit.
• Training -- Your dog needs to understand walking on a lead before he can run. Investing the time in training your dog to heel would be a benefit as dogs should be maintained on a leash at all times. Proper training will make the experience more enjoyable for you and your pet.
• Breed -- Although individuals within a breed may vary, some breeds enjoy a good run more than others. Dogs with short muzzles and/or short legs often don’t make the best running partners.

If your dog is ready to run and has been cleared by your veterinarian, start out slow. Start with a walk and gradually increase the distance. Then intersperse periods of walking and running over time. Add speed and/or distance gradually, and if your dog starts lagging, slow down.

Watch your dog for warning signs of injury -- frequent rest stops, limping, heavy continuous panting following exercise, bowing legs, yelping when you pick him up or move him. If you see any of these signs, take your pet to your veterinarian for an examination to evaluate the extent of the problem.

Other Tips:

• Never exercise your dog right before or just after he has eaten a meal
• Offer sips of water as an aid for cooling him down rather than free access to water directly after exercise.
• Keep in mind that darker colored dogs will be affected by the heat and humidity faster than you will.
• Dogs that have short muzzles will often tire quicker when heat and humidity are high.
• Make running fun. Talk to your dog and offer praise, and don’t run him to exhaustion. You want this to be an activity you can both enjoy.