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K-STATE EXPERT OFFER TIPS FOR JOGGING DOGS
With warmer temperatures, the number of
joggers on sidewalks and in parks will increase. Howard
Erickson, professor of physiology at Kansas State University's
College of Veterinary Medicine, says the exercise will not only
be good for you, but it offers benefits for your dog as well.
"It helps dogs stay healthy and maintain good muscle tone,"
Erickson said. "If you don't use your muscles, they tend to get
flabby and atrophy, so it is beneficial in that regard.
"In addition to giving dogs exercise, it helps temperament," he
said. "Some dogs are destructive once in awhile if they get too
much energy pent up, so that's the other advantage of exercise."
Erickson offers some tips for jogging with your dog.
* Start younger, middle-aged and overweight dogs on a moderate
program of walking 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day.
* Be careful and watch for traffic. If you're on a street, have
the dog by your left side and move against the traffic.
* Keep in mind the type of surface you are jogging on. In the
summer, asphalt and concrete become very hot, while grass and
dirt stay relatively cool. Also, harder surfaces such as
concrete could cause damage to the pads of a dog's feet if you
do a lot of heavy running, so grass might be better for jogging.
* Avoid jogging if a dog has any pre-existing health problems,
such as a heart murmur or heartworms. Also, some dogs can overdo
it, particularly older dogs, so take notice if a dog appears to
be getting tired.
* During hot summer days take water along, or jog by places
where there is water.
* Go out early in the morning or late evening when it's cooler,
rather than in the afternoon heat of the sun. Dogs don't get rid
of heat as well as humans do. They primarily eliminate heat
through panting, and they sweat through the pads of their feet,
so they can get overheated very easily.
* Take some precautions if you plan to jog at night. Wear
clothing that can be noticed in the dark, and attach illuminated
strips to your dog's collar.
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