dog jog

by Kirsten Mortensen

You’ve probably heard that having a pet is good for your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, for instance, owning a pet helps lower your blood pressure and your heart rate.

One reason for this terrific pet-effect—at least for dog owners—is that dogs need exercise. For most of us, that means taking our pooches on daily leash walks. But suppose you’d like to recruit your dog as a running partner? Don’t lace up your sneakers quite yet! There are a few things you should consider before you and your dog hit the pavement.

Those little legs. According to Kathryn O’Neill, DVM, Irondequoit Animal Hospital, some dogs are built more for running than others. “Medium and large breeds of dog are best-suited for running,” Dr. O’Neill explains. “Smaller dogs have to work too hard to keep up.” If your dog is a toy or miniature, stick to walks!

Conditioning matters. Don’t push your dog too hard, too soon. “Get your dog acclimated,” Dr. O’Neill advises. “Begin by adding brief periods of jogging to your dog’s daily walk.” Then, increase the length of the jogging intervals a little each day. Your dog will build up strength and endurance at a safe and comfortable rate.

Pack doggy water! Especially for hot-weather runs, make sure you carry water for your dog, too. “Pet product manufacturers have made carrying extra water easy,” notes Denis Walsh, general manager of the Pittsford Petco. Products include collapsible, canvas bowls, or bottles with troughs that flip down to make an instant water dish.

Mind the heat . . . “Dogs’ bodies don’t cool as efficiently as ours do,” says Dr. O’Neill. “You have to be mindful that your dog doesn’t overheat.” Back when she ran with her Golden Retriever, one of their favorite spots was the Erie Canal path—where her dog could take an occasional dip. “Swimming cools off the dog’s whole body, so it’s a great way to prevent overheating.”

. . . And mind their feet. Hot asphalt can burn a dog’s footpads. In the winter, frostbite is a risk, and ice balls may build up on the hair between a dog’s toes. Salt and de-icing chemicals on walks or roads are also bad for a dog’s feet. Dr. O’Neill recommends finding ways for your dog to run on a dirt or grass surface if possible. Protective booties—Petco’s Walsh notes you can even buy them with non-skid soles—are another option. If you don’t use booties, wash your dog’s feet when you get home, particularly in the winter.

Does your dog like it? “If your dog is pulling back, something’s wrong,” says Dr. O’Neill. “The dog may be too tired, or in pain, or too hot.”

Or maybe your dog has just gotten too old for running. Dr. O’Neill finally retired her dog from running about three years ago. “When she was younger, she absolutely loved it. But now, after about a mile, she’s done.”

But hey, walking is great exercise, too! So even if you don’t try a dog jog, grab that leash anyway and whistle for your four-footed buddy. Because your time outdoors together is great for your dog’s health—and your health, too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kirsten Mortensen is a Rochester writer and co-author of Outwitting Dogs, Lyons Press, 2004. www.outwittingdogs.com.