Two Minute Dog Advice

Welcome Wendy Nan Rees, LoveToKnow’s guest dog advice expert, bringing us all weekly two minute tips to help keep your dog healthy, happy, and content. We all certainly have two minutes of our time to read weekly dog advice tips for the betterment of our relationship with our pets. Come back each week for a fresh new tip from a dog expert with a strong background in animal care.

Wendy lives in Los Angeles with her dogs Senator, Cappy and Little Man

Latest Tip: Keep Fit with Your Dog

I often hear how lucky I am that I live here in Los Angeles, California, just for the temperate weather all year long. Honestly, I am still just as lazy with myself and the dogs sometimes, even though the weather may be nice outside.

I just read a study my cousin sent me via email to help motivate me. I was interested enough to look a bit deeper into the subject today, and what I found out was enough to motivate me to at least say "Okay let's try to set a goal while the weather is still nice to power walk with the boys at least three times a week." Here are some important things to do before you start any type of new exercise program that includes yourself and your dog.

Starting Your Exercise Program

Get your veterinarian to make sure your dog is healthy enough to do the exercise you want to have him participate in with you. There is a big difference in power walking with your dog and just taking him for a bathroom walk. Be sure the type of breed you have is compatible with your exercise program and capable of getting enough air so that he will be able to keep up with you. Some of the breeds with pushed in noses (i.e. English Bulldogs, Boxers, and King Charles Spaniel) have a tougher time breathing quickly than a dog with a normal muzzle like a Labrador Retriever. They could actually collapse from a long walk or run which would not harm a dog with a longer muzzle, especially in warmer weather.

If you have a dog with a heavy coat or a large dog, make sure to have plenty of water available, whether walking or playing in the yard. These dogs are vulnerable to dehydration and overheat quickly. If you have a puppy, don't go running with him. Playing ball in the yard for short periods of time is better for him, because at this stage his bones, muscles and joints are still developing. Both of you will need to get fit together. Besides getting an okay from your veterinarian, be sure you also get an okay from your own doctor saying you are healthy enough to start a fitness program.

Dogs and Your Health

Here are some of the very interesting facts I found. According to findings from Texas A&M University, many studies show that pets give us medical benefits that cannot be disputed. Not only do pet owners have better physical health because they exercise with their pets, if you own a dog you can have lower blood pressure. It only takes ten minutes with your dog to reduce your blood pressure.

People who own dogs have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than people who don't, and you are less likely to die from a heart attack if you own a dog. Children benefit from dog ownership as well; they have a lower rate of asthma and allergies if they grow up with a dog. Let's not forget the senior set. In a study conducted by Medicare, people who owned dogs made 21 percent less trips to a doctor.

Tips to Remember

• Make sure if you are away from home when exercising your dog that you take extra poop bags; exercise can speed up the digestive process.
• If you use a leather leash, it is easier on your hands and more comfortable than a nylon leash.
• Begin your exercise program on grass. This way, your dog's paws won't get torn up by asphalt or cement and will have a chance to get tougher. If you are out in winter weather, you may even consider getting a set of boots for your dog's feet.
• Early morning or late in the day is the best time for you and your dog to exercise. Stay out of the heat of the day; this will help keep your dog’s feet from getting burned.
• Get yourself a pedometer so you can keep track of how far you have walked.
• Keep a spare leash and pair of comfortable shoes in your car. This way you and your dog can sneak in a walk if you are in an area that looks inviting or you have a few spare minutes.

Make It a Priority

There are some easy ways to get fit with your dog and have fun doing it. Add exercising with your dog to your "appointment" list and try to schedule it for at least three days a week. In this way, you will be sure that it is not neglected. By being consistent in this way, your dog will look forward to your play time with you and help keep you motivated.

You can play ball in the back yard by either throwing it for your dog, or hitting it with a tennis racket for him. You are exercising your arms and he is exercising his legs. If you take your dog to the pet shop, park farther away from the door and walk your dog across the parking lot. If you are able, take about a 20 minute walk at least once a day, either before or after a meal. It will help both you and your dog burn calories and help digest your food that much faster.

Exercise in Bad Weather Too

On days when the weather is not nice, you and your dog can use the stairs inside your house. If you don't have stairs, you can use a long hallway or the floor of a large room. Put your dog on a sit/stay at the bottom of the stairs or at one end of the room. Put a piece of kibble at the top of the stairs or the other end of the room. Then go back to your dog and race him up the stairs or across the room. He will get a small treat and both of you will get exercise. Or you can race your dog up and down the stairs several times a day, which is a great aerobic exercise for you both.

You can also play a game of chase with your dog chasing you. By telling him to "come" while you are running, you are reinforcing this command. One last thing, whether you are walking or running, shorten your steps, taking bigger steps will only slow you down. You will still cover the same amount of ground while spending quality time with your best canine friend.

Remember, the animals in your life are not just your pets; they're your friends.~ WNR

Previous Weeks' Tips

• Care for Injured Dogs
• Your Dog Rescue Kit
• Massage for Your Dog
• Visiting Family with Your Dog
• Apple Crumble for Dogs
• Keeping Dogs and Family Safe
• Camping with Your Dog

About Wendy Nan Rees

Wendy Nan Rees (WNR) has been involved in the pet industry for over 25 years, starting when she founded Lip Smackers, Inc. a company dedicated to providing healthy, all natural treats to consumers who are concerned about the well-being of their pets. From The People Cookie Made for Dogs® to her patented product Cedar Green Mist® the air and fabric freshener, Wendy is a true pioneer in the pet industry.

Today, Wendy has a world wide radio show called Wendy's Animal Talk which can be heard on www.healthylife.net live on Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time and 24/7 in online archived shows. To find out more about Wendy and her products go to www.thewildliferadio.com. WNR is also an author and has written several books including The Natural Pet Food Cookbook and Dog Lover's Daily Companion. Wendy's success as an author and dog-treat creator led to numerous television appearances. She was the "Pet Lifestyle Advisor" on Animal Planet's "Petsburgh, USA" and also wrote a monthly column called "In the Kitchen with Wendy" for Your Pet Magazine.

WNR is known for giving fast, easy to digest advice for you and your pets so enjoy her column with us, Two Minute Dog Advice.

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