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Not only will exercising with a pet benefit your health and your pet's health, bringing along your pet on your walks may motivate you if you normally find exercising to be a difficult or lonely task. Exercising with your pet can be a great way to stay in shape and bond with your animal. Having a dog along on a walk or run may also make you feel safer on paths less traveled. While you don't need any fancy equipment to take a healthy walk with your dog, you should wear supportive walking or running shoes. If you want to see how many steps you and your pet are taking, you might also consider using a pedometer. They generally cost between $10 and $40; however you can buy a more expensive pedometer that will also calculate the distance walked, your speed and number of calories burned. The pedometer can help you set and meet goals for distance. On average, a 150-pound individual who walks at a moderate pace (3 mph) will burn 44 calories on a 10-minute (1/2 mile) walk, 132 calories on a 30-minute (1-1/2 mile) walk and 263 calories on a 60-minute (3 mile) walk. The Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommends that individuals get at least 30 minutes of exercise almost every day. A half-hour walk twice a day is also sufficient for most dogs, although the breed, age and physical condition will ultimately determine what kind and how much exercise they should have. (Small dogs with short legs require less of a walk than larger dogs, and may not be good running companions. Also, it could be harmful to over-exercise dogs with short noses such as bulldogs, boxers and pekingese, since the short noses could cause breathing difficulties.) Like with any new program of exercise, it is a good idea to check with a doctor to make sure you have no underlying health problems. Also check with your pet's veterinarian to see if there are reasons your pet shouldn't exercise with you. Your vet will help you consider the animal's age and weight and tell you which weather conditions your pet should avoid. The most effective way to exercise with your pet is by setting a daily routine to which you both can become accustomed. Make sure to consider how well your schedule can accommodate your new exercise plans and make the new regimen as easy as possible to follow. Start out slowly to avoid any injury to yourself or your pet. Spend some time warming up by jogging in place and doing arm circles before you begin. Always spend a couple of minutes stretching before and after you exercise to avoid pulled muscles and cramping. Avoid walking your dog right after eating as it could cause him or her an upset stomach. During your walk, be careful not to over-exert yourself or over-exercise your pet. The latter can be easier than you think because of your animal's desire to please its owner. Always make sure that both of you have plenty of water and that neither of you become overheated. (Signs of overheating in dogs are excessive panting, weakness, and redness in the ears. If your dog starts to show any of these signs, cool down as soon as possible.) When the weather keeps you indoors, try to fit in some form of exercise, even if only for a few minutes. Otherwise you and your pet will miss the routine, and you may slowly push aside your exercise ritual. Always make sure that both you and your pet are in condition for the form of exercise you choose by making regularly scheduled appointments with your physician and veterinarian. As you exercise, continuously check areas like the pads of your pet's feet to make sure they have no cuts or blisters. At any time, if you suspect that something is wrong with your pet, please contact your veterinarian immediately. |
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