You're convinced. Exercise is good for you. It reduces stress, helps you control your weight, is good for your heart, and gives you more energy. But you're still having trouble getting motivated to exercise? Maybe you need a pet.
All pets need exercise. It's good for their health, and helps them use up their pent-up energy. But each type of animal has different exercise needs. Cats like to expend short bursts of energy – like chasing a string or batting at a toy. Many birds can get plenty activity inside their cage, provided they have the right kind of toys.
 You couldn't take Tuttle the Turtle on a jog around the block. On the other hand Sparky the Spaniel needs a daily jaunt around the neighborhood park to burn off some extra energy. Besides being good for her, it might keep her from chewing up your slippers, barking at the air, or digging craters in your yard.
If you want a motivation to exercise, a dog might be just what you need. Beyond the health benefit to you and your pet, you might even look forward to your regular exercise program because of the excitement your pet has for physical activity.
Many dogs love exercise. You'll feel like you've made their day when you get up off the couch, head out the door, and trot down the street beside them. Depending on the dog, you'll have an enthusiastic companion for swimming, jogging, playing catch, or hiking.
Safety Considerations for Pets
The same rules you go by also apply for your pet. Before starting an exercise program, make sure you and your pet get a physical. Once you've gotten the doctor's and veterinarian's okay, start out slowly. Walk or swim for five or 10 minutes on most if not all days each week. Work toward 30 minutes at a time. After that you can begin increasing the intensity and the duration until you and Sparky can jog or swim for 60 minutes straight on most or all days of the week.
Keep an eye on your pet. Many dogs are enthusiastic and loyal. They'll push beyond their limits just to stay beside you. You need water; they need water. You can strain your muscles or injure your ligaments; so can dogs.
The American Animal Hospital Association suggests these safety tips for exercising dogs:
- Keep a close eye on your dog. Watch for any unusual signs of fatigue or trouble breathing. If your pup wants to stop, let him.
- Don't expect your fuzzy buddy to be a weekend warrior, even if you only get exercise on the weekends yourself. After a long week without exercise, your dog may be ready to get out and burn off energy. But because of their enthusiasm, many breeds, such as Labrador and golden retrievers, will overdo it.
- Safety first. Keep Rover on a leash when you run. Even the best-trained dogs can run into the path of a car or a territorial animal. And if you have to run when it's dark out, put reflectors on your dog's collar as well as on your clothes.
- Concrete and asphalt are tough on the paws, especially on hot days. Try to run on dirt paths or grass as much as possible. Gravel, cinders, and road salt can also irritate paws.
- Take it easy in extreme weather. If it's freezing cold or hot and steamy out, either keep your run short or play indoor fetch instead.
- The more active your dog is, the more water he'll need. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water before and after your run. If you're going for a long run, take some water along for him.
- If your dog is getting bored with running or walking, take heart: There are other ways to get him the exercise he needs. A 15-minute game of fetch makes for a good workout.
Realize that your dog will slow down as he ages. You'll need to modify your dog's exercise routine. Hopefully, by the time your dog slows down, your exercise routine is so well established you'll keep on running, swimming, or whatever, without the incentive Rover provided. You can just add a daily short walk with Rover to your already-established daily exercise program.
Wait a While
You shouldn't buy a dog or any other animal just to help you with your weight control issues. Before you rush out to buy an exercise companion, consider the costs and responsibilities of dog ownership. Here's a list of questions to ask yourself, based on the American Kennel Club's recommendations:
- Why do I want a pet?
- Is a dog the best choice for me and my family?
- What kind of dog is best for us?
- Do we have enough space and time to meet our dog's exercise needs?
- Will its temperament and personality suit our family?
- Do we have the time and energy to train a dog and to care for it?
- Can we afford the annual shots and trips to the veterinarian to help keep our dog healthy?
- Can we afford the food and supplies our dog will need?
- Will its coat require special grooming needs?
Adding a dog to your family is a major commitment. Yes, a dog will provide you with companionship – and a great reason to exercise daily. Gather as much information as possible, and consider if you have what it takes to be a responsible pet owner. |
