|
 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: I see people jogging
with their dogs on the sidewalk. I’ve heard running long distances with
dogs isn’t healthy. Can you clarify this? — R.S., Evanston, Ill.
A: On the contrary,
according to Bloomingdale, Ill. veterinarian Dr. Jill Korfist and Dr.
Claude Gendreau, an orthopedic veterinarian from Riverwoods, Ill., the
benefits of running with your pooch far outweigh any disadvantages.
As far as running
on pavement goes, Gendreau points out that dogs are built with more natural
cushioning than people. Gendreau adds that running is definitely a cardiovascular
benefit and builds muscle tone. Instead of causing arthritis or hip and/or
elbow dysplasia, as some have suggested, the truth is that running may
decrease the chances of it occurring later in life. (Of course, this is
complicated by any hereditary predispositions for these conditions.) Also,
dogs who regularly jog alongside their people don’t have a weight problem.
Gendreau has one important caveat: Don’t attempt any serious running with
your dog until it’s fully grown.
When you are ready
to begin serious running, work up to longer distances slowly. Korfist
regularly jogs about 3-1/2 miles with her Argentine dog named Loki. She
says most young and otherwise healthy dogs can begin at about a mile.
Then, slowly add one mile at a time. Naturally, some dogs are more adept
at running long distances than others. The truth is greyhounds don’t do
well with long distances but make great partners for sprinters. Most of
the retrievers and many herding breeds do great running longer distances.
Of course, the basset hound’s idea of a long run is about 25-feet. So,
understand the kind of dog you have and what its limitations are.
Korfist says no dog
should be outdoors running when it’s 90 degrees. On hot days, run early
in the morning or in the evening. Also make certain water is available.
I really like a new invention called Cool Pooch. It’s one water bottle
with two separate water supplies. Dogs drink from a retention cup on the
top of the bottle. You drink from a straw. Dogs (Call 312-664-2525; the
Cool Pooch is $8.95). You’re correct about considering the ground your
dog is running on; asphalt heats up really fast and can burn paws; and
in the winter dogs can slide and injure themselves on ice and street salt
and snow can irritate paws.
.
|
