Keeping Fit With Your Pet

Why exercise with your dog? Because you both need it! Lack of exercise is a fact of modern life for humans and canines, even though nature designed us both for constant activity.

Our companion dogs no longer spend the day running down wild animals. Dinner magically appears in the bowls, along with all the table scraps and snacks that follow. This can lead to an overweight pup.

The lack of physical effort lets our bodies, both canine and human, grow soft and weak, thus making us both unable to handle the demands of life. An overwhelming number of afflictions for both people and dogs may be prevented by proper diet and exercise. Adult- onset diabetes, heart disease, strokes, back ailments and osteoporesis are just a few ailments that can affect both humans and pets. These and many other ailments can be averted by regular exercise.

Exercise leads to longer life, increased strength, endurance, and flexibility. Exercise helps both people and dogs to lose weight in a number of ways. Today, few dogs have the benefit of a yard for running. Most are indoors all the time.

Exercising with your dog is a great time saver. A host of chores can get taken care of while the dog and you are having fun. Instead of moping about while the dog is being taken out, you can be exercising and the dog can be exercising. Your dog will enjoy quality time with you. A half an hour a day is plenty of time for a good work out. This should be done at least three times a week but every day is best.

Pay attention to the size and breed of your dog. The smaller breeds and younger dogs may not be able to walk as long and you may end up carrying them. Most breeds are perfectly fine with a brisk walk and even a game of chasing the ball in the park.

As winter’s cold weather moves in, you need to dress accordingly and so does your dog. If you have a dog that cannot tolerate the cold because of age, illness, or because he is shorthaired consider investing in a warm, waterproof coat or sweater.

Keep a ”doggy towel“ handy to dry your dog following a walk in the rain.

So, if you need an excuse to walk or need a buddy to walk with, visit the Oregon Humane Society. These three lovely pups
all love to walk and need you as their next walking buddy. hing a dog to walk on a leash and not to jump up are manners that dramatically increase their chance of being adopted quickly.

There are many more volunteer opportunities at OHS. For more information on pet adoption or volunteering, please call 503-285-7722 or logon to www.oregonhumane.org.