Many people enjoy jogging as a form of exercise, and more and more pet owners are choosing to jog with their dogs. However, many dog owners do not realize just how different jogging can be for a dog than it is for humans. Today we will go over what you need to know about jogging with your pup!
Why You Should Jog with Your Dog
Dogs are very social animals and need exercise like humans. Jogging can be a great way to keep your dog healthy, happy, and with you!
There may be some risks of hurting yourself while running alongside your pup so make sure both of you know how to stop quickly in case the other gets too excited. It’s all about maintaining an even pace.
Exercise Tip: It is also important that the jogger looks out for any hazards along the route – being cautious about traffic is always a good idea as well.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Jogging with You
Before you start running with your dog, it’s a good idea to get them acquainted with the feeling of wearing a leash. You want them to be comfortable while he is out for a run. You should take the time to get used to their collar and leash. If you’ve bought a specialized harness for running, let them try it on for a little bit. You can even try taking them for a walk. Once they seem comfortable, you can give running a try.
What You Need to Know About Jogging with Your Dog
It’s no surprise that jogging is a great way to get exercise and stay healthy. It can also be a fantastic time with your dog, but there are some things you should consider before starting to jog with your pup. Here are three things to think about:
- First, a jog is a lot more rigorous than other types of exercise for dogs. It taxes their muscles and joints in ways that they may not be used to, so it’s important to ease them into jogging before you start running at top speed. Make sure your dog has been cleared by the vet to exercise before starting this with them.
- Jogging can also be difficult on a dog because they sweat through their paws rather than sweating from pores on their skin like humans do. This means they need frequent water breaks and sometimes even booties for extreme weather conditions.
- With the summer heat upon you, consider only taking your dog out in the morning or in the evening. Midday is when the sun’s rays are strongest. The pavement can heat up to dangerous levels and burn your dog’s paws. If you must run during the day, get your dog some booties. This will protect your dog’s paws from the heat and the possibility of getting sore. You can even apply some paw balm after a run, but let your dog cool down a bit before doing so.
Remember to Be Safe
Do make sure to keep an eye out while jogging with your pup. If you are new to this activity, there will probably be some growing pains, but working at your dog’s pace will probably alleviate any issues that come up.
There may be some risks of hurting yourself while running alongside your pup, so make sure to stretch before your run and stop if you’re feeling too uncomfortable.
Aftercare for Your Dog
- Give your dog fresh water immediately. They are going to be panting like mad, so make sure they have plenty of water to drink.
- Rest and relaxation after a run.
- Consume more calories (as needed). If your dog is in good shape, but adding this new exercise to their day, they may need more calories to feel full. So, in the run following their meal, add a little extra food. If your dog needs to lose weight, discuss altering your dog’s diet before taking any action.
In the end, jogging with your dog is a great way for both of you to get exercise while bonding together. Just make sure you take care of their paws and don’t forget: safety first!