Safety tips are essential factors to consider when exercising your pet. Since they can’t communicate well with you, you will have to put specific measures to ensure they don’t get too stressed. It is also essential you monitor them closely during the exercises to figure out when they are experiencing discomfort.
Some of the most basic safety tips to follow while exercising your pet include:
1. Understanding your dog
It is important to know your dog’s abilities, so you know which exercises to avoid with them. For example, short dogs might find swimming difficult to do, as they could easily drown.
Also, short-snouted dogs will easily be short of breath in aerobics like running. Hence, such fitness regimes should be avoided when handling such dogs.
Also, only well-rested dogs should engage in intensive exercise sessions. If a dog is not in good condition, you must not engage it in exercise for too long.
2. Regular checks during exercises
When carrying out exercises, you should observe your dog closely to identify any anomalies. Signs like shortness of breath, lagging, limping, and heavy panting are indications of stress. In such situations, a short break is advised, during which you check the dog’s body thoroughly for injuries.
It is vital to check your dog regularly when the exercise is like a hike on a dirt trail. On such tracks, safety equipment like booties could be worn for the dog to prevent sharp objects from injuring the dog’s paw. Any sign of discomfort shown by the dog should be attended to as a top priority.
3. Start the session slowly
Your dog’s fitness sessions should start slowly. Don’t skip warm-ups; they are essential for conditioning the dog’s body for the exercises.
If you plan a long hike or run, you should start with a slow walk or brief run-up for your dog to ensure it is in the required shape for the session. Also, if there are any preexisting conditions you have not noticed, you might observe them during the warm-up.
4. Water breaks
Water breaks are also an important safety tip. Water is essential during exercises as it restores hydration lost during panting. It also aids temperature regulation.
Dogs don’t have sweat pores, so they can’t sweat. They rely on panting and water to regulate their internal temperatures. During exercises, the internal temperature increases. Hence, water is very important during fitness sessions for dogs.
5. Give only little treats
It is common among dog owners to pack treats while going for a hike with their dogs. It is not wrong to give treats to the dog during exercises, as they help get cooperation from the dog during the exercise session.
However, it would be best if you give treats very sparingly during the exercise—experts even advise that you don’t give treats at all. Water is often a better option for the dog. Once you get home and the dog is well-rested, you can give the treats.
Giving treats during exercise could lead to bloating. It is also counterproductive to the weight loss regime you are trying to maintain.
In conclusion, it is nice to have exercise sessions for your dog to help them stay fit. However, following the safety tips stated above is equally essential for a hitch-free fitness session. You could also contact your local veterinarian for further advice on which fitness regime will be best for you and your dog.