Running is a popular fitness sport pet owners love to indulge in with their pups. If you are a dog parent and you’re considering running with your pet, share your views with your furry friend, they might respond with a happy face and wagging tail.
Most dogs love to exercise and make ideal running companions to humans. Since they need physical activity daily, you have little choice but to offer them and yourself an opportunity to get moving and burn calories.
Also, take care not to push your pet to overdo any activity, whether strolling or running. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, because running is a high-impact, cardio-intensive exercise. Your pup can be at risk of injuries or, may develop issues like, bone and joint issues, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella.
Many chronic conditions can make running painful or impossible for a canine fur baby, which is why moderation is advised from the get go. Also, it may be worth arming yourself with pet health insurance, to help manage the financial stress that comes with medical emergencies and ensure your pup has access to top-notch medical care in such a case.
Cheap dog insurance policies provide basic health coverage, while the best pet insurance policies cover a pet comprehensively. So, weigh the benefits of various pet plans and consider buying a policy that suits your puppy’s health needs and your insurance budget.
Meanwhile, contemplate on the below questions if you plan on running with your puppy anytime soon.
Is your pup an ideal running partner?
Particular dog breeds are naturally built for running, and it is worth noting that a puppy’s running capacity is not related to its size. Some dog breeds are better at short runs, and others at long runs. And many others are splendid runners on trails. For instance, Labrador/Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Greyhounds, and Jack Russell Terriers are some of the best runner dog breeds.
So, before heading out, a quick Google search to know about your dog’s running capabilities may be worthwhile. Some dogs are not gifted runners, and caution is advised while considering taking young puppies, older dogs, sick dogs, overweight/obese dogs, dogs with bone/joint issues, and other severe medical conditions out for running. Contact your vet and seek their advice for further steps.
Do you have proper running gear for your pup?
After getting the vet’s approval to take your pup running, you must buy appropriate running gear for your puppy to ensure they have a safe running experience. For example, you will require regular things like a leash, harness, water bottle, and poop bags. Your puppy will need fresh water to stay hydrated during high-intensity activities.
Get your pup used to walking before heading for a run
Walking with your pet can help gauge your dog’s stamina. Plus, it is a brilliant way to condition your puppy’s body for running. It is a vital step for dogs with little to no exercise history. A puppy new to physical activity might deal with bruises, pain, injuries, difficulty moving, getting up, and lying down. So, start slow and gradually amp up the pace once the puppy gets comfortable.
Train your pup to respond to verbal cues
Training your pup to correctly respond to short commands like “Let’s go!”, “Stop there!”, “Slow down!”, “Walk”, or “Run”, can help you communicate effectively while running.
Don’t ignore your pet’s safety through all the fun and frolicking. Give your puppy brief breaks to relax, and then get going with the run. Check the weather alerts before starting and stop your pup from running even in the slightest discomfort. Be wary of pushing your pup too hard as this can lead to exhaustion which may result in them needing medical assistance to recover.
In a case like this, take your canine pet to the nearest pet emergency clinic for testing and treatment. The stress of covering the bills that usually come with such situations can be eliminated if you have cheap dog insurance. Otherwise, consider buying pet health insurance to ensure your pup has access to the best medical care when required.
