Dogs Introduction
Mast Cell Tumours
Choosing
a Dog
First Aid for Dogs
Vaccination
Feeding
Microchipping
Puppy socialisation
Insurance
Neutering
Worming
Fleas
Obedience Training
House Training
Toys and Games
Exercise
Dental
Care
Breeding from
your Dog
"Dry Eye" (KCS)
Kennel Cough
Allergic Skin Disease
Arthritis
The Older Male Dog
The Older Female Dog
Chocolate Poisoning
Blood Donors Wanted
Ticks
Further Information
|
Exercise
|
|
Sonya J. Miller-Smith
|
Young puppies generally get plenty
of exercise romping around the garden and playing. Once your puppy is fully vaccinated,
you can take him for short walks to a park, trips to the countryside, and visits
to town to help him get used to a variety of environments.
The age to start proper exercise differs from breed to breed, as does the
amount of exercise – if in doubt, please feel free to pop in to the surgery
to seek advice. Don’t start strenuous exercise until your puppy is fully
grown and his bones are developed. At this stage, a dog should be taken out
at least once a day for exercise on the lead, and let off to run in a permitted
place.
Tips for healthy exercise:
- Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of
the day;
- Take a bottle of water and a water bowl if you are planning a long
walk;
- Take a ball or Frisbee with you to encourage vigorous exercise and
to
play games;
- Don’t throw sticks, as they can be very dangerous, splintering
in the mouth or sticking in the throat;
- Don’t forget to take pooper-scoop
bags to clean up after your pet;
- Don’t exercise your dog until two hours
after a meal;
- Keep your dog on a lead in urban areas or along roads;
- In the countryside,
be sure your dog does not chase farm animals, or run on cultivated land.
- Many
dogs will enjoy jogging with their owners, but do not over-do it. Ensure
that nails do not become too worn and that pads do not bruise.
Really active breeds can benefit from taking part in agility, obedience, flyball
or working trials. Details of local groups can be found in ‘Further information
for dog owners’.
© Darwin Veterinary Centre Limited 2002-2006.
All rights reserved.
|