Jogging With Your Dog By Anita R. Weidinger, DVM So, you've decided that both you and your dog need more exercise. Jogging can be a great way to spend some time together and get that needed workout. There are a few things to keep in mind as you get started. Before taking off, have your dog evaluated (heart, lungs, bones, joints, etc.) by your veterinarian to make sure there are no health reasons to keep your dog from becoming your running partner. Hip dysplasia is wide spread and while some dogs may not show signs, they may have significant hip malformation. Even though these dogs are not limping, if they are pushed with jogging on a regular basis, degenerative changes may progress more quickly with the added stress on the joints. Just like us, a dog needs to gradually get into an exercise program. Start slow and work up. The pads on your dog's feet can be soft if they spend most of their time indoors. They will toughen up slowly but don't overdo early in your program. The pads can blister which is painful and will require a rest period before they can start back into the jogging program. When you start, walk for a distance, then jog for that same distance. As you both handle things well, increase the distance jogged and decrease the walking distance. Remember to warm up with a walk first and cool down with a walk at the end of your jog. Keep a close eye on your dog and stop to walk if they seem to be tiring. If you jog over two miles at a time, take water with you for yourself and your dog. Handy travel water jugs for dogs are available. Keep in mind that the time of day and weather will come into play with your new fitness program. Dogs are affected by the weather more than we are, especially when it's hot. In the winter time, if we can handle the weather, they usually can. In the summer, we need to remember that they are wearing coats and won't tolerate the heat as we might be able to. Jogging early in the morning, before it gets warm is best. You may also need to decrease your jogging distance in the summer. Signs of overheating are excessive panting, increased salivation, red gums, increased heart rate, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these signs, stop immediately and take steps to cool your dog slowly. Drinking water and wetting your dog down are good ways to reduce their temperature, just be careful that the water is not too cold. Tepid water is recommended. Take your dog's temperature rectally. If its over 103.5 degrees, take them immediately to your veterinarian. Jogging with your dog can be a very good way to increase your dog's fitness, and as you watch them become more fit, it can also help you stay committed to your own personal exercise program. Good luck and enjoy the time together.

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