Healthy People, Healthy Pets

Exercise. If reading that word makes you cringe, then you’re probably not getting enough of it. And if you’re a dog owner who isn’t getting enough exercise, neither is Fido. A dog needs exercise and so do you. Why not do it together?

Enter the solution: Fur Kids Foundation’s weekly Yappy Hour Dog Walks. Each week for about an hour, the Fur Kids Foundation plans to gather as many pet owners and their fur kids as possible and get them out for a walk at Dalbey Memorial Park. And the best part: it’s FREE!

A brisk walk can do wonders for your immune system, cardiovascular health and help you manage your weight. But it can also help curb some of the destructive behaviors that dogs often exhibit such as:

• destructive chewing, digging or scratching
• investigative behaviors, like garbage raiding
• hyperactivity, excitability and night-time activity
• unruliness, knocking over furniture and jumping up on people
• excessive predatory and social play
• play biting and rough play
• attention-getting behaviors like barking and whining

The good news is that by exercising your pup regularly, you can keep them, and you, healthy and happy. Below are some of the benefits of exercising your dog:

• reduces or eliminates the common behavior problems listed above (aka digging, excessive barking, chewing and hyperactivity)
• keeps dogs healthy, agile and limber
• reduces digestive problems and constipation
• helps timid or fearful dogs build confidence and trust
• helps dogs feel sleepy, rather than restless, at bedtime or when you’re relaxing
• helps to keep dogs’ weight under control

Disclaimer: Before you start your dog’s exercise program
Just as in humans, before you begin an exercise program with your pup, please check with your veterinarian. He or she can check your dog for any health issues that may be aggravated by exercise and suggest safe activities. Some size, breed and age considerations include:

• breeds that are prone to bloat that is, deep-chested, narrow-bodied breeds, such as German shepherd dogs, Doberman pinschers and Great Danes should not be exercised right after meals.
• small or short-legged dogs usually don’t need as much walking as larger dogs.
• breeds with short or flat noses (brachycephalic breeds) can have trouble breathing when exercised vigorously.
• sustained jogging or running is not recommended for young dogs whose bones haven’t finished growing. Because large dogs are more prone to cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis and hip dysplasia, sustained jogging can be hard on their joints and bones, too.
• sighthounds, like greyhounds and whippets, are built for short-distance sprinting, not long-distance runs.

So now that you understand the benefits of exercising Rover regularly, I sure hope you plan on joining Fur Kids Foundation for Yappy Hour. The first one takes place Saturday, April 20 at 7 am at Dalbey Memorial Park—we’ll start at the Edward Shelter. There are a few rules:

1. During Yappy Hours, the Foundation requests that all animals be on a leash and under control at all times.
2. Pet owners will be responsible for cleaning up after their pets and pet waste bags will be available.

For more information, please check out the Yappy Hour Dog Walks page online or contact the Fur Kids Foundation.

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