JOGGING WITH YOUR DOG

MANHATTAN -- Exercise is a great way to get your body into shape, but jogging with your dog might not always be such a good idea. A Kansas State University veterinarian has some suggestions for those who want to begin an exercise program that includes their canine companion. "The real problem is over doing it," said Dr. William Fortney, assistant professor of veterinary medicine.

"Dogs want to please so they won't stop or whine when they are tired," Fortney said. "It is up to the owner to make a judgment on when to stop exercising."

Fortney suggests starting out slow and watching how the dog reacts. Take it day at a time and see how the dog is responding to the effects of the workout.

"In trying to please their owners, dogs will run through pain or even not notice it," Fortney said.

According to Fortney, weather is also a factor when taking your dog out for a jog.

"Dogs cannot handle hot, humid weather," Fortney said. "Heat stroke can be fatal for a pet, so make sure clean fresh water is available."

Cold weather can also be hard on a dog's lungs, said Fortney. If the temperature is below 20 degrees they should not be out too long, he adds.

Despite the possibility for overexertion and problems with bad weather conditions, Fortney says exercise is a good way to keep your dog limber.

"I recommend anything where the dog and owner are spending time together on a regular basis," said Fortney. "Walking is better for both owner and dog. It has better circumstances than running and it is easier to walk than run on a daily basis."

If jogging is still your thing, consider the size and age of your dog before heading out with your pet for a long run. Fortney recommends pet owners ask their veterinarian for recommendations on what age their dog should be before starting an exercise program, how far they can go at first, etc.

"Size and breed are important because of the way bones mature in young dogs," said Fortney.

Also, making sure your dog is leash trained can save both owner and dog from potential accidents.

"It is paramount that the animal be well trained and the owner be cautious of the leash when jogging," Fortney said. Other hazards owners should avoid are riding bikes with dogs because the

leash could get caught in the spokes, Fortney said.

"Roller blades can be just as bad," Fortney said, recalling an incident where an owner ran over and broke the foot of his canine friend.

Prepared by Robyn Horton, For questions, contact William Fortney at (913) 532-5690.

February 1996 - May be reproduced without permission.

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY, News Services, 9 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506-0117, (913) 532-6415, FAX: 913-532-6418, e-mail: news@ksu.ksu.edu