Park Hill Vet: Have Pet, Will Travel
Spring Into Action With Your Fur Kids
By Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ
For the GPHN
With little more snow in front of us, we are rushing into spring with cleaning, exercise and planning for summer. If you didn’t start or never made New Year’s resolutions, now it’s time to dust off the walking or running shoes and get going. And, that includes getting your pets ready for the spring and summer.
If you’re planning on a move or travel near or far with pets during the summer, make sure the fur kids are current on all their preventive health care and speak with your veterinarian about tips to help with the move or travel. Stressed humans packing boxes or suitcases stress out pets, not to mention the hours of car travel. Much can be done to prepare pets for your trip or move and even get a referral to a new practice in your destination so you can have one thing off the list of to do’s for future care or emergencies.
Spring into action now to get your pup back into shape for the upcoming warm months of longer walks/runs, hiking and camping. Just like us, they may have become couch potatoes rather than road warriors during the winter or even the pandemic.
Remember to start your dog’s exercise program slowly to allow them to build up endurance. Watch the temperature and time of day as well as for signs of exhaustion such as heavy panting and wheezing, lameness, slowing or stopping to lie down. Avoid walks and runs during hot temperatures and check to make sure that the sidewalks and asphalt are not so hot they will burn tender paws.
Not every dog is built for strenuous exercise, but all dogs can go for walks. Make sure that there’s time to sniff around new areas and add to the pee-mail. Take new routes for both your entertainment and the physical challenge.
For runners, safety first – it’s best to use a hands-free leash around your waist. Off-leash running is not appropriate in our urban environment for the safety of your pet; save it for open areas where it is allowed. Avoid using retractable leashes as they can easily break or tangle, risking injury to pets and people. If you must use a handheld leash, use a solid leather, nylon or rope leash and make sure your pet’s collar is not too loose to prevent them from pulling out.
Hiking is a more strenuous form of walking and allows both you and your pet great adventures. Avoid difficult trails and terrain until you’ve acclimated your pet to hiking on shorter trails and softer terrain.
Not all dogs are natural swimmers — including some the breeds that should adore water. But for those that love water, swimming is also great exercise. For those that like water but don’t know how to swim, start slowly in shallow water with a canine lifejacket and help them gain their skills.
Fetch and other games are a great workout as well. For the avidly athletic dog, there are also great sports out there such as agility, canine freestyle and Flyball™. You can find resources locally to train your herding dog to use their innate herding skills.
And, last but not least, cats need exercise too – especially since we see so many overweight and obese cats. You just need to make sure a cat “wins” at their challenge. Cat exercise options include:
1. Laser pointers and mobile laser toys.
2. Catios – an outdoor enclosure for a safe way to engage the outdoors.
3. Food puzzles – the marriage of mealtime and engaging exercise.
4. Feather toys and other chasers.
5. Hiding toys and treats in random locations.
6. Bubbles for visual stimulation – there’s even a brand just for cats that is made with catnip to make it doubly fun.
Enjoy your time with your pets exercising too – it benefits human physical and mental health to spend quality time with our animals.
Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit parkhillvet.com