If you’ve ever wanted to go running with your pooch then this is the article for you! Running is a fantastic form of cardiovascular exercise that has many great benefits and bringing along your furry friend for the ride adds another layer of fun.
Guide to Running With Your Dog
But before you start running with your dog there are a few things that you should know to make sure that every run goes smoothly. Here’s a list of some of the top tips that you should consider before you hit the road with your dog.
Dress the part
If you’re going to be heading out to hit the trails with your dog, you want to look the part. Make sure your dressed in proper running gear such as.
- Good running sneakers.
- Sweat-wicking top.
- Sports bra.
- Leggings or shorts.
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Make sure your dog’s the right breed
The reality is that some breeds are just a better fit for running alongside humans than others. Short-snouted dogs like pugs and bulldogs can have trouble breathing and cooling themselves down so they might not be the best partner for long, intense runs.
Larger, barrel-chested dogs like German Shepherds and dobermans can suffer from a terrible and potentially fatal condition called “dog bloat” if they run too quickly after eating. Make sure you research your breed well before starting any running program.
Walk before you run
Your dog needs to perfect walking with a loose leash before you even consider running. While a dog pulling on their leash is frustrating enough while just walking, if they start pulling during a run it can be downright dangerous!
Make sure you research proper placement for your dog when walking and ensure they can properly follow walking commands before switching to running.
Warm up
Remember that it’s important for your pup to warm up just like you! Before you start running, make sure that you incorporate a warm-up of several minutes and after your run make sure to cool-down. Warming up and cooling down can help prevent injuries and may even help to reduce muscle soreness the next day.
Make sure the route is paw friendly
You want to make sure that the road conditions are dog-friendly before heading out. Two major problems to look out for are salt-covered roads int he winter and hot asphalt in the summer.
Salt can actually damage your dogs paws, so if you’re considering running on icy conditions you might want to consider dog shoes. Hot pavement on the other hand can burn your pup’s paws so make sure you check the temperature before heading out.
Carry water
Before you head out for a run make sure you’ve packed water not just for yourself but for your pup too! Dogs can’t tell you when they are thirsty and they can easily suffer from heat exhaustion, especially if the temperatures are high. Make sure to bring along water for your dog and offer it to them regularly.
Know the signs your dogs in trouble
Make sure you know the signs to watch out for incase your dog’s too tired or just not feeling the run.
Dogs may push themselves past their limit to please their owners so it’s important to keep a close eye on them. Two of the most common signs that a dog’s tired out are excess panting and lagging behind. You may want to consider switching to a high-calorie dog food if you find that they’re often low on energy.
