Fun Activities With Your Dog

Healthy Fun

An abundance of dog activities await you and your dog. Some are only for certain breeds, while others ore universal. Whether your dog is clumsy, or graceful, thick or thin, big or small, there are great activities just waiting for you and your dog.

As fun as dog sports are, participating in them can result in injury. Injuries can range from tendonitis and muscle strains to broken bones and strains. Out of shape dogs or dogs with an unknown illness can even suffer respiratory problems or even have a heart attack. Make sure your dog is in good shape before getting started. Get an appointment with your vet before getting started. When your dog gets a good check up you can go have fun. If your dog has been sedentary start off slow and build up in time.

Heat stroke is common in dogs. Always supply plenty of fresh water and shade. Dogs love to immerse themselves in water so get a small wading pool for him/her.
To prevent heatstroke during warm weather, never leave your dog in a car, always exercise them during the early morning or evening when it's cooler. Provide plenty of fresh water.If your dog is outside during the day, be sure the doghouse or other shelter is comfortably cool during the hottest time of the day.

Signs of Heatstroke include: Anxious expression, Collapse, High fever (104 F or higher), Loud panting, Rapid breathing, Rapid heartbeat, Refusal to obey commands, Staggering, Staring, Vomiting, Warm dry skin.
If you suspect heatstroke, call the closest emergency veterinarian to let the staff know you are on the way. Immediately lower his body temperature by cooling him down. Put cool towels on his body. Run cold water over the towel to cool them. Offer water to him but don't force it.

Dog booties can protect canine feet on long hikes and are especially useful when hiking over rough terrain. They also protect a paw that has been injured. In the snow they help protect the paw from getting snow in-between toes. Booties come in a variety of materials and colors.

Unorganized Everyday Recreation

Some of the best activities an owner and dog can do together are unorganized. Many games you can participate in without leaving your neighborhood or buying anything other than basic things available at any pet stores. Fetch, tug-of-war, Frisbee and chase, if they come upon command, are wonderful ways to get both you and your dog's heart pumping in your own backyard. Out side of the home you can both benefit from taking a long walk, running, visiting a dog park, in line skating, swimming, biking, and hiking. As with any strenuous activity, however, there are a few safety precautions you should take.

Running

Running is fun but can lead to strained muscles, foot pad injuries and heatstroke. Keep your dog on a leash to avoid traffic injuries, and don't overdo it. Asphalt is hard on a dog's paw pads, and can cause injury. Running on asphalt exposes your dog to melted chewing gum, tar, and other sticky substances as well as chemicals and road salt. Always check your dogs pad's during and after a run or walk.

Hiking

Hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. If you own a puppy start with short hikes, 1/2 mile to a mile. Because of rough or uneven terrain, hiking is harder on the body than walking. Start slowly. Heavy exercise before your puppy is ready can lead to future problems such as hip dysplasia.

When you hit the trail, be sure you have plenty of water for you and your dog. There are lots of canine canteens and folding nylon dishes that make hiking easier. Make sure to stop and give your dog some water to drink. Many dogs are heat sensitive, so plan hikes for cool mornings or stick to trails that have plenty of shade. Temperatures above 80 degrees are generally considered too hot for most dogs to engage in strenuous activity.

Biking

If you are biking and want to bike with your dog, take the same precautions as you would when running your dog. Use a chest harness so that your dog is not using his neck to pull. A specially made bike attachment that can be mounted to the side of the bike is a must. It will keep the dog  from becoming entangled with the bicycle. Never bike with your dog in traffic areas.

NOTE: Apply doggy sunscreen any time your dog spends long hours outdoors, especially when she's on or in the water. Dogs with white or light-colored coats or with very thin coats are the most susceptible to sunburn. Apply it to the extremities such as the nose and ears, all over the body for thin coats. Sunscreens made for dogs are at most pet stores.

Swimming

Most dogs love water, and there are many ways dogs can enjoy it with their people. Swimming in a backyard pool, frolicking in the waves at the beach, dock diving and boating. Here are a few tips on getting wet with your dog.

Swimming is one of a dog's favorite activities, but if your dog is not prepared, it can be dangerous or even deadly. Although it seems as if dogs were born to paddle, they are not born knowing how to swim. Let your dog explore the shallow end of the pool or wade at the edge of a creek, pond, or lake with a gentle slope. As he gains confidence he can venture farther out. Throw a ball or toy for her to fetch, not too far out. She'll be swimming before she knows it.

If you have a pool, be sure your dog knows where the steps are to get out. You can equip your pool with a Skamper-Ramp. It angles down into the water, makes it easy for the dog to see when looking for a way out.

At the ocean be familiar with the conditions of the water. Dogs cannot always handle currents or rough water. Do not allow your dog to swim in fast moving rivers or heavy ocean currents. Water can be deceiving, so before your dog swims in an unknown body of water, consult locals about riptides and strong currents. A gentle looking river can be deadly. Wave riding dogs face other hazards. They can injure their legs and knees. Don't let your dog drink salt water.It can make him very sick and in some cases death.

Beware of blue-green algae. Taking a dog to the lake is a time-honored tradition, But if the water looks like pea soup, smells swampy or has a slick on the surface both of you stay out of the water.
Toxic blue-green algae can cause nausea, skin irritation, convulsions and even death. Where ever your dog has been swimming, give her a thorough freshwater rinse when the day is done. Chlorine and salt can dry and irritate the skin.

Fair Warning

In almost any activity, your dog is going to be exposed to things never encounter before. He is subject to all doggy diseases that other dogs may be carrying, including parvovirus, distemper, and kennel cough. Hiking and swimming in the wilderness can expose your dog to a number of pests, including ticks. Ticks are dangerous because they carry Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Make sure your dog's immunizations are up to date. Socialize your dog as puppy so she can be a happy participant as an adult.

Be safe and have fun with your best pal.