As the dog days of summer come to an end, many of us look forward to enjoying the cooler weather of the fall. Exercise can be a form of stress relief, both for you and for your pet. There are a few things you should keep in mind before taking your pet outside for an adventure.

Take it slow and steady

Just as many of us have been hiding inside from the heat, our pets have been spending their days inside as well. When beginning any new exercise routine, it is important to begin slowly and work up endurance with time. This can prevent both burnout and injury.

Keep an eye on the paws

Be aware that spending more time indoors tends to make your pet’s paw surface softer and more sensitive. As summer fades and autumn arrives, many of the plants will start to change color and turn brown and brittle. Be on the watch for thorns and foxtails which can cause injuries, most notably to the feet and to the face of your inquisitive pet. Inclement weather can also be hard on the paws. Rain boots and jackets can help to prevent moisture from causing infections as the weather patterns change.

Find the right activity for your pet

For example, Bulldogs are not meant to run long distances and do not make the best companion for distance training. Make sure to choose a sport that both you and your pet enjoy equally. Some dogs like to run, while others like to swim, or to race through agility courses. Some pets love to chase balls, some frisbees, and others would be happiest avoiding activity altogether. Pets with short noses like the bulldog and the shih tzu are called brachycephalic breeds. These dogs should not engage in activities that cause rapid respiration as they are more likely to overheat. Dogs with underlying heart disease should avoid strenuous activities, but they may still enjoy a short walk.

Make fitness fun

Your pet loves nothing more than to see you happy. They will enjoy most activities simply because they can see that you are enjoying them as well. Choose an activity you both enjoy, and you will see that your bond will grow even stronger.

Cats are not dogs

Cats typically will not enjoy the same activities as a dog. Though some cats are harness trained, many are not outdoors enough and, therefore, get stressed or nervous, at least at first. Cats can benefit from outside exposure as well, but this needs to be done slowly and with care. It would be recommended to get your cat comfortable and secure with a harness inside before ever venturing outdoors. Another option for allowing your cat to experience nature would be to invest in an enclosed cat condo which will provide both safety and security.

Make sure your pet is protected

Spending more time outside means possibly encountering more nature and wildlife. Watch for snakes and wild cats. Try to avoid droppings of squirrels, rabbits, and other woodland critters and steer clear of standing water sources. Make sure that your pet is up to date on vaccinations, flea and tick medication, and heartworm prevention. If you plan to go on a long walk or run, make sure to pack your pet a snack and some water. When you return home, make sure that you check your pet for ticks and clean his/her feet.

Activities for your cat

  • Partner play: Many cats will play if they have a playmate. If your cat is an only child, you may consider finding a friend. This will often stimulate your cat to be more active than he/she would be alone.
  • Stimulation: Cats are inquisitive by nature and enjoy new things and challenges. Make sure to alternate and rotate toys. Hide favorite toys in different places around the home. Invest in interactive cat toys and cat furniture or shelves to allow for cats to jump to different levels.
  • Laser pointers: These can be a great source of exercise for your cat. Make sure to never shine the beam directly into your cat’s eyes.
  • Wand toys: These are great for supervised play. It is not recommended to leave strings or ribbons out when you are not around to watch your feline.
  • A game of toss: Many cats like to chase. Some can even be taught to fetch and retrieve.

Keep the age of your pet in mind

Although puppies and kittens seem like they have boundless untapped energy, it is important to remember that these little guys are still growing. As such they will often be more awkward and more fragile until they are past their growing stages.

Puppies should begin with leash training. It is important to not take puppies to public areas until they have completed their recommended vaccinations. Walks should be short and allow time for recovery. Puppy’s strides are not long, and they should not be made to run. The lengths of the walk can be increased gradually, though it is best to avoid walks of any distance until the growth plates are closed.

Puppies should not have more than 5 minutes of activity for each month of age, up to twice daily. This means that a 4-month-old puppy should walk no more than 20 minutes twice daily, while an 8-month-old puppy can walk up to 40 minutes if it has been properly conditioned. Large breed puppies should walk less distances, as they generally will be in their growing phase for a longer period.

Puppies and kittens are good at self-limiting activity levels. Baby animals tend to play hard and sleep equally hard. If your puppy or kitten wants to rest, make sure to follow these cues. Recovery time is just as important as playtime.

Adventures await

There are many activities which pets can enjoy that are not strenuous but can still provide adequate exercise and social interaction. Many outdoor malls allow leashed pets to exercise, and many restaurants have patio seating to include our furry friends.

For advice on how much exercise is ok for your pet, contact your veterinarian or call Vetsavers at 972-939-0900 for a free first exam and consultation with one of our veterinarians.