Adopt Your Next Running Partner: Get Out And Exercise Together (NAPSA)—Haveyou ever considered a jogging partner with four legs, a wet nose and wagging La a2 i an tail? If the answer is no, the next time you hit the pavement you might want to consider grabbing a leash and taking man’sbest friend along for a run or walk. A healthconscious 58 percent of dog owners feel that having a dog as a pet is good for their health and will help them to live longer, according to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), a not-forprofit trade group. If you are stuck in your own personal exercise routine having a pal with boundless energy may be the fix to your fitness rut. No personal trainer needed, no waiting on a buddy who won’t get off the couch and chances are Fido won’t care that he went on a walk through the park yesterday. Dogs love the outdoors and their infectious energy is the key to motivation for millions across the country. Dr. Sandi Sawchuck, DVM at the University of Wisconsin at Madison encourages the idea of exercising with your pet. “Making sure your pets get proper exercise will not only keep them lean and healthy, but just like people, it will give them a better quality of life. Exercising with your pet is one more way to make sure both of you are stayingfit, while at the here are a few tips to consider when exercising with your dog: * Take things slow the first couple of times exercising with your pet. Begin with short times and distances before you embark on a long journey. Keep in mind the terrain you will be encountering on your out- same time spending time together to encourage the ‘pet and owner’ bond.” The next time you go looking for a pair of running or walking shoes you may be able to pick up a lead on an exercise buddy at the same time. Jog on over to the pet department at Wal-Mart and look for the Very Best Pet Network Adoption Board, a national program that places shelter pets in loving homes, to find your exercise companion. Shelter pets make for great pets and are always in need of loving homes. Purina and WalMart have been sponsoring the national program for the past two years and have helped shelters place 1.3 million pets—both cats and dogs—in wonderful homes. Before you head for the door ing. Depending on the condition of your dog’s pads, start with softer surfaces such as dirt or grass to give the pads a chance to toughen before they travel on gravel and rocks. It is best to stay indoors when the weather outdoors is too extreme. When you come in from the outside, always be sure to check your dog’s feet for burrs, ice, rocks, etc., to make sure there are no injuries. Never take your dog out fora run immediately after eating. Working out on a full stomach is not comfortable for dog (or man!) Keep your dog on a leash for safety and yourcontrol. Make sure your dog has enough water. Remember when your dog is panting it isn’t just because he is out of breath, it is his way of perspiring and water loss needs to be replenished in the same way we need to be hydrated. Lastly, check with your veterinarian before starting your exercise routine.
