Running with Your Dog

With the beautiful weather this time of year, I know I am more inclined to take my dogs running with me. I do take some precautions when I run with my pups and I thought I would pass along some tips to help prevent your need to visit the emergency department here at CCVSS.

As with us, it is a good idea to make sure that your dog can tolerate the stress of running. So a general wellness examination is a good starting point. If your dog has a problem that can or will be exasperated by strenuous activity it is better to catch this before making a preexisting condition worse. Furthermore, if you notice them starting to limp or struggle during the run, STOP! If the lameness persists or gets worse then get your dog checked out by a veterinarian. Don’t treat the lameness with an over the counter medication (or any medication) without the direction of a veterinarian.

Run with your dog restrained by a leash or harness. We don’t want them getting into traffic or tearing off after another animal during your run. You may need to train your dog to run effectively on a leash or attend an obedience class to help with the training.

Gradually ease them into running just as we need to progressively increase our mileage. Usually limiting a well-conditioned dog to no more then 4-5 miles is a sound idea. You will also need to build up their tolerance for running on surfaces such as asphalt. Frequent examination of their footpads is also a good idea since foot pad injuries are common in dogs that run.

Proper feeding and hydration is essential for our canine running companions. Your dog needs to be well hydrated before, during, and after running. Bringing water for you and your dog during a run is a good idea. Some type of water receptacle for your dog to drink out of is handy. As far as timing of meals, feeding a large meal prior to a run is a bad idea. If your dog needs to be fed before a run either skip taking your dog with you on this run or just postpone feeding until afterwards.

Age is another factor to consider. Don’t run with your puppy. Wait until your dog is an adult (9-12 months for smaller breeds; 18 months for giant breeds) so their musculoskeletal system is fully developed. This allows them to better tolerate the stresses of exercise. An older dog will also not likely tolerate a new running routine very well. When introducing your dog to a running program start slowly and gradually build their mileage up as their tolerance allows. Again, regardless of their age, limiting them to no more than 4-5 miles per run is prudent.

Overheating is a potential life-threatening problem associated with running with your dog. Our canine running companions need to be monitored for signs of heat stress and overheating during and after a run. These signs can include weakness, lethargy, collapse, seizures, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you are concerned that your dog is suffering from heat stress, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will likely recommend you wet your dog with water and head to their clinic or local emergency clinic as soon as possible.

Some dog breeds are better suited to be a running companion. You can go for a short jog with most dogs but if you’re looking for a running companion, a bulldog is certainly not the breed to consider. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds and those breeds with abnormally shaped legs (chondrodystrophic) do not make good endurance athletes because of breed associated abnormalities. Go for a Border Collie, a greyhound, or maybe a healthy Labrador retriever or better yet, find a long legged stray at the shelter in need of a permanent running partner. The shelters have tons of hearty so-called "Florida Brown Dogs" that are full of energy and stamina.

With these points in mind, running with your dog can be safe, fun and good for the health and well-being of both you and your canine companion.

Dr. Tim Schneider

Practice Limited to Surgery