PetDoctors Veterinários

Home · Advice

Advice PetDoctors

Running with Your Dog: What to Do and What to Avoid

Running with Your Dog: What to Do and What to Avoid

Even the most dedicated runners are sometimes susceptible to making excuses when it comes time to get off the couch and go out on the street and run. Sometimes it’s time that doesn’t help, but most of the time it’s our brain giving up and our body wanting to stay lazy. But it becomes much harder to say no, when we have a companion who wants to go out and run, regardless of time, as we wish to do, in our best days and with the most magnificent time.

And it helps a lot more when that fellow is your beloved bigeye. There are strong chances that your heart melts thanks to the look of your stepfather, which puppies have learned to do and developed over generations. And when we add to that a tail wagging with joy, even the most stubborn and lazy among us will rise from the couch. But in doing so, preparing to run, there are some precautions to take. Running with your bigeye is not as simple as it seems; there are some aspects to consider before doing so, so that the pleasure of the race benefits both the pet owners and the bigeye.

Visit the Veterinary

Some dogs, who may be great race enthusiasts, may have physical or health limitations that prevent them from exercising. For this reason you should visit your veterinary doctor regularly consulting you on the most suitable form and type of exercise for your stepfather. If for some a thirty – minute daily walk is enough, for others with excess energy perhaps exercise can and should be greater. In addition, not all dogs are “equipped” to endure a long race. Surely you do not want your bigeye to have muscle or other problems, so that It’s always better to inform yourself before you start. Finally, do not forget to take into account the race and age of your dog, in order to ensure that you are in a position to run along with her, especially if until that time he has led a sedentary life.

Running a marathon with a dog. (Peter van der Sluijs

Team up.

Get a cushioned, durable belt that allows you to fasten a leash that allows your dog to run in front of you or by your side, keeping your hands free. O Cardio Canine wait-belt has support for a bottle of water and a small bag. Another hypothesis is a product called EzyDog Road Runner Hands Free, which has a side buckle that allows you to change the length of the leash or release it to be used around your waist, shoulders or hand.

Create your rules

If running is a serious thing for you, your daddy doesn’t know. Therefore, it must lay down some basic rules immediately in order to keep the enthusiasm of its stepfather under control. For your safety, for your stepfather, and for everyone around you in the race, keep your dog safe by the leash and ensure that he is taught to obey orders such as “Stay”, “Let’s”, “Walk” or “Let go”, so as not to be distracted during training.

Waste management

Nobody wants to keep running with a plastic bag with waste in their hand. It certainly alters the concentration and will certainly lead you to think about how to get rid of it instead of focusing on the race. For this reason, you must plan your runs so that you can pass near garbage cans where you can put this type of waste. If on your way there are no garbage cans, we recommend the Arm & Hammer bag dispenser who can be attached to your leash or belt. The bags of this brand avoid the smell and a package costs about €6 on Amazon.

Hydration Enough for both

Running with your bigeye will lead you to spend more effort, as you will have to manage the leash and the dog while trying to keep your rhythm going. Therefore, it is important to take into account the need for hydration of your stepfather and his/her during the training period. Preferably, when starting the race, make sure your bigeye is hydrated and drank water so as not to run thirsty. If necessary, take a break, at least while you are starting your stepfather’s training to accompany you in the races and pay attention to time, especially signs of overheating on very hot days.

…and have fun!

Tell us if you exercise regularly with your stepfather and what problems you may encounter while running with him.

We would like to hear about your experience through our website. Facebook.

A PetDoctors He waits for you and his stepfathers. We are in Lisbon, in the area of Alto dos Moínhos (Benfica), in front of the Hospital dos Lusíadas and we can be contacted through the numbers: 21 581 3418 or 91 273 8413

Need help?

Talk to our team.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, book a consultation in Lisbon or Corroios.

Request an appointment