Posts from June, 2018

Sometimes, a dog owner is already a runner and trains their dog to run with them. Other times, a person becomes a runner in order to provide the type of exercise their canine companion needs. Whatever the case may be, running with your dog can be done the right way or the wrong way (i.e., ineffectively or dangerously). To help you discern between the two, The Pet Experts at Wheaton Animal Hospital have some helpful tips to keep you and your pup jogging along for years to come.

Baby Steps

Before hitting the pavement, it’s worth having your dog checked out. Some breeds simply aren’t cut out for strenuous exercise, while others show enthusiasm for the sport, only to get injured or ill. It’s important to get a clean bill of health prior to running any great distances or on difficult routes.

Also, most younger dogs need to grow up a bit before adding strenuous endurance training to their repertoire. Continue…

Everyone can agree that exercise in all forms is a good thing, regardless of one’s shape, size, age, gender, or species. When pets and people work out together, a sort of magic happens. The bond between them is almost tangible when walking, hiking, playing, or swimming, but it’s also common during a pet yoga session. The Pet Experts at Wheaton Animal Hospital can see why pet yoga is taking off!

Let’s take a closer look.

The Impact

It is well documented that physical exercise is important to support the body’s functions, but there is no match for the direct impact on mental health and well-being. Indeed, we all feel better, more relaxed, or rejuvenated after a workout, and so do animals, no matter their age.

The ancient practice of yoga hinges on a central idea: being in the moment. Pets are excellent at being in the moment, and dogs, because they’re pack animals, thrive in moments of union with their pack leader. Continue…