DaytonDailyNews.com

We know that physical activity is necessary for good health, and helps alleviate stress, manage weight and ward off numerous preventable diseases. Just as with humans, pets need daily exercise and must rely on us to keep them safe, healthy and fit. Dogs make especially great fitness buddies for walks and runs, and because they are such great exercise companions, can be excellent motivators to keep us on track all year round.

 Like people, not all dogs require the same amount of exercise, but they do need to be active in some form or fashion on a daily basis. Even if it is not a structured routine, any exercise is beneficial to your pet, and so at the very least, owners should provide the opportunity and time to let them run around, catch things, chase things or exercise with you by going along on a walk or jog. Regular activity helps to increase muscle tone, and improves bone and joint health as well as heart and lung function.

Smaller dogs frequently require greater amounts of exercise than larger dogs, although the amount has more to do with breed than size.

For example, working dogs, dogs with natural hunting or herding instincts such as beagles or hounds, have a natural desire and need to be active, and to a greater extent than more docile breeds.

Typically, just by observing an animal, you will know whether it needs greater amounts of activity. A dog that often wanders around the yard or house or is restless by nature has greater need for physical activity than one who enjoys basking in the sun or curling up at your feet rather than playing.

Exercise is very important for pets that are overweight because they are more prone to diseases such as diabetes. If your pet is already overweight and/or unaccustomed to exercise, introduce activity gradually in order to build up stamina and endurance safely while reducing fat stores. Seek the advice of a veterinarian for specific recommendations. 

Pets need mental exercise as well as physical exercise. Without it, they can become bored, which very often leads to displays of undesirable behavior such as destroying furniture, houseplants, shoes, etc., or other destructive ways. Mental exercises keep your pet happy and sharp, helping to alleviate some of the restlessness than can lead to bad behavior. Ways to provide mental exercise include providing toys designed to encourage a bit of work to obtain a reward or treat such as Kong toys, playing hide and seek, or fetch with a ball or Frisbee. Basically any game, task or activity that gives your pet the opportunity to learn will benefit them. Most dogs respond very well to formal training, which involves a more complex set of mental exercises including teaching them how to obey commands and/or perform various tasks or tricks.

Although daily walks are advised for most dogs, be wary of too much exercise during extreme hot or cold weather conditions. The extreme heat that can occur during summer months can be very dangerous for pets. A common myth is that dogs are better able to handle the heat than humans. The truth, however, is that dogs do not have efficient body-cooling systems. Younger, older and less than healthy dogs, and those not already acclimated to the heat, have the poorest temperature regulating abilities. Dogs with shorter muzzles are at an enormous disadvantage when it comes to heat tolerance. Other dogs at greater risk of overheating include black dogs when in the sun, and long-haired dogs, whether or not they are exposed to the sun.

 To fully understand how your pet feels, imagine having to wear a fur coat all summer long. Pets can easily suffer from heat illnesses just as humans can, and they depend on us to protect them by providing plenty of water and shade, and keeping them out of cars on a hot day.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very serious conditions that can lead to death. When taking your dog for a walk, bring along water and allow for breaks along the way. Become familiar with signs of heat stress, which can include breathing difficulties and changes in behavior such as appearing anxious. Excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated temperature, hot, dry skin and pale gums are symptoms of heat illness.

Other signs to watch for are heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue.

If overheating occurs, immediately move your pet into the shade or another cooler area and apply cool (not cold) water over his body.

If possible, apply cold towels or wrapped ice packs to the head, neck and chest area and give small drinks of water or ice cubes. Most importantly, seek veterinarian care as quickly as possible.

Any pet can suffer heat stress, dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits, etc., but some animals are more susceptible:

• Overweight animals and those with cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

• Heavy-coated breeds.

• Animals with a pre-existing history of heat stress.

• Arctic breeds of dogs.

• Very young or old animals.

• Short-nosed breeds of cats and dogs.

 More on this topic in next week's column.

Marjie Gilliam is an International Sports Sciences Association Master certified personal trainer and fitness consultant. Contact her in care of the Dayton Daily News, or at (937) 878-9018. Her Web site is at www.ohtrainer.com.