Uncategorized
LANGE ANIMAL CLINIC WEBSITE 2.0… GO LIVE!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH WHEN OUR NEW WEBSITE GOES LIVE!
C.A.N.I. What do those initials stand for? Constant And Never-ending Improvement! Our new website will host a number of brand new features, tools and resources for our clients and will be launched Monday, September 14th. You will be able to download our new mobile app to have access from your tablet or smartphone. Stay in the loop with all of the latest & greatest information concerning your pets’ health needs and take advantage of a number of useful tools for your convenience.
Pet Owner Resources– Now Lange Animal Clinic clients can register and login directly to ePetHealth directly from our website to manage their pets’ health. View your pets’medical history & upcoming reminders, access countless pet care videos/guides, print pet ID cards, and more.
Expanded Online Store- Shop from over 4,000 prescription pet products online with free home delivery with Vets First Choice!* Purchase dietary products, refill prescriptions, flea, tick and heartworm preventatives… and much MORE!
Online Library- Explore local preferred pet care businesses such as groomers, kennels/boarding facilities, pet sitters, dog training centers, and more. Learn more about your breed of pet and gain insightful information from various veterinary associations and organizations.
Career Opportunities– View and apply for career opportunities at the clinic! We post open positions as they become available. To apply for a position, provide your contact information and upload your resume and/or cover letter.
Write a Review– We want your feedback! Now it’s easier for our clients to write their honest and open reviews about their experiences at our clinic. Reviews may be posted on Google Reviews or Yelp.
Blog Posts– Read interesting articles and gain insights from articles in our blog that cover such topics as: scientific pet health studies, helpful tips for treating or caring for your beloved fur babies, national events/pet holidays, pet safety articles, and a lot of great tools to help provide your pets with the best care possible.
Be sure to mark your calendar and go to www.langeanimalclinic.com on Monday, September 14th to explore our new and improved website! Please feel free to share your feedback by emailing us at info@langeanimalclinic.com.
Considerations & Tips For Having Rabbits as Household Pets
Some bunny out there wants to be a part of your family—but he has special requirements to stay happy and healthy. They can be trained to use a litter box, they’ll come when called, and some will engage their owners in a daily game of tag! Domestic rabbits are delightful companion animals. They are inquisitive, intelligent, sociable and affectionate—and if well-cared for, indoor rabbits can live for seven to ten or more years.
There’s a lot of variety among domestic rabbits. The more than 60 breeds include the Dutch, who’s very popular in the United States, droopy eared German lops and furry Cashmeres. Rabbits range in size from teeny two-pounders to the 13-pound Flemish Giant.
Rabbits and Children: Some Words of Caution
Our culture is so filled with images of children and rabbits together (think the Easter bunny and Peter Rabbit) that many parents see rabbits as low-maintenance starter pets for kids. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rabbits are physically delicate and fragile, and require specialized veterinary care which Lange Animal Clinic provides. It’s true that children are naturally energetic and loving, but “loving” to a small child means holding, cuddling, or carrying an animal around—precisely the things that frighten most rabbits. Rabbits can’t cry out when distressed. Instead, they may start to scratch or bite to protect themselves from well-meaning children. Thousands are abandoned at animal shelters every year for this reason. Many rabbits are also dropped accidentally by children, resulting in broken legs and backs. While a rabbit may be a great pet for your family, an adult should be the primary caretaker.
Cost
When you first get your rabbit, you’ll need to spend about $90 for a cage, $30 for a carrier and $25 for a litter box. Food runs about $125 a year, plus $25 annually for toys and treats, $125 for veterinary care and $400 annually for litter and bedding material.
The best place to get your bun? Adoption is your first, and best, option! There are many homeless companion rabbits at shelters and rescue groups all across the country.
Housing and Exercise
Where’s the only place for your rabbit’s cage? INDOORS! Although an outdoor hutch has been the traditional housing for a rabbit, today we know better. A backyard hutch forces these social critters to live in unnatural isolation. Furthermore, rabbits can die of heart attacks from the very approach of a predator or vandal. Keep your bunny safe indoors, where he can have plenty of interaction with family members.
They may be small, but rabbits require a lot of room for housing and exercise. They have powerful hind legs designed for running and jumping. Get your pet a cage that allows him to move freely. The minimum recommended cage space for a single rabbit of a small- to medium-sized breed is four feet wide, two feet deep and two feet tall. Although wire-bottom cages are common, they can ulcerate a rabbit’s feet. If you have a wire cage, cover the bottom with a piece of wood or corrugated cardboard. Better yet, buy a cage with a solid bottom. Please put down plenty of straw, hay or aspen shavings so your pet can make a cozy nest.
Please note, rabbits should not be housed with other rabbits unless all are spayed and neutered. Introductions are often difficult and injuries can result, so please introduce them in neutral territory, under careful supervision.
Did you know that many rabbits have been surrendered to shelters because of destructive behavior? In most cases, their owners failed to provide them with appropriate toys to fulfill their natural urges to dig and chew. Safe chew toys include cardboard boxes, an old telephone directory (that’s no joke!) and commercially made chew sticks. You buny will greatly appreciate his own digging box, such as a cardboard box filled halfway with soil or shredded paper.
Your rabbit needs a safe exercise area with ample room to run and jump, either indoors or out. Any outdoor area should be fully enclosed by a fence. Never leave a rabbit unsupervised outdoors—even for a few minutes! Cats, dogs and even predatory birds can easily get around fencing material. Also, rabbits can dig under fences and get lost. You can rabbit-proof an indoor area by covering all electrical wires and anything else your pet is likely to chew. Recommended exercise time for pet rabbits is several hours per day.
Diet
The most important component of your rabbit’s diet is grass hay, such as timothy or brome. This is crucial for keeping his intestinal tract healthy. Unlimited hay should be available at all times.
You’ll also need to feed your bunny good-quality rabbit pellets. Opt for a formula with at least 15 to 19 percent protein and 18 percent fiber. Until your pet is fully grown (around six months), he can have all the pellets he wants. After that, pellets should be limited to 1/8 to 1/4 cup per day per five pounds of bunny body weight. Pellets should be fresh and plain, without seeds, nuts or colored tidbits.
Fresh leafy greens make up a third component of your pet’s diet. He’ll enjoy dark leaf lettuces, collard greens, turnip greens and carrot tops. We recommend a minimum of two cups per six pounds of rabbit.
Clean, fresh water, dispensed in a bottle or sturdy bowl, should be available at all times.
Litter Training
Rabbits are very clean by nature, and will do their best to keep their living quarters clean. Most rabbits will choose one corner of the cage as a bathroom. As soon as your rabbit’s choice is clear, put a newspaper-lined litter box in that corner. Fill it with timothy hay (or any other grass hay except alfalfa) or pelleted-newspaper litter. If the litter box is changed daily, your rabbit’s home will stay fresh and odor-free. Don’t use pine or cedar shavings! The fumes may affect your rabbit’s liver enzymes, which can cause problems if the animal needs anesthesia for surgery. Avoid using clay cat litters (both clumping and non-clumping), as these may result in respiratory or gastrointestinal problems.
Handling and General Care
Rabbits can be messy, so you’ll need to clean your pet’s cage once or twice weekly. Put your rabbit in a safe room or alternate cage as you sweep out the cage and scrub the floor with warm, soapy water. Pick up your rabbit by supporting his forequarters with one hand and his hindquarters with the other—failure to do so can result in spinal injuries to the rabbit. Never pick up a rabbit by his ears; this can cause very serious injury. Brush your rabbit regularly with a soft brush to remove excess hair and keep his coat in good condition. Brush from the back of the head down to the tail. Ask your veterinarian how to clip your pet’s nails.
Health and Veterinary Care
Rabbits should be spayed or neutered by one of our Veterinarians who is experienced with rabbit surgeries. Spaying or neutering prevents unwanted litters, spraying in males and uterine cancer in females. Our primary rabbit Vetarinarian is Dr. Grimm. Feel free to contact Dr. Grimm if you have any questions regarding proper care and health for rabbits or if you are considering adopting one. You can reach her by email at kgrimm@langeanimalclinic.com.
You should bring your pet to Lange Animal Clinic for a check-up at least once a year. If your rabbit stops eating or moving his bowels for 12 hours or longer or has watery diarrhea, don’t wait—contact us immediately. Other signs of illness include runny nose and eyes, dark red urine, lethargy, fur loss and red, swollen skin.
Rabbit Supply Checklist
– Cage, preferably solid-bottom
– Carrier
– Good-quality rabbit pellets
– Litter box with hay or pelleted bedding
– Grass hay and hay rack
– Sturdy ceramic or metal food bowl
– Ceramic water bowl or water bottle that attaches to cage
– Grooming brush
– Digging box and safe chew toys
Why We Bond With Our Dogs Like We Do With Babies
Some dog owners treat their dogs like their babies. While this might seem ridiculous to some, a new study in Science proves the bond between dogs and their owners can be as emotionally strong as the connection between mothers and their children. It’s the latest in a growing body of science that explains how dogs have gained such an important place in human society.
“Owner-dog bonding is comparable to parent-infant bonding,” writes Takefumi Kikusui, from Azabu University in Japan, via email. “And this is surprising to us … because there is not a reproductive relationship between humans and dogs.”
But any dog lover who has gazed into the big eyes of a pleading pup is not surprised. Previously, the researchers had shown the eye connection between dogs and humans increases the levels of oxytocin in people. Oxytocin, aka the “cuddle chemical,” is a hormone mammals produce in the brain that encourages bonding between mothers and their offspring. It’s also involved in partner and social bonding.
Most evidence shows this kind of connection works within a species— humans produce oxytocin because of other humans, and dogs produce it because of other dogs. But the new study is the first to show the hormonal bonding between dog and human. That is, the feeling is mutual.
Dogs know when we’re happy or angry
In the first experiment, the researchers measured oxytocin levels in 28 pairs of dogs and their humans before watching them interact for 30 minutes. People talked, petted, and looked at their canines. Afterward, the researchers screened oxytocin levels again. The results: owners and pups that gazed at one another more showed increased oxytocin.
Humans “use eye gaze for affiliative communications and [are] very much sensitive to eye contact,” says Kikusui. “Gaze, in particular, (over touch, for example) led to the release of oxytocin.”
For the second experiment, the researchers dosed 54 dogs with either a spray of saline or oxytocin in the nose. The female dogs treated with oxytocin spent more time gazing at their owners, which after 30 minutes boosted the levels of their owners’ oxytocin. “[This] suggests that this gaze behavior is really critical in oxytocin release,” says Evan MacLean, senior research scientist and co-director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center, who wrote an article about the findings. “When they receive oxytocin, this causes dogs to look more at people and the more they look, it boosts [oxytocin levels] more.”
What’s more: Wolves, which dogs descended from about 30,000 years ago, do not experience an increase in oxytocin from gaze. “This means that dogs have acquired this superior ability during [the] evolutional/domestic process living with humans,” says Kikusui. This provides more evidence of how deeply dogs are attuned to humans. We make the claim that dogs might have hijacked [the oxytocin] pathway. It is in place in humans and we use this in our romantic relations and with children. And we know it is important,” says MacLean. “This is sort of an accidental thing that happens over … time.”
“This special bonding relationship with dogs is fairly unique,” he says. So our advice… keep cuddling with your furry friends!
Dangerous Pills for Pets
Anyone who takes medication prescribed for someone else puts themselves at risk of illness or even death – and this true with your pets, as well. Although there are many medications used in both animals and people, the effects, doses needed, and other things aren’t always equivalent.
About one-quarter of all phone calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) are related to human medications being ingested by a pet. Your pet can easily ingest dropped pills or may be given harmful human medications by an unknowing owner, resulting in illness, or even death, of your pet.
The APCC provided us with the 10 most common human medication complaints they receive. Here they are, in order based on the number of complaints:
Ibuprofen – Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) is the most common human medication ingested by pets. Many brands have a sweet outer coating that makes it appealing to pets (think “M&M,” but a potentially deadly one). Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
Tramadol – Tramadol (Ultram®) is a pain reliever. Your veterinarian may prescribe it for your pet, but only at a dose that’s appropriate for your pet – never give your medication to your pet without first consulting your veterinarian! Too much tramadol can cause sedation or agitation, wobbliness, disorientation, vomiting, tremors and possibly seizures.
Alprazolam – Alprazolam (Xanax®) is prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication and a sleep-aid. Most pets that ingest alprazolam can become sleepy and wobbly; however a few will become very agitated instead. These pills are commonly ingested by pets as people put them out on the nightstand so they remember to take them. Large doses of alprazolam can drop the blood pressure and could cause weakness or collapse.
Adderall® – Adderall® is a combination of four different amphetamines and is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. This medication doesn’t have the same effect in pets as it does in people; it acts as a stimulant in our pets and causes elevated heart rate and body temperature, along with hyperactivity, tremors and seizures.
Zolpidem – Zolpidem (Ambien®) is a sleep-aid for people. Pets commonly eat pills left on the bedside table. Zolpidem may make cats wobbly and sleepy, but most pets become very agitated and develop elevated heart rates.
Clonazepam – Clonazepam (Klonopin®) is used as an anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety medication. It is sometimes also prescribed as a sleep-aid. When animals ingest clonazepam they can become sleep and wobbly. Too much clonazepam can lower the blood pressure, leading to weakness or collapse.
Acetaminophen – Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is a very common pain killer found in most households. Cats are extremely sensitive to acetaminophen, but dogs can be affected too. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage. It can also cause damage to your pet’s red blood cells so that the cells are unable to carry oxygen – like your body, your pet’s body needs oxygen to survive.
Naproxen – Naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®) is an over-the-counter pain reliever. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to naproxen and even small amounts can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
Duloxetine – Duloxetine (Cymbalta®) is prescribed as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent. When ingested by pets it can cause agitation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.
Venlafaxine – Venlafaxine (Effexor®) is an antidepressant. For some unknown reason, cats love to eat the capsules. Ingestion can cause agitation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.
As you can tell from this list, a medication that does one thing for people does not necessarily do the same for our pets. And although this may be the list of the medications about which the APCC receives the largest numbers of complaints, remember that any human medication could pose a risk to your pets and not just those listed above.
We recommend the following guidelines to keep your pets safe:
- Always keep human medications away from pets unless you are specifically instructed by a veterinarian to give the medication;
- Do not leave pills sitting on counter or any place a pet can get to them;
- Do not leave pill bottles within reach of pets (You’ll be surprised how fast your dog can chew through a pill bottle.);
- If you’re taking medications out of the bottle and you drop any of it, pick it up immediately so you know your pet won’t be able to eat it;
- Always contact your veterinarian if your pet has ingested any medication not prescribed for them;
- Never give your medication (or any medications prescribed for a two-legged family member) to your pet without first consulting a veterinarian.
…and last, but not least, always keep the number for Lange Animal Clinic handy (309-347-4679) and the APCC number handy (1-888-426-4435). You don’t want to be looking for it in an emergency situation!
It’s Going to Be a HOT & HUMID Day in Pekin Today- Keep Your Pets at Home and Please Share This with Friends & Family
Today, the temperatures in Pekin and the surrounding areas are supposed to hit the low 90’s. Bella, Dotty, Jake, and Snickers…sure, they’re fairly common pet names, but they’re also the names of just a few of the pets that died last year because they were left in cars on warm (and not necessarily hot) days while their owners were shopping, visiting friends or family, or running errands. What’s so tragic is that these beloved pets were simply the victims of bad judgment.
Want numbers? An independent study1 showed that the interior temperature of vehicles parked in outside temperatures ranging from 72 to 96° F rose steadily as time increased. And cracking the windows doesn’t help….
…add to that the fact that most pets are not properly restrained while in the car, and you’ve got some dangerous situations – for people and pets alike. Unrestrained pets can be seriously or fatally injured, or could even hurt you, in a collision or sudden braking situation. In addition, they’re a distraction for the driver, which increases the risk of driver errors. According to a 2010 American Automobile Association (AAA) survey, 2 out of 3 owners engage in distracting behaviors (playing with, feeding or petting their dog, or letting their dog sit in their lap) when pets are in the car…and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 20% of injury crashes involve distracted driving.
Please don’t become another statistic: only take your pets in the vehicle with you when you absolutely need to, and always properly restrain your pets while in the vehicle.
How can you help prevent these injuries and deaths?
- Learn more about keeping your pet safe during travel;
- Set a good example by leaving your pet(s) at home except when you need to have them in the vehicle;
- Set a good example by always properly restraining your own pet(s) while in a vehicle;
- Educate clients, family and friends about these issues and how they can keep their pet(s) safe;
- SHARE THIS POST!
Here is a video of a well known Veterinarian, Dr. Ernie Ward, who locked himself in his car armed with a thermometer to see what it feels like for an animal in the same scary situation. With him, he brought a clock and a video camera and narrated his experience as the time ticked and the mercury level rose.
For over 45 years, Lange Animal Clinic has provided veterinary services in Pekin, IL and the surrounding areas for over three family generations. Our expert staff of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants are trained to ensure the best quality medical care for your beloved pets-whether it be as a routine medical examination to more complicated surgical procedures. We are a small companion animal clinic providing services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
Dr. Colleen O’Rourke, owner and senior Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, takes great pride in making certain that every patient’s experience is handled with the utmost care, compassion, and economically in the best interests of our clients. Visit us at www.langeanimal.com.
Podcast on the Benefits of Adopting Multiple Cats
This is an excellent podcast on the benefits of adopting multiple cats. Please take some time to listen in on this 6 minute video to gain some great insights and benefits of doing so.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiBR4ReJ7b0&feature=youtu.be
For over 45 years, Lange Animal Clinic has provided veterinary services in Pekin, IL and the surrounding areas for over three family generations. Our expert staff of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants are trained to ensure the best quality medical care for your beloved pets-whether it be as a routine medical examination to more complicated surgical procedures. We are a small companion animal clinic providing services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
Dr. Colleen O’Rourke, owner and senior Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, takes great pride in making certain that every patient’s experience is handled with the utmost care, compassion, and economically in the best interests of our clients. Visit us at www.langeanimal.com.
Eye Care for Your Dogs from the Comfort of Your Home
Almost daily, associates at Lange Animal Clinic in Pekin, IL receives a call about canine eye problems; and the diversity of concern expressed by the dog’s owner runs a wide spectrum. There are times when our veterinarians will check a frantic and anxious owner’s dog only to discover an insignificant soreness in the dog’s supporting tissues around the eye (called conjunctiva). Alternatively, our veterinarians may discover more severe eye problems such as an advanced corneal ulcer that has allowed internal contents of the eye to actually protrude through the corneal surface. Veterinarians at Lange Animal Clinic strongly encourage owners to give your dog(s) regular home eye exams which will help keep you alert to any tearing, cloudiness or inflammation that may indicate a health problem.
There are some methods that you as a dog owner can follow to perform regular checks of the health of your dog’s eyes. These methods that follow may be performed every 6 months- as recommended by Lange Animal Clinic veterinarians:
Look closely and directly at your canine’s eyes
Face your dog in a brightly lit area and look into his eyes. They should be clear and bright, and the area around the eyeball should be white. Your dog’s pupils should be equal in size and there should not be any tearing, discharge or any crust in the corners of the eyes.
Lower eyelid check
With your thumb, gently roll down your dog’s lower eyelid and look at the lining. It should be pink, not red or white.
Keep your eyes on your dog’s eyes (watch for signs/symptoms)
The following are signs that something may be wrong with one or both of your dog’s eyes:
- Discharge & crusty gunk
- Tearing
- Red or white eyelid linings
- Tear-stained fur
- Closed eye(s)
- Cloudiness or change in eye color
- Visible third eyelid
- Unequal pupil sizes
A gentle cleaning
A gentle wipe with a damp cotton ball will help to keep your pooch’s eyes gunk-free. Wipe outward from the corner of the eye and be careful not to touch the eyeballs. Touching the eyeballs puts you at risk of scratching the cornea. If your dog constantly suffers from runny eyes and discharge, please contact a Lange Animal Clinic veterinarian. In that case, it is possible that your dog may have an infection.
Trim and groom any fur near the eyes
Long-haired breeds can get eye damage if the fur surrounding or near the eyes aren’t properly tamed. Using scissors with rounded tips, carefully trim the hair around your dog’s eyes to keep vision clear and prevent hairs from poking and scratching.
Pain-free grooming & maintenance
Shampoos and topical medications may be major irritants to a dog’s eyes. Make certain to protect your dog’s eyes before bathing, applying ointments or administering flea-control formulas.
Driving your pooch around with the windows open
Most dogs enjoy the open road and the wind blowing through their fur. However, if debris or an insect touches your dog’s eye, it may cause pain & suffering and possibly a long-lasting injury. It’s much safer to drive with the windows only partially down and your dog’s head stay inside the vehicle. The wind can also dry out your dog’s eyes, possibly causing irritation and infection.
Specific dog breeds are more inclined to experience eye problems
Do some research to find out if your dog’s breed is predisposed toward any eye conditions- such as glaucoma or progressive retinal atrophy. Of course, your pet should have his eyes checked by following through on annual wellness exams, but knowing about possible inherited problems will help you take important precautions.
Behavioral signs of possible eye problems
Pay attention to your dog’s body language—pawing or rubbing the eye area may alert you to possible problems.
Learn a bit about the different types of common eye problems in dogs
The following eye-related disorders are commonly seen in dogs:
Conjunctivitis: One or both of your dog’s eyes will look red and swollen, and there may be discharge.
Dry Eye: Diminished tear production can cause corneal inflammation, squinting and discharge.
Cherry Eye: An enlarged tear gland forms a cherry-like mass on the dog’s eye.
Epiphora: An overflow of tears creates stains on the dog’s facial fur.
Glaucoma: The cornea becomes cloudy and the eye enlarges due to an increased pressure in the eyeball.
Ectropion: A turning outward of the upper eyelid causes the lower lid to droop.
Entropion: A rolling in of the eyelid causes discharge and tearing.
Cataract: An opacity on the lens of the eye can cause impaired vision and possible blindness.
Progressive Renal Atrophy: Caused by degeneration of retinal tissue—night blindness is often its first sign.
Of course, if you are unsure or not comfortable performing the above eye checks than we can certainly perform them for your dog or even demonstrate how to perform them for you. If that is something you are interested in, contact your Lange Animal Clinic veterinarian at 309-347-4679 to setup an appointment.
For over 45 years, Lange Animal Clinic has provided veterinary services in Pekin, IL and the surrounding areas for over three family generations. Our expert staff of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants are trained to ensure the best quality medical care for your beloved pets-whether it be as a routine medical examination to more complicated surgical procedures. We are a small companion animal clinic providing services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
Dr. Colleen O’Rourke, owner and senior Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, takes great pride in making certain that every patient’s experience is handled with the utmost care, compassion, and economically in the best interests of our clients. Visit us at www.langeanimal.com.
The Incredibly Wonderful Benefits of Exercise for Dogs
With the nice warm weather here- Lange Animal Clinic in Pekin, IL wants to promote the importance of exercising your dog(s). Dogs are born to work for a living a very active lifestyle. They’ve worked alongside us for thousands of years, and most are bred for a particular purpose, like hunting, herding livestock or providing protection. Dogs’ wild relatives spend most of their waking hours scavenging and hunting for food, caring for offspring, defending territory and playing with each other. They lead busy, complex lives, interacting socially and solving simple problems necessary for their survival.
The most common job for our domesticated companion dogs today, however, being a lazy “couch potato”! They no longer have to earn their keep and instead have to adjust to our more laid back lifestyles. They don’t have to seek out their own food as it is handed to them and are often confined, alone and inactive, for most of the day. This lack of purpose leaves dogs no outlet for their naturally active tendencies—physical and mental—and it contributes to the development of behavior problems.
Another problem modern dogs’ face because they rarely work anymore is a lack of opportunities to exercise. Some pet parents make the mistake of assuming that if a dog has access to a yard, she’s getting exercise. But your dog doesn’t run laps by herself in your yard—or do much of anything besides waiting for you to come outside or let her back inside. It’s the interaction with you that counts!
Problems That Result from Lack of Exercise and Play
Dogs can be like young children. If you don’t give them something constructive to do with their energy, they’ll find something to do on their own—and you may not like it! Some of the most common behavior problems seen in dogs who don’t get enough exercise and play are:
- Destructive chewing, digging or scratching
- Investigative behaviors, like garbage raiding
- Hyperactivity, excitability and night-time activity
- Unruliness, knocking over furniture and jumping up on people
- Excessive predatory and social play
- Play biting and rough play
- Attention-getting behaviors like barking and whining
- Benefits of Exercise and Play
The good news is that keeping your dog healthy, happy and out of trouble with daily exercise is a lot of fun and provides many benefits, including:
- Helps to reduce or eliminate the common behavior problems listed above, such as digging, excessive barking, chewing and hyperactivity
- Helps to keep dogs healthy, agile and limber
- Helps to reduce digestive problems and constipation
- Helps timid or fearful dogs build confidence and trust
- Helps dogs feel sleepy, rather than restless, at bedtime or when you’re relaxing
- Helps to keep dogs’ weight under control
Check with a Lange Animal Clinic veterinarian before beginning an exercise program. One of our veterinarians can check your dog for any health issues that may be aggravated by exercise and suggest safe activities. Some size, breed and age considerations are:
- Breeds with short or flat noses (brachycephalic breeds) can have trouble breathing when exercised vigorously, especially in warmer climates.
- Exercise is great for energetic young dogs, but sustained jogging or running is not recommended for young dogs (under 18 months) whose bones haven’t finished growing.
- Because large dogs are more prone to cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis and hip dysplasia, sustained jogging can be hard on their joints and bones, too. If you’ve got a large dog, make sure she’s well-conditioned before you start jogging together.
- Once a dog reaches her golden years, osteoarthritis can cause pain and lameness after strenuous exercise. It’s much better to discover that your once-sprightly dog’s joints can no longer handle long hikes, for example, before you hit the trail.
Exercising Your Dog
With today’s more relaxed lifestyles, dog parents are often challenged to find enough outlets for their pets’ considerable natural energy. Dogs are more athletic than us. But take heart—there are a variety of ways to exercise your dog, from activities that don’t demand much energy on your part to activities that exercise both you and your dog.
Exercise that’s Easy on You
- Giving your dog enough exercise doesn’t mean you have to be athletic yourself. If you’d rather not run around or take long, brisk walks, consider two approaches to exercising your dog:
- Focus on brain, not brawn. Exercise your dog’s brain with food puzzle toys, hunting for dinner, obedience and trick training, and chew toys instead of excessive physical exercise.
- Focus on games that make your dog run around while you mostly stand or sit still. Games that fit the bill include fetch with balls, Frisbees or sticks, Find It, Hide-and-Seek, catching bubbles (using a special bubble-blower toy made for dogs), chase (a toy on a rope or stick), and round-robin recalls for the whole family.
- If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, other easy options include taking her to the dog park, organizing play groups with friends or neighbors who have dogs or signing her up for dog daycare a few days a week. These options give your dog a chance to experience invigorating social play with other dogs.
Exercise for Extra Playful or Active Guardians
On-leash walks
Did you know that dog owners walk an average of 300 minutes per week, whereas people without dogs walk only about 168 minutes? On-leash walks give dogs lots of interesting sights and smells to investigate. They may provide enough exercise for some toy breeds, senior dogs and other inveterate couch potatoes. Use an extendable leash to give your dog more freedom to explore, and walk briskly for 30 minutes. If your dog is old, not accustomed to exercise, overweight or has a health problems, start with a 10-minute walk each day and gradually increase the duration. For healthy young or middle-aged dogs, leashed walks alone probably won’t provide enough exercise.
On-leash running
Inline skating or bicycling are great ways to exercise a healthy dog and keep yourself fit, too. Teaching your dog how to walk without pulling on her leash is the first essential step to creating a safe and enjoyable on-leash jogging, inline skating or bicycling companion. If your dog forges ahead, pulls to the side or lags behind you when you walk, imagine the problems that could result when you’re moving faster! Constantly pulling on the leash can damage your dog’s throat, and it’s no fun for you either.
People are actually better suited for jogging or long-distance running than dogs are. Even when hunting or herding, dogs tend to move in short, intense bursts of speed with intermittent stops. Playing dogs do this as well, stopping to sniff around, eliminate and enjoy the scenery. If you jog with your dog on leash, be careful not to overestimate her abilities and go too far. If she seems stiff, sore and exhausted for hours afterward, scale back next time. Also, be careful to check your dog’s paws after a run. Dogs get blisters on their pads, just like people get blisters on their feet. Dogs with white or light-colored footpads and some breeds, such as border collies, can be prone to this problem. If you usually run, cycle or inline skate on paved roads, avoid doing so on very hot days.
If your dog normally gets to sniff around on your daily walks, she’ll probably try to do the same when the two of you are running, skating or cycling. You’ll have to teach her to pay attention to you during your outings. The best way to do this is by regularly rewarding her with small treats for not pulling. Pick the position you want her to run in and give her treats when she’s in that spot. Before you set off, give your dog ample time to relieve herself and sniff around. And after you finish your outing, you can give her another chance to eliminate and sniff before bringing her inside.
Again, sustained jogging or running is not recommended for young dogs whose bones haven’t finished growing. It can also be hard on large dogs’ joints and bones. If you have a young dog, check with a Lange Animal Clinic veterinarian to find out when it’s safe for her to start running. If you have a large dog, ask one of our veterinarians if it’s safe for her to run with you.
It’s important that you monitor your dog’s physical exertion while you’re on a bike or inline skates. It’s easy to over-exert your dog when you’re on wheels while she’s running. To avoid this, start with short distances at first and gradually increase them as your dog’s endurance increases. If your dog starts to lag behind a lot, you may be pushing her too hard or she might not be enjoying your outings. Slow down or consider taking your dog with you only when you plan to skate or cycle for short distances.
Off-leash exercise
Off-leash walking, running, hiking or bicycling in a large, safe fenced property or park or in a forest are ideal activities. Your dog can set her own pace, sniff and investigate to her heart’s content, stop when she’s tired and burst into running whenever she likes. Be sure to have your dog well-trained to reliably come when called before you give her off-leash privileges. Dogs should be allowed off leash only in safe areas where regulations permit. As you would during on-leash activities, be careful not to overestimate your dog’s abilities. If she seems stiff, sore and exhausted for hours after exercising, you’ll want to scale back next time.
Swimming may also be a great off-leash and fun activity for your dog. Some breeds are natural water dogs and require no training or acclimation to water, but even dogs who aren’t bred for water activities can learn to enjoy a swim now and then. Here are some tips for fun and safe swimming with your dog:
- Introduce your dog to water as early as possible, preferably when she’s still a puppy. If you do, she’ll probably be more confident about swimming as an adult.
- Regardless of your dog’s age, make sure her first experiences with water are pleasant ones. Look for a quiet place with shallow water. With your dog on a long leash (about 15 to 20 feet long), start your dog at the water’s edge. Wade in with her and encourage her with play and praise.
- Never force your dog into the water, and don’t let her get in deep water over her head until you’re confident about her swimming abilities. Belly-deep is deep enough at first. As she becomes more comfortable, you can toss a ball a couple of feet to encourage her to venture in a little deeper.
- If you swim with your dog, be careful that the two of you don’t get over your heads. Many dogs will try to climb on their guardian’s head or shoulders when they tire.
- Bring fresh water for your dog to drink. Even freshwater streams and lakes can contain parasites and unhealthy bacteria.
- Don’t allow your dog to jump into deep water in a pool or lake. A dog can panic and possibly drown. Without an easily accessible ramp, she may not be able to get out of a swimming pool or climb back onto a dock.
Exercise will help in so many ways in terms of maintaining proper health and weight for your dogs. As well, it can help pet owners maintain and improve their health as well!
For over 45 years, Lange Animal Clinic has provided veterinary services in Pekin, IL and the surrounding areas for over three family generations. Our expert staff of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants are trained to ensure the best quality medical care for your beloved pets-whether it be as a routine medical examination to more complicated surgical procedures. We are a small companion animal clinic providing services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
Dr. Colleen O’Rourke, owner and senior Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, takes great pride in making certain that every patient’s experience is handled with the utmost care, compassion, and economically in the best interests of our clients. Visit us at www.langeanimal.com.
Lange Animal Clinic- Pet Care Tips and Resources 