Dog Jogging......Is it safe?

[CowGirlUp1833]

I've been taking my dog Bella for bike rides with me...I ride, she trots beside me. (she is on a leash and is trained to say on the side of the bike) She is going to be 6 this summer and is a Great Dane/German Shorthair mix. She had knee replacement surgery a year ago but is completely sound on it. I am good about doing warm up and cool down walk before we go but I still worry some about her heart. I know Danes have a reputation for weak hearts and I'm scared to work her to hard. We don't go more then a mile at this point, but I'd like to start working up a little more.

Any thought as to if I should be more cautious or stop altogether? Thanks!

[eXile]

The workout itself is excelent but i would watch the speed. Its alot easier to pedal then to run. If you hear her panting too excessively you may want to take a bit slower and shorten the length of the run if its really getting to her. If its all fun and games for and shes got no problems keeping up then great! Keep it up. If not make some minor adjustments to fit her. Shes gorgeous

[CowGirlUp1833]

Originally Posted by eXile

The workout itself is excelent but i would watch the speed. Its alot easier to pedal then to run. If you hear her panting too excessively you may want to take a bit slower and shorten the length of the run if its really getting to her. If its all fun and games for and shes got no problems keeping up then great! Keep it up. If not make some minor adjustments to fit her. Shes gorgeous

Thanks! Yes, I do go pretty slow when she is with me... I keep it to a speed where she can do a good jog....we do a short run 1/2 way thru and then back to a good jog and then walk the last bit.

[eXile]

Sounds like an great workout plan. If only i was modivated enough to do that. I just walk for 5 mins to the park and let Oscar do the running with other dogs LOL But then again im not totally sure with her problems or prior operations so it may be a problem. Did your vet tell you not to excersise her too much or is she just fine?

[CowGirlUp1833]

Originally Posted by eXile

Sounds like an great workout plan. If only i was modivated enough to do that. I just walk for 5 mins to the park and let Oscar do the running with other dogs LOL But then again im not totally sure with her problems or prior operations so it may be a problem. Did your vet tell you not to excersise her too much or is she just fine?

He said she is fully cleared for all activity as long as there isn't any further lameness or stiffness...but she is fine. She was on joint supplements for about a year to ward off any arthritis, etc....seems to work!

[Dax]

Activity is the going to go a long way in keeping her healthy. If she starts limping after, you may want to re-think. Exercise builds heart and lung capacity.

[RiverKayleesMuM]

yea sounds fine to me! I TRIED to ride my bike with one of our danes but she was just to big! lol She also seemed to like to pull my bike! So I stopped taking her with me!! lol
Just like they said though watch for any signs of limping. Our chihuahua had to have his knee replaced and now has 3 screws in there so we watch him constantly!

[Dog Watcher]

As already mentioned;by doing cardiovascular exercise you are actually helping the heart. This form of exercise works out the heart and makes it stronger. As mentioned watch your dog for excess panting, try to avoid pavement and opt for dirt road or trails the impact on the joints will be less. Make sure you are giving good supplements for joint health like Glucosamine Sulfate, Glucosamine HCL, Chondroitin Sulfate, Omega 3 & 6, Manganese Ascorbate and I give my dogs MSM as well for joint health. I would also be careful of long gulps of cold water if the dog is panting and overheated, this could make your dog bloat. Let your dog cool down a little before feeding a big meal and of course never do this load of exercise after a big meal.

[CowGirlUp1833]

Good advice everyone! Yes, I watch her closely for any lameness, and I've been shocked, she hasn't even shown signs of stiffness....I think the surgery was a full success! The doctor was right in his prognosis of a full recovery! I was so worried about it. She is on Vitaflex #3 supps. and they seem to work wonders!

[Dog Watcher]

CowGirlUp1833, your a good mom. It takes a good vet and a happy dog to recover fully from such surgery.