Taking A Dog Jogging

I have a nine month old bichon frise and like to take her jogging. Generally I jog for 20 to 30 minutes. Is this too much exercise for her? (Staci Graham - Texas)

This depends on a number of factors, such as how quickly you jog and the type of terrain you run on. However, the age of the dog is probably most important. Whilst a younger dog will be healthier and fitter, and at less risk of problems such as heart attack, the joints and ligaments of younger dogs can be irreparably damaged by excessive exercise of the wrong type. However, this is more of a problem with large, heavy breeds. From a dietary point of view, it may be necessary to feed her a special food such as that for working dogs, so that the exercise does not drain her of essential nutrients. Your dog may also require a slightly higher intake of salts to replace that lost in exercise.

In conclusion, I think that unless your dog seems unhealthily exhausted after jogging, becomes less enthusiastic about joining you, or suffers from ill-health, there is nothing to stop her going with you.

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