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The first step in adding exercise to your pet's lifestyle is making sure that your animal does not have any physical or medical limitations for exercise by getting in for a complete physical examination, heartworm test/prevention, current vaccinations, flea/tick/parasite control and a fecal (poop check).

Once your pet is cleared to exercise, I recommend activities such as: ball throwing, walking, jogging, tossing a frisbee, swimming, hiking, anything that you do outdoors. An excellent New Year's resolution for you and your pet.

Some Tips:

- Be careful to start slow with your pet (just as you would yourself)
- Monitor for problems during the first few weeks of exercise
- Be consistent
- Gradually increase the amount of exercise (time or duration or intensity).
- Use caution and do not run dogs on concrete (especially hot concrete) as they are not equipped with the heavily padded running shoes we are able to lace on. Try to exercise them on grass and the cooler part of the day
- Keep nails well groomed to prevent torn nails and related injuries.
- Allow time for your pet to rest
- Provide fresh water at all times
- Never push your pet to exercise too long or in excessive heat
- Stay away from exercises that allow your animal to jump (jumping can lead to joint problems and arthritis)
- Make sure your animal is safe from cars by keeping it on a leash (or exercising in the safety of a fenced area)
- If you are exercising your pet for the sake of weight loss, diet changes will also be necessary