Taking dog for walk benefits both of you

I used to be a gym rat. Really. And then I adopted the third-fastest animal on earth, the 45-mph greyhound, and quit the gym because I thought I would be busy walking my dog. Sure, I knew that greyhounds were notorious couch potatoes, but c'mon, what dog doesn't enjoy a brisk jog?

Uh, that dog would be Elvis.

He used to be a race dog. Really. Now the only racing he does is when he hears the words "walkies" takes one look at his leash and then races up the stairs. And my sole form of exercise comes from the tug-of-war that ensues with me at one end of the leash and Elvis on the other, usually while he's still stretched across his La-Z-Dog recliner.

As a result, our 30-minute, twice-a-day walks have dwindled down to one 15-minute stroll, which suits my sluggish canine fine. It gives him just enough time to check his "pee-mail" and sniff a few hydrants before returning to his still-warm pillow. I, too, have discovered the joys of the sofa coupled with a big bowl of Chunky Monkey ice cream and new episodes of "Law & Order."

But this sedentary lifestyle isn't healthy for my dog or me. I imagine our bones are rusting, our organs atrophying. And I'm right to be concerned, because exercise isn't just about losing weight and looking good. It's about developing strength and stamina. Maintaining healthy muscles, bones and joints. Staving off diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

"Even if you have a dog that appears physically fit on the outside, that doesn't mean he's fit on the inside," warned veterinarian Marty Becker from his home in Idaho. He said dogs are meant for movement, and inactivity can increase the risk of health and behavioral problems. "Guard dogs used to guard and herding dogs used to herd. It gave them a chance to strut their genetic stuff, all of which involved movement. Now they're retired and bored."

Becker, the resident veterinarian on ABC's "Good Morning America," is co-author of a new book titled "Fitness Unleashed!". The book proposes a personalized walking program that addresses both ends of the leash, because 60 percent of people and 50 percent of pets are overweight.

"People don't mind their dogs being fat," Becker pointed out. "And dogs will never look at their hairy derriere and think, 'Oh my God, no more Scooby Snacks!' They will happily eat everything in front of them, and we love them just the way they are."

But a corpulent canine faces the same health issues as his overweight guardian, only he'll face them sooner and with more serious repercussions. And just as extra weight is associated with shorter life expectancies for humans, overweight can subtract as much as 24 months from a dog's average life span of 12 years.

In an article published by Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, canine exercise is credited for keeping dogs agile, healthy and limber, and reducing depression, digestive problems and constipation.

A well-exercised dog is also less likely to suffer from behavioral problems that stem from boredom, such as digging, excessive barking, chewing and hyperactivity. Consider that thousands of dogs are surrendered each year because of so-called behavioral issues. There's a reason why dog trainers like to say, "A tired dog is a good dog."

"Exercise enriches a dog's life," Becker said. "Suddenly, their world becomes Technicolor. They feel the wind in their face and enjoy a cornucopia of smells. Their senses become alive as they cock their heads to distant sounds. For dogs, barking is like instant messaging."

For the two-legged, a sedentary lifestyle doubles the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis and high blood pressure -- obviously not a strong enough threat to motivate the 65 to 85 percent of the world's population that doesn't get enough exercise. Failure to exercise is serious enough for some experts that they compare it with smoking a pack of cigarettes daily.

People, like dogs, are creatures of habit. Start exercising regularly and before you know it, it will become an expected part of your daily routine. Becker agrees that people are more inclined to stick with a canine exercise program because they're taking responsibility for someone other than themselves.

"Humans can let you down," he mused. "They either have to work late or the kids have a game. There's always something. But dogs don't have a better offer."

So move your tail, Elvis, we're hitting the pavement ... just as soon as I'm done watching this episode of "Law & Order."

Reference: www.sfgate.com

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