How An Extra Walk Can Help Your Dog
October 12, 2009
I was distraught when my vet gave me the news that my dog’s heart was getting larger. We have been managing my dog’s heart murmur for many years not to mention his lung surgery almost 4 years ago to remove a cancerous lung lobe. He is known as the “wonder dog”, but I wondered how would I be able to keep him strong and mobile if I had to be careful to not stress his heart via exercise. I was sad and not sure what to do.
A Simple Solution – Two Walks A Day
Like most things in life, I just kept thinking about the situation and an idea came to me suddenly. I credit my mother with giving me a number of simple yet elegant solutions over the years. She died 33 years ago, but I have often known that it was her divine inspiration from God that has given me most of the solutions in my life and work.
Here was the thought, “How about taking Ralphie on two short walks a day instead of just one long walk?”
How We Made The Transition
At his age, his walks weren’t actually what you would call long as it was. I started him off thinking it would tire him, but I was amazed at what happened. He not only loved being outside for a second walk, but he actually wanted to walk more rather than just sniffing his “p-mail” every other step. It was as though he realized he would have a second opportunity to smell the roses and could actually just walk now. Of course, I still watch him very closely during both walks for signs of exercise intolerance. It is important to not tax him due to his heart condition.
After about a week of two walks per day, I noticed that he was getting stronger and less wobbly on his rear legs. At first I thought it must be wishful thinking on my part… but it wasn’t! He has gradually gotten stronger and seems happier and less stressed now as well. He sleeps more soundly at night too.
Do Not Stop The Meds Or Other Treatments
Now, just to be clear, Ralphie has had a host of other treatments to help him with his arthritis and heart condition as well including Class IV laser therapy treatments, glucosamine, arthritis prescription medication, and fish oil tablets. I think those are all helping as well, but the increase in his strength, stability, and well-being actually improved noticeably AFTER we started our two-walks-per-day routine.
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