Do take the time to warm up before, and cool down after, your run.
Dogs and humans both benefit from taking the time to warm up before running. Warming up muscles can protect against injuries, so give yourself and your dog plenty of time to work out the kinks. Start with at least a few minutes of walking or slow jogging before you run. And finish your run with at least 5 minutes of walking to allow your dog to cool down and let his breathing return to normal.
Don’t assume that your dog is built for running.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of those body types are ideally suited to running, especially for long distances. Certain dog breeds with very short noses and flat faces (such as English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingeses, and Boston Terriers) are known as “brachycephalic”. Because their faces are anatomically flatter, brachycephalic breeds have narrower nostrils, shorter airways, and longer soft palates than most other dogs.
This anatomy makes it much more difficult for them to move air into their lungs, especially during exercise or times of stress. Their impaired breathing can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, which in turn can cause life-threatening respiratory distress. Brachycephalic dogs are also more susceptible to overheating and heatstroke.
Dogs with short legs and long spines (like Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis), may enjoy running, but their stockier build and shorter legs may make it harder for them to keep up. Dogs with very thick coats may be more prone to overheating in warmer climates, while those with very short coats may not be well-suited to running in very cold temperatures.
Just like us, dogs need time to adjust to a new exercise routine, especially if they are overweight. Start out slowly by alternating walking with short intervals of running, then increase speed and distance gradually. Too much too soon increases your dog’s risk of injury.
And remember that we have the luxury of running in shoes; our dogs aren’t so lucky! Running on concrete, gravel, or asphalt can put dogs at risk for injury to their paws. Paw pads in particular need time to toughen up and develop light callouses to protect them; a dog’s paws can become sore or even raw if he runs too far without time to adjust.
How to Remove Gravel from Dog’s Paws?
It’s quite common for dogs to tread on sharp objects, and for gravel to get embedded in the pads of their paws.
However, you should consult a vet in the event gravel gets stuck in your dog’s paws. If a vet isn’t available, follow the instructions below to remove gravel from your dog’s paws.
1. Clean the area with warm soapy water.
2. Using a pair of scissors, gently grip the stuck gravel and pull the piece out at the same angle as it appears to have been lodged.
3. Clean the wound again, and cover with a breathable sterile dressing.
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How to protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces
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A: Being barefoot isn’t that tough when a dog is running on grass or other natural ground surfaces, but running on concrete, asphalt, gravel, or other hard surfaces can put a lot of stress on your dog’s body and can put them at risk of injury to their legs, paws or paw pads.
My yard is an oasis but is also a potential hazard for my dog. I’ve been using gravel in my garden for years, and for several good reasons—versatility, easy to lay and maintain, climate-resistant, and affordable.
But when it comes to our paw-pals, there are major risks involved with gravel, asphalt driveways, and other areas.
Gravel can get lodged between your dog’s paw pads or in worse cases can cause your dog to choke. Read on to find out about dog-safe gravel, how to build a safe dog run and things you can do if your dog gets hurt when running on gravel.