With the advent of spring, there are a few different focuses that come across our radar, highlighted by various interest groups that intersect with our readership. This month, one of those is the topic of “canine fitness,” as man’s best friend is often an inseparable part of our farms and homesteads. It’s important to safeguard our pet’s safety and health.
Bear this in mind before even selecting a dog, as needs vary across different breeds. A working dog like an Australian shepherd or a Great Pyrenees is going to need constant activity and engagement, whereas a largely housebound Bichon Frisé is going to need significantly less (akc.org). The breed you select should be compatible with your environment, your schedule and your ability to meet its standards of care.
There are any number of potential illness and degenerative concerns as your pet ages: sickness such as parvovirus, cancers, vision, dental and joint deterioration. There is no need for concern if proper maintenance and care is observed. All young dogs/puppies should receive their core vaccines.
“Core vaccines are considered vital to all pets based on risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans… Vaccines for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies are considered core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are given depending on the dog’s exposure risk. These include vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria,” according to the ASPCA.
All pet owners are encouraged to thoughtfully consider spaying/neutering their animal around the six month to one year mark – connect with your vet about what makes sense for and is in the best interest of your pet.
Once these more immediate steps have been taken, an annual wellness visit with your veterinarian should be sufficient. Use your intuition – if your dog seems to be in pain, has encountered a hazard on your property or simply is getting older, more frequent visits may be necessary. This article from Forbes has some great additional pointers on evaluating vet care.
With medical care out of the way, we want to look at the straightforward: exercise.
While obviously observing caution for any dangers on the property, the simple answer is to take your dog with you as you work your farm or homestead. Let them “be a dog” – if they have good recall, let them have run of your fields, staying close to you while you work. If you’re going to be stationary for a while – say while working in the garden – secure them on a long tie-out nearby, with plenty of lead to run and play and enjoy the sunshine (while also keeping them close).
Depending on breed, the average dog needs anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes a day of exercise and stimulation – so keep that in mind (www.purina.com).
If they are of an appropriate breed and adequately trained to ensure a safe and productive hunt, your dog can join you on the hunting trail too.
If you are able to find time away from the homestead and fancy yourself a hiker, hit the trails with your dog! Most state parks allow dogs on site – if there is any question about a specific park’s policy, you can always check online with your state’s parks department. Here in New York, find that information at www.parks.ny.gov.
There’s really no limit when it comes to exercise and enrichment for your pet. Check out this article for some additional suggestions for enrichment play and exercise!
