Tag Archive for: dog walking

5 Ways to Get Fit This Year With Your Dog

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5 Ways to Get Fit This Year With Your Dog

When it comes to getting fit this year, there’s no better workout partner than your dog. They’re always happy to go for a run or a walk, and they’re always eager to please. In fact, with the right motivation, your dog can help you get in great shape this year.

Here are five ways to get fit this year with your dog.

1. Go for a Walk

Going for a walk with your dog is a great way to get fit & bond with your dog. In fact, walking and jogging are the most common forms of exercise for humans and their pets. Some dogs love going for multiple walks a day and will be happy to join you for every walk. Others are content with joining you for a short jaunt around the block.

Live in an area that doesn’t have a place to walk your dog? Fort Collins and the surrounding areas are filled with trails and parks that are dog friendly such as the Reservoir Ridge Trail or Arapaho Bend.

When you go for a walk with your dog keep the following in mind:

  • Your dogs age
  • You & your dogs physical fitness
  • Weather
  • Proper gear to walk your dog safely

Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to exercise with your dog, and can be incorporated into almost any routine. In general, a daily walk of 30 minutes can help you burn between 300 and 600 calories. Pets burn approximately 70 calories per hour while walking, and can burn as much as 15 calories per minute while jogging. If you are just starting out, begin with a simple walk or jog around the block. As you get stronger, increase the distance and the pace.

Want to make sure your dog gets enough walks during the day? Wet Noses Pet Sitting offers dog walking services! While it won’t get you in shape it’ll help your pup keep their walk routine and their fitness in check!

2. Hiking with your Dog

If you live in Colorado then you’re no stranger to hiking. Hiking is a great activity for both you and your dog, and can be done in any season. Hiking can also be done at a slower pace, meaning you can take in new places, and enjoy the scenery with your pet. If you don’t have a hiking trail near your home, you can search for a park or trail near your home that your pet has never been to such as Horsetooth Falls Loop Trail or the Fort Collins Poudre River Trail. Make sure to pack plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for your pooch, along with a leash to keep them from wandering off. You can even bring along some dog-friendly treats to entice your furry friend to enjoy the fresh air with you.

3. Agility Training

Have a dog that never seems to run out of energy? Agility training is a great way to keep your dog mentally and physically active, and can be enjoyed by dogs of all ages. Agility training focuses on your dog’s ability to quickly respond to commands, and play a new sport that combines obstacle courses, jumps, tunnels, and other obstacles. You can start with basic obedience training and work your way up to more challenging courses.

There are many agility classes that are available for dogs with owners such as the ones at Summit Dog Training and Sunset Agility.

4. Play with your Dog

Playing with your dog indoors or outdoors is another way to help get fit. Some activities, like tug-of-war can be done indoors or outdoors while activities like frisbee should only be done outside.

For dogs, a frisbee is a safe, fun alternative to ball playing, and can be played on land or water. For a short, 5-minute exercise, toss the frisbee and ask your dog to fetch it back, then play catch.

5. Go Swimming

If your dog is a fan of the water then swimming might be the perfect activity to get fit this year with your dog. You can even bring that frisbee from the previous tip!

At the end of the season, some pools will have doggy swim days. This is right before they drain the pool for winter. While this doesn’t help you get fit, your dog will still have fun. Unfortunately, as of 2023 the Fort Collins City Park Pool will no longer be holding their Pooch Plunge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for ways to get fit this year with your dog we hope the above tips help you and your dog stay active. What is your favorite way to get fit with your dog? Let us know in the comments.

How Many Times A Day Should You Walk Your Dog? Header

How Many Times A Day Should You Walk Your Dog?

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How Many Times A Day Should You Walk Your Dog? Header

How Many Times A Day Should You Walk Your Dog?

Every dog is different when it comes to how many times a day you should walk your dog.

A general rule of thumb is you should walk your dog

three to four times a day for at least 15 minutes

It might seem like a lot but we’re going to break it down for you since it’s different for every dog. Some factors that will influence how often you need to walk your dog are:

  • Health
  • Age
  • Physical athleticism
  • General activity level
  • Your general lifestyle

For smaller dogs, usually one walk a day is plenty but this depends on their breed. Breeds like jack russell terriers are known for their high energy so one walk might not be enough for that breed. With dogs that tend to have shorter noses or brachycephalic breeds – like pugs or french bulldogs weather is a huge factor when determining how many times a day you should walk your dog. Dogs that are brachycephalic tend to overheat more easily and should be kept indoors on hot days.

For larger or more high energy, high activity level you are really going to need those three to four walks. Especially if walking is the only activity your dog is getting. You can cut this number back if your dog is playing out in the yard, going to doggy-daycare, playing ball, or doing other activities.

I just can’t keep up!

If you have a high energy dog that needs a lot of exercise but are finding it difficult to keep up with them there are still things you can do!

  • Puzzle toys
  • Agility training
  • Rally
  • Obedience training

All of these things are designed to stimulate your dog. Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog.

Why does any of this matter?

Walks reduce boredom, destructive chewing, and scratching. It also gives them something to mentally stimulate them with all the smells and sights. Remember, we are leaving our houses fairly often but dogs don’t get to leave unless we take them with us. And remember, walks are not only great for your dog but they’re good for your health as well! Walks have been shown to decrease blood pressure, increase bone strength, loosen muscles, lower diabetes risk, and more.

Still can’t get those three to four walks in? We’re here to help! We’d love to discuss our dog walking services with you and find a plan that works for you and your pets.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Live Q&A

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Wet Noses Pet Sitting Live Q&A Header

Below is a video we filmed live in 2017 covering some of your most commonly asked questions about pet sitting and dog walking.

Transcript:

Read more

The Health Benefits Of Daily Dog Walks

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The Health Benefits Of Daily Dog Walks

Everybody knows fresh air are exercise are good for you but are these extra benefits of bringing your canine companion with you? Here’s 5 health benefits of walking your dog.

  1. Better overall health: Walking your dog can help both of you improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, have stronger muscles and bones, and decrease stress.
  2. Weight loss: Both of you can achieve your weight loss goals with regular walks.
  3. Mood boost: Going outside is proven to boost your mood plus dogs love to be outside. With all the smells and sights your dog is sure to have a good time.
  4. Happiness boost: Walks make your dog happy! Dogs that don’t receive sufficient exercise and enrichment can become destructive when bored.
  5. You two get to bond: Especially with a new puppy, going on walks is a perfect bonding opportunity between you and your dog.

We love to walk dogs but we also understand it’s an important bonding experience for you and your dog. Consider getting a sturdy dog harness if you don’t already own one. Julius-K9 makes durable harnesses that have handles! RUFFWEAR is also another durable brand. With numerous styles you’ll be sure to find one that fits.

Dog Walking BenefitsDon’t have time in your schedule? Check out our dog walking services!

What Mushrooms are Toxic to Pets?

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What Mushrooms are Toxic to Pets Header

What Mushrooms are Toxic to Pets?

The wet season is here which means, mushrooms! Mushrooms might be great on pizza for us, many curious pets consume mushrooms that are toxic while out on walks. It’s important to be diligent and to avoid any mushrooms you may see. This also includes inspecting your yard, especially after it has rained, for any mushrooms that may have sprouted up. We’ve compiled a list of a few of the more common mushrooms that are toxic to pets you may encounter.

1. Ivory Funnel

Ivory Funnel Mushroom
Archenzo, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Fly Amanita/Fly Agaric

Fly Amanita/Fly Agaric Mushroom
Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Panther Cap

Panther Cap Mushroom
George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Gemmed Amanita

Gemmed Amanita Mushroom
Scott Darbey from Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Death Cap

Death Cap Mushroom
George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

6. Gyromitra Esculenta (False Morels)

Gyromitra Esculenta (False Morels)
Jason Hollinger, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

7. Smith’s Amanita

Smith's Amanita Mushroom
Colin Smith / Fungi on Pound Common

8. Death Angel

Death Angel Mushroom
This image was created by user Ryane Snow (snowman) at Mushroom Observer, a source for mycological images.You can contact this user here, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Hongo’s False Death Cap

Hongo's False Death Cap Mushroom
The High Fin Sperm Whale, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Want a handy infographic to keep on the fridge? We have one for you below!

Mushrooms Toxic to Pets Infographic

If you fear your pet has eaten a poisonous or unknown mushroom, seek veterinary help immediately. If possible, try to get a sample of the same mushroom from where they were found to help aid in identification. You can learn more about what plants are poisonous to pets on our blog as well as common household products that are toxic to pets.

Did you learn something from our list? Let us know in the comments below.

Top 3 Benefits of Walking with Your Dog

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It’s no secret that we love dog walking, but it’s also great for you to hit the pavement with your pup as well. Both you and your dog will benefit from frequent walks. Here are the top 3 benefits you can reap by walking with your four-legged friend.

1.) Helps with weight control

Physical activity plays a role in keeping excess weight off. Routinely walking with you pet will not only keep them from getting wider, you’ll notice that you are also keep off unwanted weight. Plus, it improves your mood which make you less likely to stress eat and you’ll have more energy to fix healthy food.

 

2.) Deepens your bond

Our days are busy and they fly by at a record pace. It’s easy to get caught up in daily schedules and forget to spend quality time with your pet. But, when you do take the time out to spend with your dog, you will grow closer. This time is extremely important to your dog’s behavioral development and will provide the foundation for a trusting relationship.

3.) Stronger physical and mental health

Both humans and dogs alike have several health issues that benefit from regular exercise. Plus, the extra activity is great for overcoming  boredom. You’ll start to see improved behaviors around the house because they won’t be as bored or have as much pent up energy.

 

Of course, we love being able to walk your dog while you’re not around, but it’s never too late for you to start walking too. Start out slow and work your way up to longer and longer walks. And make sure to check out these tips for finding the best collar and leash for you and your dog. Soon you’ll feel and see all of the benefits of the new routine.

 

What Are Dog Walking Options for My Older Dog?

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As our dogs age their needs also change. Depending on your dog’s breed, they may be considered a senior pet at different ages.  Large breeds as young as 6 years old can sometimes be considered older, while smaller breeds may not be senior status until about 10-12 years. Walking your dog only gets more important as they age, here are some things to take in account when thinking about dog walking with your older dog.

  • As dogs age they tend to be less active throughout the day.

Older dogs do a lot more laying around the house than they did when they were young. Gone are the days of crazily batting around a water bottle or chasing balls around the house. Because of this, they also get far less exercise which is undeniably important to their health.

Weight management is one of the biggest benefits of walking with your older dog. Since they are moving less, sometimes this is the only real exercise they get all day. It also helps loosen their muscles, wards of fat, and stimulates their minds, both of which keep them fresh and feeling good.

  • Most senior dogs need more potty breaks.

As your pup creeps up to senior citizen status they may have a harder time holding in their bathroom needs all day. They need more frequent trips to the bathroom to avoid accidents, UTI’s and overall be more comfortable throughout the day.

  • You may need to change the duration and frequency of their walks.

While it is very important to get your dog out and moving every day, the dynamic of the walk will likely need to change. Senior dogs benefit more from shorter walks at least twice a day (morning, noon and night would be the best).  Sometimes the weather does not agree with the older dog, if it’s too hot or too cold in the morning or at night, walking them at the warmest/coolest part of the day is key.

If they’ve had the same leash and collar for the last decade, it may be time to give them an upgrade.  Opting for a shorter leash and a harness will help keep their neck and joints safe. Even though they may feel like a puppy again on beautiful days, if they jolt to try and get a squirrel they could end up with an injury.

There’s something special about senior dogs. When they flick those loving yet all-knowing eyes in your direction your heart melts. That’s why it’s so important to make sure they continue to live a long and healthy life.

 

How to Safely Go On a Dog Walk After Dark

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I know, that evening walk around the block is a lot harder and somewhat scarier this time of year. It becomes very dark so early in the evening and with the snow, ice, wind, and those scary noises that turn out to be the bunny under the bush, it is easy to just say “we’ll go tomorrow, Fido”. Here are some suggestions that will help give you the confidence to go ahead and take your dog in the dark for a nice evening stroll.

Wear Reflective Gear

Both you and your dog should wear something reflective. Remember that reflective means it requires an outside light source to work. Items like reflective collars, leashes, and vests work best when used on the sidewalk or wherever headlights will illuminate you and are not much help if you are walking on a nature trail. Be sure that the leash you choose has the reflective material on both sides to be very visible.

LED Wear

There are some very cool, small dog-safe LED lights on the market now. These work in different ways (some push on while some twist) but they all easily attach to the dogs collar and hang near the ID tags. Some of the above mentioned gear also have LED lights embedded within them. The LED lights are very bright and can be some from a long distance in complete darkness.

Cold Weather Gear

Even the toughest dogs who love this type of weather can still feel the effects of the cold, snow and ice. Be sure to protect your dog’s feet with pad cream (be careful though as this might make slippery conditions a little trickier), or with the many different varieties of snow booties available today. These come in a range of sizes, styles, and prices but if you go out hiking often in this weather, you may want to invest in some. Fido may walk a little funny at first but will get used to them very fast.   A jacket of some type is also recommended for our dogs that have little hair or are very sensitive to the cold. Beagles, Boxers and other short haired dogs will thank you for the extra layer. These also are available in a ton of different styles and prices but if you shop around you will find the right one in no time.

Your Clothing

Now, we have Fido all decked out and ready to go but don’t forget yourself! Always wear reflective or LED as well and avoid dark clothing. You have to be as visible as your dog. Also, we’ve all heard about dressing in layers. Try to wear a few lighter layers with material that will wick away the moisture if you get wet (or work up a sweat) closest to your skin. Don’t forget your warm hat and gloves and always wear warm socks with your safest walking shoes. Remember that nobody will care what you look like and this is not style competition.

Other Gear

Always bring a flashlight. A small but bright flashlight can be helpful for finding those nighttime deposits that Fido leaves on the neighbor’s lawn and can also assist in visibility with other nighttime strollers. You might try a headlamp if you need your hands free.

Nighttime Distractions

You know they are out there. Those nocturnal animals that the darkness brings out create a whole new set of distractions. In the day time you are ready for the squirrel, rabbit or cat that might cross your path but at night you also get raccoons, fox and skunks. This is also where that flashlight can be helpful. Please have good control of your dog as well. A little sniffing and investigating can turn into a fight with something wild and possibly rabid so it is best to have already taught your dog what “leave it” and “let’s go” mean as well as have good leash manners.

Route Safety

Please be careful when considering and choosing your path for your nighttime walks. There are routes that are just more tricky in the dark than others. Stay away from those desolate roads, dark paths, very busy city streets or those parts of the city that just are not as safe at night for you or Fido. It is recommended that you stay in a familiar area or where other nighttime dog walkers are out and about.

Don’t worry. With the right gear and some planning, you can be sure that both you and your dog enjoy your walk and are back in the warmth and security of home with no problems. It can be a quiet and bonding time for you and your dog and you might come home with a great story to tell about that attack rabbit!

 

Reasons to Walk Your Dog Today!

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Getting outside everyday to walk your dog provides them with mental and physical stimulation, socialization and training opportunities, and positive attention.  Putting your dog outside in your fenced-in yard will not force your dog to exercise and more often we see dogs will resort to boredom barking, trying to escape the yard, or becoming your best (or worst) landscaper.  Simply having a large back yard is not going to satisfy your dog’s need for exercise or mental stimulation.  According to the Clinician’s Brief, “Generally, people walk their dog for 4 reasons: elimination, mental stimulation, exercise, and training. Dogs like to go for walks to get outdoors, sniff and engage with their environment, exercise, and perhaps socialize with people and dogs outside the home. There is no reason that a walk cannot encompass and meet all the needs of both humans and dogs.”  And, we at Wet Noses Pet Sitting completely agree, it’s time to get outside and walk your dog!

3 types of walks

There are three kinds of walks that we suggest as a varied routine.

  1. Exploratory walks allow your pet to sniff, smell, and generally meander through its surroundings.
  2. Purposeful walks are to relieve herself or retrieve an item.
  3. Long walks to tire your pup out give her an outlet for all that pent up energy.

Varied mental and physical stimulation will allow your dog to be at her most trainable and calm.

Socialization – a bonus!

During a walk is a good chance to work on leash manners and while you’re out walking, your pooch is most likely going to meet other dogs. This helps your dog learn normal behaviors and etiquette by taking social cues from other canines.  It also helps your dog build confidence so that when she meets new friends she isn’t afraid.  Giving your dog lots of opportunities to work on socialization and training will help your companion be on her best behavior in a variety of situations without anxiety or fear.

Tired dog = a good dog

Getting out regularly to walk your dog gives them a sense of well-being.  They love the positive attention and quality time. Plus, dogs who are taken for daily walks, are less likely to be destructive, obsessive, have separation anxiety and/or dominance issues, among many other behavior problems.  A tired dog is a happy dog.  And a happy dog makes for a happy owner.

Remember, your dog depends on you for her quality of life. By taking advantage of different types of walks to stimulate her mentally and physically, providing opportunities for socialization and training, and spending quality time with your canine companion, you will help your furry friend be balanced, healthy and happy for a lifetime. If you have questions about dog walks or need help waking your dog regularly contact us at Wet Noses Pet Sitting!