Exercise for your puppy is very important. It is key for their physical and mental health. Establishing good exercise habits when your puppy is young will set a solid foundation for them to live a long, healthy life. Exercise keeps your puppy from getting bored, which sometimes can lead to him being mischievous. The amount of recommended exercise for your puppy is 5 minutes of exercise for each month of the puppy’s age. So that means a three month old would need approximately 15 minutes, where a 4 month old puppy would need roughly 20 minutes. It is important to point out that puppies, just like us, need to work up to an exercise level. Initially your puppy might not be able to go on a 3 mile walk. By the time your puppy is an adult, he will need 30-60 minutes of exercise a day. Exercising will leave your puppy feeling happy, appreciated, and in better overall health.
A harmful, toxic encounter that your puppy could have this winter, if you live where it snows, is de-icing salt. This is used to melt the snow and ice on sidewalks, roads, and paved surfaces. When your puppy walks on one of these there is a chance that some salt will stick to his paws. Which he later will lick off when he is cleaning his feet. Exposure can lead to short-lived sickness such as hyper-salivating, nausea, and vomiting. However, according to ASCAP, large amounts can lead to an increase in the blood’s electrolyte levels, weakness, lethargy, moderate irritation to the oral and gastrointestinal system, and even tremors. Some simple precautions can be taken to entrust that your puppy will be safe:
Water-proof pet boots (Amazon has a huge selection at reasonable prices)
Wash your pets paws with a wet cloth after walking in places where there may have been de-icer
Cheryl Sabens
www.ashfordmanorlabradoodles.com
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