AND CONTRIBUTORS KEEPING YOUR PET HEALTHY CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY, TOO

When you’re looking to improve your health, there’s simply no better workout partner than your pet. Walks, hikes and runs with your dog are great ways to incorporate cardiovascular exercise, behavior training and bonding time.

Before starting a fitness routine, consult with your veterinarian and your own doctor to make sure it’s safe for both of you to participate in physical activity. You’ll get a benchmark for your progress. Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and heartworm, flea and tick medications.

Discuss with your vet what type of food and treats your pet is eating. We all know when we eat fresher, lessprocessed foods we look and feel better. The same goes for our pets.

Next, make sure you have the right equipment for your canine companion. Purchase a standard harness and a 4to 6-foot reflective leash for walks and hikes. The harness is preferable to collars for most dogs; it doesn’t restrict oxygen intake or lead to tracheal collapse.

Plan your route. Start your program with shorter distances, slowly progressing over time. If possible, choose a trail that has grass or dirt, which are better for your pet’s joints and foot pads.

Before a run, make sure your pup eats a low-carb, high-protein meal. You should offer just enough to give him energy, but not so much as to cause gastrointestinal upset or vomiting. It’s a good idea to bring along some fresh, healthy treats for encouragement and reward — my pups enjoy pieces of frozen baby carrots or Dognation turkey bacon torn into smaller bites.

Allow time for frequent short water breaks so your workout buddy stays hydrated, especially in warmer weather. Portable, collapsible dog bowls or squirt bottles are a good investment. Remember to not give your dog too much water — all that swishing in the belly can cause nausea.

Always make sure to “check in” with your pup during the workout. Panting is normal but your dog shouldn’t be out of breath. Also, if your dog’s tongue is hanging out, make sure it’s a healthy pink color and not red, purple or blue.

And always be prepared for an emergency. If you see any of the following, call the hospital and get there immediately:

• OVERHEATING: Do not use ice water to cool your pet down. Instead, cover it with ambient temperature water or wet towels and get to a vet immediately.

• COLLAPSE: This could be caused by a cardiac problem, a stroke or a seizure, all of which require emergency veterinary attention.

• RESPIRATORY DISTRESS: Stop what you’re doing, allow your pet a moment to calm down, and if it’s still in distress, get to your car, turn on the air conditioning and get to the veterinarian.

With a healthy dose of commitment, you and your pup can achieve your goals this year.

For more information on a healthy lifestyle for your pet log on to freshpet.com.

Bryan Carter, MPA-C

• Former U.S. Army Combat Medic

• Has an identical twin that specializes in vein and wound care, as well

• Born in Cocoa Beach and raised in Orlando

• Is Irish and married an Italian woman in Maui, Hawaii

• Has two daughters and his third “daughter” is a Border Collie named “Bella”

• Loves Big Band and Swing music and Italian food

• Loves the outdoors: white water rafting, advanced scuba diver, archer, water and snow skiing

• Has been specializing in vein and wound care since December 2002.

• Has traveled throughout Florida and Georgia training health care providers the art of venous disease