If you’ve ever thought of combining your love of dogs and running there’s a few things to keep in mind before hitting the road.

Getting Rover ready for a run is very important,  otherwise you may be risking both dog and owner safety.  A veterinarian, dog trainer, and owner gives us five tips before starting out.

1. Lapdog or lap-runner?
Before setting out, take an honest look at your dog. Is he a high-energy mutt who would love to run, or is he a breed more suited to snuggling at your feet?

2. Heel!
After type of dog, obedience is key. After all, a run will be no fun if your dog stops to sniff every tree, or races in front of you and trips you up. Your dog should learn to heel, and a good obedience class can teach this skill.

3. Dogs Unleashed
“Ideally, you should jog with your dog in off-leash areas so that he or she can got at his or her own pace and has the option to speed up or rest if needed,” she says. “You and your dog may not have the same ideal pace, and it may be difficult for your dog to match your stride comfortably or even safely.”

4. Clean bill of health
Before embarking on a running program, Dr. Akins recommends getting the “all clear” from the dog’s vet.

5. Keep cool
Even if your dog is “running fit,” it’s important to recognize that dogs don’t have as efficient cooling systems as humans do and are more susceptible to heat stroke. Especially in warmer weather, runners need to be alert to signs of exhaustion and overheating.

Remember, just like humans, not all dogs enjoy running.  Run on over to read the full article to make sure you’re on the right track.

As summer comes to a close and Labor Day weekend fast approaching this is a great tip to keep in mind.  As always, we thank our friends from Sunbear Squad for this great tip.

WATCH TIP for week of Aug. 24

Watch for lost dogs and cats on the Labor Day holiday weekend. Dogs and cats traveling with their families sometimes take fright and run away. Be a Good Samaritan for animals.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution has an interesting article today about an experimental treatment for brain tumors in canines. The treatment may help in developing an effective therapy for humans.

On Aug. 5, Batman was the first patient to get an experimental therapy that researchers at the University of Minnesota hope will cure his brain cancer, which is the same kind that Sen. Ted Kennedy has. If it works for Batman and other dogs, they say, it holds enormous promise as an effective treatment for people, too.

Batman has joined a relatively new field of research called comparative oncology, where researchers leverage what they learn from pets for both animals and people. Advances in molecular and genetic testing show that many diseases in animals don’t just look the same in humans, they are the same, said Dr. Jaime Modiano, professor of comparative oncology at the university’s veterinary school.

It seems we have more in common with our pals than was previously thought.  The great thing about the therapy if it works?

That means the Bakers will know within three to seven months, rather than years, whether Tuesday’s surgery and the experimental treatment will prevent Batman’s cancer from returning

I urge you to read the entire article as it goes into further detail of Batman’s parents’ decision to enroll him in this program.

I just ran across this article warning about glue and our pets. No, they’re not sniffing the stuff, but ingesting it instead.

A Lexington woman says her pet German Shepherd, “Judah,” got into a bottle of “Gorilla Glue.”

The dog ate some of the glue and it expanded in his stomach. Surgery was required to remove the cantaloupe-sized mass and save the dog’s life.

Vets at Woodford Veterinary Clinic say this is the third case they’ve seen in six months and it’s getting national attention in veterinary journals.

As for “Judah,” the dog is recovering and should be back to normal in a couple of days.

As always,  thanks to our friends over at the Sunbear Squad for this tip of the week.

WATCH TIP for week of Aug. 17

Listen and watch for trapped or lost pets in student housing neighborhoods. Back-to-school time is very high-risk for student-owned dogs and cats, because students move into new housing.

Be a Good Samaritan for Animals

I just received a request asking for your help. Specifically, help from those of you that have had success using holistic treatments for your pets.

I’m a producer for a national morning show out of New York City. We are doing a segment this coming Monday morning on the top holistic treatments and remedies for pets.

We are looking for a personal story of someone who tried acupuncture on their pet and had amazing dramatic results.

If you’re interested in sharing your story, email Dori at dori.kornspan@mikeandjuliet.com. She’ll give you all the details…and maybe, just maybe,  I’ll be seeing you on the show!!

If you’ve ever wondered who “Sunbear” in Sunbear Squad is stop by their website to read the inspirational story. It’s a wonderful organization  devoted to defending the welfare of animals.

WATCH TIP for week of Aug. 10

Watch for dogs and cats who bite or lick at their fur repeatedly, creating damp “hot spots.” In summer, these wet areas of fur may attract flies and create maggot infestations.

As always,  thanks to our friends over at the Sunbear Squad for this tip of the week.

Watch for pets that act afraid of raised arms or vigorous movement–this may be a sign that the pet is a victim of cruelty. Look for more signs of abuse like scars or limping, and if you find any, be a Good Samaritan for animals. Call the authorities.