Ways to exercise with your pet.
Dr Ross Hendry is the founder of Horse and Hound Veterinary Clinic in Kyalami, where they treat equines and small animals. Dr Ross would also like to combine his love for the veterinary sciences with his Honours Degree in Genetics in the near future.
Do you have any suggestions or fun ideas for ways in which pet parents can exercise with their pets?
“There are so many different ways that you can exercise with your pet, and this also gives you a really good reason to get outside. If you are in the Johannesburg area then there are great parks you can go to such as Walkhaven, or you can even join a dog training class. I have recently seen very cool pet toys which you can use to play with such as ball throwers and tug-of-war toys which add some fun to your pet’s experiences. If you have cats, then a must-do would be to buy a laser pointer which will give you hours of fun. If you are in a relationship, then a brilliant way to connect would be to take your pet for an evening stroll with your significant other. At the end of the day, grab the leash and just get out there!”
How does the type of exercise relate to a specific pet’s needs?
“Your pet's exercise should be discussed with your veterinarian as they would know of any specific health conditions your pet may have. Obesity in pets can lead to a variety of health conditions similar to those in humans. Therefore, it is important to exercise your pets. The amount of exercise depends on your pet's ability to tolerate the exercise, for example, if your pet has a heart condition then it may not be wise to take your pet for endurance-length runs. If your pet is old or arthritic, then a reduced amount of controlled exercise would be beneficial. At the end of the day, chat with your vet, that’s what we are here for.”
In which ways can a pet’s health improve if they get the appropriate type and amount of exercise?
“There are so many benefits of exercise! You may also find personal benefits in taking your pets for exercise over and above the fresh air. The most obvious benefit is a cardiovascular component, but moreover, controlled exercise can have an orthopaedic improvement as well as increase general wellbeing and endorphin levels.”
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Dr. Ross is an adventurer at heart and thoroughly enjoys travelling. He believes that enjoying the journey is a part of life, embracing the good and the bad. His favourite place to visit is the Drakensberg and his hobbies include hiking, cycling, canoeing, scuba diving, flyfishing, and running.
When did you decide to become a vet?
“It’s not just a job, it’s my life. I have always wanted to become a veterinarian, from when I was a young boy reading James Herriot stories. My family is an old Natal household and I have great childhood memories of horse-riding in the cane fields and being in the outdoors. My mother was an avid breeder of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and I was often present for their whelping and my weekends were spent going to dog shows. My high school community service was always done at the SPCA, and I would often volunteer at my local veterinary hospital.”
Dr. Ross, do you have any pets?
“Over the years I have had many pets from my Siamese seal point Tobi to my Rhodesian Ridgeback Uju, and even my python Monty. These days my patients are my whole life, and I haven’t much time for pets of my own, but I'm sure in the future that will change.”
Any last thoughts on the topic?
“Another great thing to do is take your pets on trips with you, be it to a local park or over the long weekend to a mountain farm. Your pets love spending time with you! Remember to always be respectful to other pet owners and people when taking your pets to public places. Remember to have the correct harnesses, and make sure your pet is vaccinated and microchipped.”
