Eating & Exercise

Did your mother ever tell you to wait 30 minutes to go back in the pool after eating? "You'll get a cramp!" she'd say. Well, sorry to say but... Mom isn't always right.

But, does the truth go for your pets? Have you ever wondered exactly how long you should wait to exercise your pet after he/she eats? Or, has your pooch ever puked from not giving his food enough time to digest? Everyone knows how important exercise is for our pets, but when to exercise can have a beneficial or harmful effect.

Ideally, your pet should rest about two hours after eating a meal. There needs to be enough time given for your pet to fully digest his food. If an animal, especially a deep-chested dog, small or large, is exercised right before or right after eating, a life-threatening condition called a gastro-distension volvulus or GDV could happen. If eating is too close to exercising, a gastrointestinal upset could happen - poor digestion, vomiting, or even gas could result. No one wants to see his or her pet in any discomfort so it is best to rest a pet before and after a meal.

Rest before meal time is just as important. Your pet should rest at least one hour after play or exercise time before food is laid out for him. After a workout, there should be a cooling off period where the breathing rate has returned to normal, panting has stopped, and your pet is no longer overheated.

Always remember to have plenty of water before, during and after exercise! Keep your pet hydrated!

What is your pet's favorite way to exercise?