Exercise is Good

Notes From Henry's World

Frenchies aren't exactly high energy dogs as they grow older. Henry is the ultimate couch potato. He would sleep about 20 hours a day if left to his own will. Here is a good article from his Vet at
Hilltop Animal Hospital in Alachua Florida.

DAILY EXERCISE RECOMMENDED

Exercise is as important for your dog as it is for you. Young dogs and healthy adults alike need lots of it, and even senior pets need a regular daily workout to maintain their health. The type of exercise you choose depends on the age and fitness of your dog and your own lifestyle. Dogs are adaptable and are happy to play Frisbee in the park or take long walks in the neighborhood.

Exercise is one of the best ways to spend time with your pet. It's especially important for large breed, working, and active breed types. Dogs are wonderful athletes and most adapt to even strenuous exercise, provided they have had adequate opportunity to "train" and the environmental conditions are not too extreme.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Daily exercise is recommended unless the weather is especially dangerous or a medical problem limits your dog's activity. If there is a medical problem, consult your veterinarian about exercise limitations. Keep in mind that obese dogs and those with heart and lung diseases may have a problem, and be sure to consult your vet before starting a new regime.

Be certain your dog has plenty of water available at all times, and provide a place to cool down out of the sun. When the temperature drops below freezing, exercise should be limited, unless your dog is really used to this weather. This will often vary with the breed and hair coat. If the wind picks up to more than 10 mph, be careful to prevent hypothermia or frostbite. If your dog is shivering, get him back indoors or in some form of warm shelter. If you live in an area that gets cold and icy, remember that road salt can burn your dog's feet. Don't forget: even in cold weather, an exercising dog needs plenty of water.

Almost all dogs, especially those with heart and lung problems and those with thick hair coats, are likely to have trouble with hot and humid conditions. It's better to exercise in the early morning or evening when the heat is less than 80 degrees and the humidity is less then 30 percent (avoid hot and humid conditions).

Henry's Adventures as a Youth

Henry's World

Henry drove me crazy as a puppy. He was into every kind of mischief imaginable. Once he found a small battery dropped on the floor in my studio and ate it. I turned around to see foam pouring out of his mouth. He vomited the battery up. I had to rush him to the Doc and they fixed him up but not before his tongue was stripped of flesh.

Then there was the time he ate part of a bag of lawn fertilizer. The funny one was his finding a tube of blue watercolor paint in the studio so his poop was blue for a couple of days.

The Doc got almost daily frantic calls from me for about 6 months. To this day, I don't dare leave shoes on the floor, but at least he doesn't eat anything else that is non food. Through the miracle of time, he transformed himself from a bratty adolescent to a very fine dog indeed.

Henry's Favorite Lap

Henry's World

Henry's favorite lap belongs to his Aunt Becky. My sister, Becky Kalb is retired and likes to watch TV, so Henry is the lucky recipient of her devotion when I am at the Loft Studio or on the road traveling here and there. He likes dog movies, and Walker, Texas Ranger the most. We often eat dinner while we watch TV so he patiently waits for her to finish and put the plate aside before he jumps up to be held and petted for his nap time. Henry is a very lucky dog to have two caretakers who adore him.  Mom is for fun and adventure. Aunt Becky is for snuggling and comfort.

Henry's Style Points

Henry understands the importance of being a well dressed dog. After all, he is the ambassador for his Mom's art studio. He plays host there every week. It is exhausting being a super star but he is willing to make the sacrifice.