The Ramsey War Memorial Field Fete was held on a beautiful day and was full of local families with their children and dogs.
Myself, and Bev and Kay from ‘Top Dog Training Academy’ set up an area for the dog lovers. The idea was to be able to educate pet owners on the importance of canine fitness and health, highlighting practical steps to ensure their furry friends lead happy, healthy lives.
### Canine Fitness Activities: Fun and Functional
Myself, Bev, and Kay organised a variety of interactive sessions that included:
- **Fasted Dog Over the Hurdles**: This activity was not just about speed but also about agility and coordination. It demonstrated how regular exercise can enhance a dog’s physical abilities and overall fitness.
- **Try Ground Poles**: Ground poles were used to improve a dog's balance and proprioception. This low-impact exercise is excellent for joint health and can be adapted for dogs of all ages and fitness levels.
- **Confidence Building Circuit**: This circuit aimed to boost a dog’s confidence through a series of challenges that encouraged problem-solving and resilience. Confidence building is crucial for a dog's mental health and well-being.
These activities highlighted how diverse exercises can contribute to a dog's physical health, mental stimulation, and overall happiness.
### The Importance of Monitoring Your Pet’s Health
Beyond physical activities, we emphasized the critical role of monitoring a dog’s health metrics. We wanted pet owners to understand their pet's normal heart rate and pulse, both at rest and after exercise. Knowing these vital signs can be a lifesaver in identifying health issues early. Due to the huge differences in breed and size every animals vital signs can be very different.
#### Why Knowing Your Dog's Vital Signs is Crucial
1. Early Detection of Health Issues: Changes in heart rate and pulse can indicate underlying health problems. Early detection can lead to prompt veterinary intervention, potentially saving your pet’s life.
2. Emergency Preparedness: In an emergency, knowing how to check and interpret your dog's vital signs can provide critical information that may be needed to stabilize your pet before reaching a vet.
3. Informed Veterinary Visits in an emergency of for regular health concerns: Being able to provide your vet with accurate information about your dog’s normal and abnormal vital signs can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans.
We handed out a small slip of paper and encouraged people to fill it in with their pets normal values and to keep it with them at all times.
### Hands-On Learning with Casper the Canine CPR Mannequin
To ensure pet owners could confidently check their dog's vital signs, Tanya, Bev, and Kay provided hands-on demonstrations using Casper, the canine CPR mannequin. Participants were encouraged to feel Casper’s pulse and practice measuring heart rates, giving them practical skills they could use at home. It was great to talk to the families and the children about checking their own dog and showing them how to do it.
### Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership
Promoting canine fitness and health goes beyond exercise; it encompasses a holistic approach to responsible pet ownership. We hope that we have been able to highlight the importance of regular health checks, physical fitness, and mental well-being for dogs. By educating pet owners, they are helping to ensure that pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
For more information about Canine Agility or scent work please contact Bev and Kay from the Top dog team listed in ‘Other Great Proffessionals’. Or if you would like more information about gaining a Pet First Aid Qualification to ensure you know what to do for your Pet when needed then see our ‘Services’ tab for the many courses that we offer.
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