Dogs, Exercise, and HCM

[marvwaschke]

I was diagnosed with HCM in 2000, Dr. Schaff at the Mayo Clinic performed a myectomy in 2008. My current HCM doctor is David Owens at the Univ. of Washington.

Ever since my diagnosis, I have gained weight and experienced more of the usual symptoms, which cut down exercise, which brought more weight, and more symptoms, and less exercise. The myectomy was an improvement, but after a couple years, the downward spiral started again.

But the trend has turned up in the last six months.

Last fall, we got a border collie puppy. He is now my personal trainer. He has insisted that we take more, longer, and faster walks each day since the day he came home. Albert and I are up to 3.5 miles a day at a brisk pace. That's seven days a week, rain or shine. If you know border collies, you know that arguing with one who wants go for a walk is not possible.

The combination of no letting up, walk three times a day, everyday, with the gradualness of starting with a puppy and working up to a young dog, seems to have been perfect. I've shed fifteen pounds and feel better.

I don't know if it would work for everyone, but Albert has been very helpful to me.

[mbcube]

Re: Dogs, Exercise, and HCM

So I can blame my lazy Pug for my lack of a six pack?
Congrats on the improvements! There are numerous studies proving animals improves our lives - Both mentally and physically.
Come on folks, go to the shelter and get yourself a nice four-legged trainer.

[mbcube]

Re: Dogs, Exercise, and HCM

So I can blame my lazy Pug for my lack of a six pack?
Congrats on the improvements! There are numerous studies proving animals improves our lives - Both mentally and physically.
Come on folks, go to the shelter and get yourself a nice four-legged trainer.

[Jall]

Re: Dogs, Exercise, and HCM

i have a lab, a golden, and a doberman (all shelter dogs). The three of them walk me, verse the other way around. Other than working the muscles you use to slow them down, i don't know how much exercise I really get.

[Jordan Z.]

Re: Dogs, Exercise, and HCM

I have a schipperke...he is only around 30 lbs....I usually don't bring him along when I run as my runs are along a crowded path and I am usually moving at rapid clip. He does like to go with me when I take out my roller blades.....I know that lesson now...roller blades + dog + rabbit= grass stains on forehead.

[Aussieguy85]

I have an 18 month old Cocker Spaniel cross King Charles Cavalier. He is always keen to take me for a walk and is strong as a sled dog despite only weighing 12kg (about 25 pounds.)

My weight definitely is well managed due to the exercise I do with Baxter. He is also a great companion and is probably more vital to my emotional health than anything else.

[ninelives]

I have a lazy cat on my lap that keeps me on the couch!