When jogging in the snow, always provide your pet with a waterproof jacket and protective booties. Photo courtesy of TrueHistoryJVBA on Wikimedia Commons.
Running with your dog is an enjoyable activity that gets you and your pet in shape. Once you’ve got your pet into shape and built up a routine, it’s time to get more serious. Investing in doggy jogging gear can make the exercise experience more beneficial for your dog and easier for you. If you plan on jogging in winter, cold-weather garb is essential for humans and canine alike.
Hands-free Leash
Why you need it: Holding your pet’s leash can throw a runner off balance; if your pet veers off course, you risk getting your arm yanked out!
How it works: Hands-free leashes go around your waist with a lead that attaches to your dog’s collar.
Useful features: Built-in pouches for energy gels or house keys, water bottle holders, or doggy bag dispensers.
Price: $20 to $60
Packs
Why you need it: Long-distance runners need to hydrate and carb-load; carrying enough water and snacks for you and your pet is a hassle.
How it works: Backpacks strap or buckle around your pet’s torso.
Useful features: Built-in water storage with nozzles, multiple pockets, bulletproof material, water bottle holders
Price: $25 – $150
Booties and Shoes
Why you need it: In temperatures 40 degrees and under, a dog’s paw pads are vulnerable to scrapes and scratches. Outside in winter, paws may also come into contact with antifreeze or road salt, which they can ingest later while cleaning. If you’re jogging on trails, shoes protect paws from rough terrain.
How it works: The shoes fit over the dog’s paw and strap or buckle on around the ankle.
Useful features: Orthopedic inserts, covers to protect straps from deep snow, waterproofing, grippy soles, breathable material, and reflective strips.
Price: $20 – $45
Doggy Bag Dispensers
Why you need it: Carrying around plastic grocery bags can be bulky and messy.
How it works: These little dispensers clip onto your dog’s collar, backpack, or leash and contain a dozen or more doggie bags.
Useful features: Refillable, built-in to leashes, many colors and attachable to collars, backpacks, leashes
Price: $3 – $15
Travel Water Bowls
Why you need it: Keep your pet hydrated while on the run with portable, collapsible water bowls.
How it works: Typically made of silicone or plastic, these bowls are made for travel and easily fit in a pocket.
Useful features: Collapsibility, portability, non-porous material, and compact size
Price: $5 – $10
Healthy Dog Bones
Why you need it: After an exhausting run, feed your dog a protein- and carb-filled doggy bone to replenish nutrients and pump up energy.
How it works: Ingredients like peanut butter, meat, and nuts have protein, while apples, sweet potatoes, and grains provide the carbs.
Useful features: Taste good too!
Price: $2 – $10, depending on the quantity per pack.
Waterproof Track Jacket
Why you need it: Keep Fido from getting cold and wet in the rain with a waterproof coat.
How it works: Jackets buckle around the dog’s torso.
Useful features: Reflective material, pockets, fleece lining, sleeves or sleeveless, and insulation
Price: $20 – $50
If you’re serious about your canine running partner, investing in some key jogging equipment for your pet is essential. Boots and jackets keep your pet from getting cold and wet while protecting delicate paws. Doggy bag dispensers and hands-free leashes make everyday tasks a little easier. Healthy dog treats provide your pet with a post-workout boost. Happy trails!
Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends, Inc. (AARF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Tucker, Georgia. Established in 2002 the group is dedicated to spaying and neutering all incoming pets, educating the public, and finding homeless animals forever homes. AARF provides basic veterinary care and fosters all pets whenever possible. To donate or adopt your next pet from AARF, please visit their website.
