Daily Exercise

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering what the ideal amount of daily exercise is for a seven year old, relatively healthy cocker. I want to ensure I am doing everything to help encourage optimal health and happiness. My darling little guy has a heart murmur, but the vet and cardiologist said it is very slight and no need for concern. He is about 34 lbs and on a special diet for dogs with allergies and/or sensitive stomach (I believe it is by Wellness). I usually take him on two, brisk 30 minute walks per day (with many stops along the way for sniffing) but wondering if this is too much, not enough, or whether I should break up his exercise in small bits throughout the day. I work from home so this is possible. Thank you!

ANSWER: Your vet & cardiologist are right and an hour of exercise (I'm assuming on leash?) is really the minimum.  I'd toss in a 3rd walk daily.

As for food - is 34 lbs. a good weight for him?  And how do his allergies/sensitivity show on him?  Wellness is a "pretty good" food but wouldn't be my top pick.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the reply. In terms of his weight, the 34 lbs is still too high but slowly the lbs are coming off. He has a mildly low thyroid, and instead of jumping to meds, my vet and I decided we'd keep a close watch on it. The sensitive stomach shows in loose stools, and he seems to do do less paw licking when he is on this food. It is a Duck and Rice mixture. If you have other suggestions for food I would certainly love to hear what you think!

Again, many thanks for your advice.

Answer
Did your vet get a "full 6 panel thyroid test" done and where was it sent.  There are only 2 acceptable answers - Antech or Michigan State.  Even a mildly low thyroid can make it impossible for him to lose weight and may well account for the skin issues.  There's no reason to fear putting him on thyroid meds providing he's had the test analyzed properly.  Mildly low means he's below lab values and this isn't good at all.  Also if you're concerned about his heart, you don't want him to remain hypothyroid.

If the loose stool issue has settled and it's only his paws he's currently licking I'd go for a daily "paw dip" in plain old water & vinegar (half and half).  Get a huge pan and do it outside..5 to 10 seconds is enough.  It's probably yeast and this will kill it off.  First few days, do it a few times then taper off.  Can't hurt and may well solve the problem...especially if you live in the South.

There's a really new "raw but dehydrated" dog food out called Addiction and it's all quite novel proteins.  If I had a pup with any issues like this I'd sure give it a try...very slowly transitioning.  Take a look at it online and see what you think.  All you do is combine it with an equal amount of warm water to rehydrate.  So it's basically a raw diet without the mess and fear of contamination.  One of my own boys is just being transitioned onto this (with no problems) due to having extremely sensitive skin and I'm seeing a difference already.
Delores