Dear Oscar, Does running cause arthritis? Are there health benefits of running? What's your resting heart rate? -- A Concerned Runner

Whoa there, Runner! You're firing a lot of questions at me one right after another. Don't forget, my brain is only about the size of a walnut.

Okay, let's tackle your questions one at a time. First off, running does not cause arthritis. There are several different kinds of arthritis out there, and I bet you didn't know that the plural of the word "arthritis" is "arthritides." All arthritides deal with inflammation of some kind in the joints, and it is common in humans -- and many dogs. In many cases, increasing your exercise levels can help ease arthritis pain. That's the short version, but onto question number two: are there health benefits to running?

Well, yuhhhh! The health benefits are too many to list in just one measly blog post. But here's a short list. One, running makes it so a dog can have extra dog cookies! That's dog-speak for "running promotes weight loss." Also, running is good for your bones. Bones accommodate the demands you put on them. Watching TV? Not good for your bones. Running, chasing frisbees, and playing with your friends at the dog park? Good for the bones! Also, my research tells me that running lowers your "bad" cholesterol count, and lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer. I don't know what any of that stuff is, but why should I? I'm just a dog, you know?

Lastly, you ask what my resting heart rate is. I come from a family of runners, and we all have strong hearts that beat slowly and powerfully. A lab of my size should have a resting heart rate between 60 and 150, and mine is 60. But don't let that fool you. After just 30 minutes of chasing squirrels on the hill behind my house, you should see me pant and drool. I can get that old ticker ticking, let me tell you!

The moral of the story? Keep running, everyone! -- Oscar

Dear Oscar, I have a marathon coming up. What should I eat for my pre-race meal? Runnin' in Rochester

Dear Runnin', Congrats on your upcoming race. I imagine you've been been training now for several months -- including runs up to 20-miles or more. What have you been eating prior to those training runs? Chances are, if you had successful training runs -- or even if you merely "survived" them -- whatever you ate then will probably work just fine before your biggie.

For me, my diet remains pretty consistent, whether it's a race day or a regular day. I get Nutro Lamb and Rice dogfood topped with shaved carrots twice a day. If I can, I will act just adorable enough to get my humans to give me dog cookies. If I'm still starving (which is usually, despite the fact that they give me more than the recommended helping for a dog my size, age, and activity-level), I eat grass in my yard. Nothing special before a big run -- except for maybe a bunch of water and definitely some cookies and water to replenish afterwards.

The "Run with Jan" group with which my humans run every Sunday had a speaker this past Sunday -- Kasie Enman of Huntington, who finished 11th in last year's Olympic marathon trials in Boston. She agrees that the week before your big race is not the time to shake things up. My human, Mark, seems to subscribe to that theory. His pre-race breakfast is two bowls of Wheaties with banana and honey and a glass of orange juice. Just like every morning. He keeps things the same on race day -- right down to the can of Mountain Dew in the car on the way to the event.

Experiment with different foods during your months of training. Then, hopefully, by race time you know what works.

Hope this helps!
Oscar

PS To check out the Run with Jan website, click here.

Dear Oscar, Wow your running log is amazing! Seriously though, is it safe for a dog like you to put in that many miles? -- Phyllis from Scranton

Dear Phyllis, Thanks for admiring my running log. And as to the health and safety of dogs running, veterinarians generally agree that running is not only okay for dogs, it is beneficial. In some ways, dogs are the same as people; exercise is a good thing!

There are some general guidelines, of course. Puppies shouldn't run distances. The vet at Richmond Animal Hospital advised my owners against running with me until I was one. I remember being so angry when they left me behind! I took out many of my frustrations on an old foam couch (that we no longer have). It's also good to gradually work your dog up to longer distances, and once you do, you'd be surprised at how far we can go. My owners generally cap my running at 13 miles. I assure you, I can go more, but they don't let me.

Lastly, use your common sense. If your dog acts like s/he enjoys your runs, s/he probably does. If your dog appears to be lame or stiff, then, again, s/he is, and you should probably walk. If your dog is lame after a run, take some time off.

Most vets and dog trainers recommend running with a leash. I am solidly against this. However, my owners always run with me on the leash, and I admit that I'd have been hit by a car by now otherwise. Still, that doesn't mean I like it.

Running is good for dogs. It keeps us happy, healthy, and fit. But don't be fooled. We can outrun a two-legged person any day of the week.

Regards, Oscar

Dear Oscar, Who do you pick to win this year's Stanley Cup? A black team or a red team? Yours truly, Hockey Fan

Dear Fan, Although I have never played the game, I have certainly watched plenty of games on the couch next to my owner. I can't say I'm the biggest fan; it's not like skiing and running where my owner brings me along to play. When I see him pull out the big bag and his sticks, I usually hang my head because I know I'll be staying home. As for my favorite team, my favorite color is yellow. Which would, then, make my favorite team the Swedish national team -- but they don't play for the particular trophy you're asking about. I know there are plenty of red teams still in the running (Washington, Detroit, Chicago to name three), but I would be more inclined to pick a black team. One of those teams -- the Bruins -- actually came to our neighborhood last fall for some practice, some golf, and a little hiking. They were really good guys... I pick them. The newest NHL analyst, Oscar

Thank you Rebekah!

Thank you for taking care of Scout, Waffle, and me while my owners were away. You are one of the best dog-sitters ever! Say hi to Solomon for me! Oscar.

Dear Oscar, Why do you refer to the people you live with as 'owners'? It seems more like you own them. -- Un-owned in Montana

FOLLOW-UP LETTER: Dear Oscar, Why haven't you answered me? I wrote you days ago. I know you had at least a day when your "owner" was just flipping out and packing the car. Now I know that you are truly unowned. -- Impatient and Un-owned

Dear Un-owned,
Those people to whom you refer like to feel like they influence or in some way control my life. The truth is they don't. However, there are advantages to allowing them to think they do, so if you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't spill the beans.

As for the response time for your letter, I am surprised. You don't seem like the type who likes being rushed either. When there are smells to smell or places to run, sometimes I feel it is best to attend to these impulses. I'll get to your letter when I get to it.

Thanks for the letter(s) though. Your friend, Oscar