PASSION RUNNER | A dog has raced 200 kilometers in the Sahara and is making a splash in the nets

Cactus did the story. He is the first dog to run the Marathon des Sables, one of the races the most difficult in the world. This ultra marathoner dog has beaten many runners. But is it healthy for a dog to make such a distance? Is it good that an animal accompanies you to run? Pasión Runner tells you.

Morocco hosts the Marathon des Sables, a race in the middle of the Sahara desert, to do 250 km in six days. Only highly trained and trained competitors can achieve this feat. However, this year, all eyes were on Cactus, a puppy who completed the challenge. In fact, Cactus did not make the first leg (32.3 km) because he added from the second place where he lives.

Cactus was the center of attention of thousands of people around the world who followed the networks over the days. The main concern was their nutrition and hydration, essential to cope with such a difficult career. It is first the athletes, then the organization itself that organized the management of feed and drink water at each supply station. At night, he slept in the camp with the rest of the competitors.

The organizers put as a necklace the chip that each athlete had to measure his time and his travels. Through an app you can track the location of Cactus minute by minute in real time.

Many have suggested adopting the dog, the vast majority of them being runners, thinking of an ideal companion to add several miles. However, the organizers insisted that the beloved puppy owns. She is Karen Hadfield, who said that Cactus usually works 40 km per day, "just for fun." Once the race was over, the two ended up. And, amidst the applause, the ultra marathoner dog went home.

Cactus is an extreme case of dogs being run. Without going farther, at events across the country, it's common to see the pets doing the tour with the runners. But if you want to run with your dog, there are several aspects that you must take into account.

Miguel Onofrio Longo (MN 5841), veterinarian and broker, clarified some basic points. First, the animal must be in optimum physical condition. Ideally the dog "trains" with you, but have it as a moment of pleasure between the two. Do not try to race if you have not prepared in advance.

L & # 39; animal it is not necessary to require it, but live the activity as a form of recreation and do not submit it. You may find it fun to run with your dog, but that does not mean that he likes him well. In addition, it is essential that you have control over it through the strap, to avoid bumps or tripping.

As with a runner, the dog must be progressively used and monitored by a veterinarian. Special attention should be paid to the training program. They do not wear shoes, of course, and their legs they are exposed. In addition, if they run at very hot times, there is a serious risk of dehydration or heat stroke.

The dog doing this activity must have your "physical condition" updated, with cardiac, respiratory and daily vaccines, because he will eventually be in contact with other animals.

Running with your dog is a personal decision. The important thing is to understand that the idea is to share a moment together, taking care of their health and giving priority to their well-being.