As a person, our health is a major priority, and if you have a pet their health is equally, if not, even more important to you.
This is why you need to ensure that you are making healthy decisions for your dog. This includes making sure that they are eating correctly and getting the correct amount of exercise for their age and breed. Pet-related activities are becoming more and more popular, so naturally, there are ways that you can get involved in your dog’s exercise routines.
In this article, we look at the different types of exercises you can do with your dog, ensuring that you both stay healthy.
Knowing the different exercise levels for dogs
Exercise is important for pets as it reduces the chances of obesity, it improves their circulation, muscular strength, and memory.
As we mentioned, exercise requirements differ based on the age and breed of your dog. For example, looking at puppies, have bursts of energy throughout the day. While they require more exercise than adult dogs, they need several smaller play sessions rather than a long stretched-out activity.
When it comes to adult dogs, they are divided into high-energy dogs and low-energy dogs, and naturally high-energy dogs will require more physical activity as opposed to lower-energy dogs.
If you have a senior dog, they will benefit from exercise, however, you need to make sure that it is a suitable amount that they can keep up without getting worn out.
Make a Plan
• You can include both outdoor and indoor exercises for you and your dog to engage in. It will also create some variety.
• You need to take some time out from your routine to engage in the exercise with your dog.
• Remember to set goals, as it will help keep you accountable for your
• Start off with small activities like a walk around the block and expand as you go.
• Don’t forget to reward your dog for their good behavior.
Exercises you can include
The great thing about dogs is that they are animals that are always willing to learn and have fun at the moment. They make great companions for different types of exercises, and these activities will help you two bond even more.
1. Take a hike
Trails are long and winding through various landscapes. There is a lot to see and experience during a hike. In addition to getting fit, this exercise will help your dog see and experience new landscapes. They will have the opportunity to explore and discover different scents. There are different trails that you can explore near where you live. Remember to have a leash and collar for your furbaby, so they don’t stray too far in a new exciting place.
2. Go for a swim
Swimming is great for dogs, not only does it help them get fit, but it is also a great way for your furbaby to destress. They can swim in a pool, pond, lake, or other bodies of water, but you have to be sure that your dog is suitable for this activity. Due to the body composition of some dogs, they won’t have much buoyancy in water – but this can be worked around with life vests and sticking to shallow waters.
3. Doga or Dog Yoga
There are specialized ‘doga’ classes, where people can engage in the activity with their pet. It’s not about getting your pet to do the actual yoga poses but incorporating them into the class. You can rest with them during certain poses or have the opportunity to pick up smaller dogs in other poses. Like other activities, it promotes spending time with your pet and bonding with them. As yoga is a low-impact exercise, it is particularly beneficial for older dogs that introduce movement without too much strain.
4. Aerobics and other classes
There are specially designed exercise classes that not only are pet-friendly but also have them get in on the action. These classes see the owners undergo physical training, while the pets learn obedience. There are also online classes that provide tutorials for pet parents to follow from the comfort of their homes.
5. Agility Training
This is a dog-focused exercise, but one that you will have to break a sweat in order to keep up with. This type of exercise provides mental stimulation as the dog has to learn and problem-solve during the activity. It also helps increases endurance, and strengthens joints and bones for the dogs. It is also great for helping you build a bond with your dog.
6. Playing soccer
For this activity, you can kick a ball and play around with your dog every so often in your yard or at the local park. Alternatively, you can get your dog to play in actual games where people are the goalkeepers, which the dogs need to overcome.
7. Visit the dog park
Visiting the dog park can help your dog burn off pent-up energy. You can run let them off their leash, run with them, play fetch with a ball, or even play frisbee. This is a great way for your dog to socialize with other dogs and still bond with them.
Considerations
When you exercise with your dog, you need to pay attention to their condition before and after taking them on an activity
• Make sure that you both refuel following the activity.
• If your dog starts getting worn out, take a break, rehydrate, have a snack, and start playing after they regain their strength.
• Make sure that you have suitable items that will protect you from the elements so that they don’t get hurt.
• Be aware if your dog has underlying health conditions. While exercise is beneficial, sometimes it can cause strain on them.
Other important health factors:
While exercise is very important for your and your dog’s health, there are other factors that you need to take into consideration.
Your diets
Changing up your diet is one of these considerations. Like humans, there are foods that are best suited for dogs that will ensure that you both have the correct nutrients in your diet.
When working on your pet’s diet, speak to a vet, especially if your dog has special requirements. Also, it is important to note the difference between foods your dog can eat, and what is healthy for them to eat. Healthy foods include cooked but unseasoned meats, poultry and fish, cooked pumpkin, green beans carrots, and spinach.
For humans, you need to prioritize proteins, the different vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, etc. Make sure that you include foods in your diet that tick all these boxes, and sometimes multiple boxes at the same time. Your go-to options would be fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, eggs, and meats. Be sure to include nutrient-dense foods like lobster, kale, garlic, and berries. Take lobster for example, it is a great source of amino acids, potassium, zinc, iron, vitamin A and vitamin B, among other nutrients.
Regular check-ups
Like humans need to go to the dentist and other specialist doctors every so often to make sure that everything is in working order, the same can be said for your pet. Make sure that they remain healthy by going for regular vet check-ups and vaccinations.
Conclusion
Getting fit with your pet is a great way to get healthy and build a stronger bond with your furbaby. There are many different exercises that you can engage in together, but it is important to remember that depending on the age and breed of the dog, they take to exercising at different levels. Once you find the rhythm that suits you both well, you will be able to enjoy more time together.
photo credit: [Image: Zen Chung from Pexels]
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