Getting exercise is always a must for humans and dogs. If you’ve been working out alone despite having an animal companion, you might be doing it the wrong way. Dogs make great workout buddies and fitness tools for good reasons. They are naturally playful, keep a positive attitude, and help you have fun. Above all, you and your pet can benefit from what exercise offers.
So if you’re looking for better ways to have fun and get active with your canine, we’ve prepared a short list of people and dog-friendly exercises you can start doing today.
Exercises You Can Do With Your Pet
Just as exercise is a basic human need, the same applies to our pets. There are activities you can do with your dog while also exercising at the same time. While some of these activities may provide more exercise for your pet and vice versa, it’s still a fun way to bond with them.
Below are five simple and entertaining activities to burn calories with your furry friend.
1. Going to Dog Parks
Dogs love socializing with their fellows, which is a good reason to walk them to parks. Canines love social interactions and know how to play with their fellows. A dog park is a great environment to hone your pet’s social interaction skills and discover new games with other dogs.
However, there are crucial considerations to make before socializing your pet. Only take your dog to parks after completing their core vaccines and have at least one booster shot. This protects your pet from deadly viral diseases like parvo, distemper, and canine influenza. If your dog still lacks the mentioned preventive treatments, buying pet wellness plans that contain bundles of the mentioned vet subscriptions is a great idea. You can also get discount rates on vet visits, another good reason to consider a dog wellness plan.
2. Walking
Walking might be the most classic and basic form of exercise we can provide our dogs. The good thing is that many dogs like to walk. Aside from getting some exercise, walking with your pet is also a great way for them to explore the world with their nose. Taking different routes on each walk is also a great idea. This enables them to see and smell different things while meeting new friends and other people.
3. Running
Although jogging and running can keep the heart healthy, not all canines are built for it. For example, Greyhounds are good at short-distance sprintings but can quickly get tired in long-distance runs. So if running and jogging are in your routine, choose dog breeds suitable for distance running, such as Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, or Dalmatians.
When your pet is fully grown, start doing 10-minute runs daily and slowly increase the time until they can fully handle 30 minutes. Avoid the hot times of the day when choosing a time to run with your pet to avoid heatstroke. If you see them lagging behind you, take five minutes of cooldown and call it a day.
When you observe soreness or symptoms of fractures after the exercise, consider taking them to animal centers that offer cold laser treatment. They’ll benefit from the relaxing effects of pet laser treatment in centers like Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital, along with speedy recovery.
4. Hiking
Dogs like outdoor and nature views as you do. So the next time you plan your hiking adventure, remember to take your pet dog with you. You may also explore new parks and trails to entertain your pet with new environments and surroundings. If you feel your pet is not ready for a hike, take them to the veterinarian for a dog check up to assess their condition. The veterinarian can provide tailored advice and recommendations to qualify your pet for the activity.
5. Swimming
Numerous dogs love water, and swimming can benefit pets with joint issues or in their senior years. The water’s resistance and buoyancy are a good environment for pets recuperating from joint pains and injuries, making swimming a low-impact exercise. Providing a life jacket to your pet can help them stay much longer in the water, which also promotes heart health.
Conclusion
Exercising is a perfect mood booster for humans and provides physical and mental stimulation for canines. Although regularly exercising with your pet may seem like a tough commitment, it’s an excellent way to deepen the bond between you and them. If you’re unsure about the appropriate exercise and the amount of energy your dog can commit to physical activities, speak to the vet and ask for recommendations and advice.
