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. In case you don’t know, dogs make great exercise 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 dog can benefit from what exercise offers.
So if you’re looking for better ways to have fun and get active with your dog, 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 fun activities to burn calories with your furry buddy.
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 important 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 good idea. You can also get discount rates on vet visits, another good reason to consider a pet wellness plan.
You may visit this link for detailed information about pet wellness plans.
2. Swimming
Many dogs love water, and swimming can benefit pets with joint problems or in their senior years. The water’s buoyancy and resistance are a great environment for pets recovering from joint pains and injuries, making swimming a low-impact exercise. Providing a life jacket to your dog can help them stay longer in the water, which also promotes heart health.
3. Running
Although running and jogging can keep the heart healthy, not all dogs are built for it. For example, Greyhounds are good at short-distance sprintings but can easily get tired in long-distance runs. So if jogging and running are in your routine, choose dog breeds suitable for distance running, such as Labrador Retrievers, Belgian Malinois, or Dalmatians.
When your dog 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 prevent heatstroke. If you see them lagging behind you, take five minutes of cooldown and call it a day.
When you notice soreness or signs of fractures after the workout, consider taking them to animal facilities that offer laser therapy for cats. They’ll benefit from the relaxing effects of pet laser treatment along with speedy recovery.
4. Hiking
Dogs love outdoor and nature views as much as you do. So the next time you plan your hiking adventure, remember to take your dog with you. You may also explore new trails and parks to entertain your pet with new surroundings and environments. If you feel your dog is not ready for a hike, take them to facilities like Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital for a checkup to assess their condition. The vet can provide tailored advice and suggestions to qualify your pet for the activity.
5. Walking
Walking might be the most classic and basic form of exercise we can give our dogs. The good thing is that most dogs love to walk. Aside from getting some exercise, walking with your pet is also an excellent way for them to explore the world with their nose. Taking different routes on each walk is also a great idea. This allows them to see and smell different things while meeting new friends and other people.
Conclusion
Exercising is a perfect mood booster for humans and provides physical and mental stimulation for dogs. Although regularly exercising with your pet may seem like a tough commitment, it’s a great way to deepen the bond between you and them. If you’re unsure about the suitable exercise and the amount of energy your dog can commit to physical activities, speak to the vet and ask for advice and recommendations.
