Getting exercise is always a must for humans and canines. If you have been working out alone despite having an animal companion, you might be doing it the wrong way. Dogs make good workout buddies and fitness tools for good reasons. They are naturally lively, keep a positive attitude, and help you have fun. Above all, you and your pet can benefit from what exercise offers.
So if you are looking for better ways to have fun and get active with your pet 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 animal companions. 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 enjoyable activities to burn calories with your furry buddy.
1. 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 recovering from joint pains and injuries, making swimming a low-impact exercise. Providing a life jacket to your dog can help them stay much longer in the water, which also promotes heart health.
2. Hiking
Dogs like outdoor and nature views 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 pet is not ready for a hike, take them to the veterinarian for a dog check up in Morton to evaluate their condition. The vet can provide tailored advice and suggestions to qualify your pet for the activity.
3. 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 develop 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 canine to parks after finishing 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 preventive treatments, buying pet wellness plans containing bundles of the mentioned veterinary subscriptions is a good idea. You can also get discount rates on veterinary visits, another excellent reason to consider pet wellness plans in Morton.
4. Running
Although running and jogging can keep the heart healthy, not all pets 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 canine breeds suitable for distance running, such as Labrador Retrievers, Belgian Malinois, 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 workout, consider taking them to animal facilities that offer cold laser treatment. They’ll benefit from the relaxing effects of pet laser treatment in facilities like Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital, along with swift recovery.
5. Walking
Walking might be the most classic and basic type 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 an excellent way for them to explore the world with their nose. Taking different paths on each walk is also a great idea. This allows them to smell and see 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 canines. Although regularly exercising with your pet may seem like a tough commitment, it is a great way to deepen the bond between you and them. If you’re unsure about the ideal exercise and the amount of energy your dog can commit to physical activities, speak to the vet and ask for advice and suggestions.
