If you struggle to stay active, your dog could be a fantastic launch point for physical fitness. Here are ways you can integrate exercise with your dog into your daily routine.
Current research suggests that dog ownership can literally lengthen your life, and one of the reasons may be because a dog needs regular exercise – you have to walk them every day, after all! However, dog-walking isn’t the only type of exercise you can enjoy with your dog. Having a dog is a great motivator to keep fit, and there are literally dozens of ways you can stay active in a fun and fulfilling way with your pooch partner. Here are a few ideas
- Teach your dog agility. If you’ve ever seen dog agility tournaments, you’ll notice that the handlers/owners are running nearly as much as the canine contestants! You can teach your dog a few agility tricks in your yard, or enroll in an agility training center. If you suspect that your dog may not be particularly adept at agility, don’t worry – they don’t have to be skilled for you both to have a great time!
- Go for a swim. Take advantage of any dog-friendly swimming spots in your region and go for a dip with your pup! Dogs love swimming, and it’s a fantastic exercise whose joints might be damaged by extensive walking or running.
- Go for a hike. If your dog is physically able to negotiate rocky and steep terrain (and can be trusted off a leash for at least brief periods of time) hiking is a great exercise for both you and your pup.
Of course, not everyone has access to dog-friendly swimming pools and canine agility classes. If you are limited as to what you can do with your dog, you can play in your local park. However, if your dog is easily distracted, or if you are in a region where wild animal attacks (or insect or animal-borne diseases) are common, you might want to stick to regular walks, but switch up the neighborhood for a bit of variety.
Nutrition is an equally important part of your dog’s health, and the right food is essential to keeping them strong and fit. Good pet food brands include Castor & Pollux, Nutrish, and Zignature dog food. DCM, obesity, and kidney disease can all be effectively managed through a vet-approved diet.
To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.
