Does Your Dog Get The Exercise It Needs?

It is just as important that dogs gets exercise, as do their owners, and as with humans, a good fitness regime is key to maintaining your pets health and general well-being. As the dog’s owner the onus of the job falls on you. Bear in mind that ‘A good dog is a tired dog’ and also remember that exercise can improve bone and joint health and heart and lung functions. Exercise will make your dog look better and feel better.

How do you start?
Incorporate your dog’s workout into your own (or start one if you don’t already have one) and make it a regular task like housework, gardening etc and stick to the routine without deviation. The best form of exercise is one that taxes both the mind and body.

How much of a workout?
Experts suggest that a half an hour workout, four times a week is sufficient but if possible make it daily. However never overtax your dog by putting it through a too-strenuous routine. Watch you dog for signs of discomfort and stop the exercise routine if your dog appears to be laboring. Bear in mind that dogs do not have the same highly efficient body cooling system that us humans have and especially a black dog or a long haired one would suffer more from heat, so plan workouts to be either early morning or in the evenings after the sun has set.

What sort of exercise?
Either two fifteen minute sessions or a straight 30 minutes session is recommended. Exercise options include walks, jogs, a game of chase or even swimming. Walks are considered to be the best form of exercise for your dog and a walk doesn’t have to be a very long one. A short walk, maybe along the street or in a park would be ideal as it makes your dog used to the human presence. Games of catch and retrieve are also high favorites as it improves the mental capacity of your dog. With games of catch make sure to always throw light objects and at a low level so that it doesn’t require much jumping, which could damage a dog’s hind legs.

What diet?
As your dog will be working hard more nutrients will be required or if you are striving for weight loss in your dog, a lower calorie pet food is recommended. Either way it is essential that you consult a vet on the kind of diet your dog should be on, depending on its activity level.

What benefits does this have?
• Dogs who get regular exercise tend to behave better and have less behavioral problems.
• Its social skills will improve as it will be interacting with you and other humans regularly.
• The bond between you and your pet will increase creating a healthier dog-master relationship.
• You will get exercise along with your dog.
• Your dog’s life span will be increased as it will be living healthier.

Follow these tips to ensure your dog has a healthier and much more comfortable life which will benefit both you and your dog.