Dogs need physical activity to become moving . Plus, daily exercise helps:
Reduce joint pain: Obesity is a serious problem in pets. Exercising your pet can prevent joint pain and reduce inflammation. Studies show that exercise causes an improvement in lymphatic function which aids in healing. Reduces belly fat. Builds confidence.
If your pet isn’t used to walking then a good exercise routine is a must for both you and your dog. Walking your dog in a professional dog park or outside in the yard is an excellent exercise routine. This way, your pet can experience the outdoors and see new sights, smells, and sounds.
Even if your dog stays indoors most of the day, it’s still important to exercise him or her. Obesity in dogs is not only a health concern but it can be a behavior problem as well. Ask your vet for recommendations for activities that will build fitness and stimulate the muscles. Regular exercising will ensure your pets are happy, healthy, and obedient.
If your dog isn’t used to fetch, try an indoor exercise class, or sign up for a dog exercise class. You can play hide and seek with treats, or use a food puzzle as a fun challenge. Working on your pup’s coordination and increasing his or her hand-eye coordination is also great for the house.
As with humans, physical activity is key to preventing and fighting obesity. Exercise doesn’t need to be an endless series of uphill sprints or time-consuming hikes. With a little bit of commitment to a regular daily walk, your pet’s physical condition and well being will improve quickly. Regular walking is a great way to keep your dog active, fit, and satisfied. A daily dose of exercise not only improves dogs physical health, it builds self-confidence as well.
The American Kennel Club recommends that all dogs be active during the daylight hours and be kept at least moderately active during the nighttime. The idea is to get your dog physically active during each day so he or she is satisfied.
Many active breeds require only thirty minutes or one hour of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each day. Active breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels should be asked to walk no more than one hour each day. Other small breeds of dogs, such as Dobermans and Rottweilers, shouldn’t be kept too active because they have a tendency to become overweight quickly.
Obesity in dogs has been linked to several herding tendencies. For example, studies have found that German Shepherd dogs are prone to obesity due to their herding nature. In general, it’s important to keep your pups active, yet cautious of extreme herding. An active breed, such as a German Shepherd, should be asked to do short brisk walks with lots of attention rather than being asked to herd.
If you have more than one dog, you may need to purchase a number of exercise equipment for them to get enough exercise. One option would be a treadmill, which can give your pets an alternative to running.
A treadmill provides an excellent cardiovascular workout for your pet and is much safer than jogging outdoors. You can also buy a stationary bike, which can get your dog off the floor and move around on a regular basis, such as in a dog park or obedience class. Walking and running are also excellent ways to exercise your dog, but both are more difficult for overweight dogs.
