In the dreary cold of February, it’s easy to let exercising your pet fall by the wayside. Afterall, some days the temperature is freezing and it truly would be ill-advised to take your dog out for a walk. However, all dog owners can recognize the importance of exercise for their pet. We see how pent up, rowdy, or even sad our sweet pups get when we skip a few days of exercise.
The fact of the matter is, incorporating regular exercise into your pets routine leads to an improvement in their physical and mental health. In this blog post, we want to encourage you to make exercising your dog part of your daily schedule. Though that exercise may not look the same each day, you’ll find the routine will ultimately benefit your four-legged friend.
Physical Health Benefits
Much as we humans know that exercising helps to keep us in good shape, the same is true for dogs. The fantastic thing about exercising your canine companion is that you both get to reap the physical benefits! Let’s explore some of those below:
1. Regular exercise will help your dog maintain a healthy weight. For a human, gaining 5 pounds may not be a cause for concern, but because dogs are proportionally much smaller, as their caretakers we must be observant of their weight changes and ready to adapt when they gain weight. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important because there is a real correlation between your dog’s weight and their ability to live a long, happy life. Obesity-related health issues can decrease a dog’s life expectancy, so it’s best to start an exercise routine now.
2. Your dog’s cardiovascular health will improve with consistent exercise. Carrying excess weight can strain a dog’s heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues like heart disease. Keeping them at a healthy weight reduces the burden on their heart, helping it function more efficiently. Your puppy pal has surely captured your heart, so keep theirs in mind and treat it well!
3. The risk of your dog being affected by a chronic disease will be reduced with a regular exercise routine. Some of the most common chronic diseases among dogs are kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis. All three of these chronic diseases require great amounts of time and energy to treat, so the best approach is prevention. The good news is that in many cases, these diseases are preventable, and one simple way to prevent them is regular exercise.
Mental Health Benefits
Our dogs are not pre-programmed robots, ready to act a certain way in all situations. Just like us, they have feelings, moods, and awareness of their environment. An excellent way to regulate your fur-baby’s moods is through the power of exercise.
1. Dogs that show frequent signs of stress and anxiety due to fear of separation, loud noises, a new environment, etc. can be treated with regular physical activity. Exercise helps release endorphins in dogs, just like it does in people. Endorphins are “feel-good” hormones that can help balance out your dog’s nervous energy to promote a more calm, laid-back demeanor.
2. Another important hormone in dogs is serotonin. Serotonin helps to regulate emotions and is responsible for feelings of happiness and contentment. In both dogs and humans, exercise has been shown to raise serotonin levels, which can improve one’s mood. If your dog is acting lonesome or down, physical activity can lift their spirits and leave them feeling happier.
3. Exercising your dog regularly can also increase cognitive function. Physical activities like fetch, hide-and-go-seek, and agility exercises require focus and problem-solving skills, which keep their brains engaged. This mental stimulation is vital for dogs to stay sharp and mentally healthy. It also helps prevent cognitive decline in older dogs.
Exercise Options
Of course taking your dog on a walk is the default answer to “How should I exercise my dog?” And indeed, a daily walk with your pup might be perfect for your lifestyle. However, if you’re looking to branch out, consider some different options for physical activity with your dog based on the season.
Spring
Hiking: You’ll appreciate the springtime blooms while your dog appreciates all the fun new smells out on a nature hike. Spring is the perfect time to find a new trail and take your dog out on an adventure.
Dog-Friendly Picnic: Pack a bag with a blanket, some toys, and a special treat. Take your dog to the park for a picnic while relaxing in the spring sunshine.
Summer
Sprinklers: Get out a hose, hook up the sprinkler, turn on the water and let the good times roll! Your dog will delight in playing fetch while running through the water. It’s a great way to let them cool off, splash around, and have fun on hot days.
Pool Pals: If you or a friend/family member has a private pool and doesn’t mind sharing it with your fluffy friends, jump on in! It’s a more unique type of exercise that only comes around seasonally. Swimming is a great way for your dog to burn off energy while keeping cool.
Fall
Leaf Piles: Take advantage of those crunchy leaves falling right into your backyard and turn them into an activity for your dog. Dog’s love to sniff and paw through piles, so rake up a few small leaf piles and hide an exciting toy or even a treat within them. Have fun watching your dog destroy the piles and enjoy their newfound treasure.
Farm Field Trip: Many local farms and orchards are dog-friendly. Consider taking your dog to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard to enjoy the crisp fall weather and get some exercise in a new and exciting environment. Of course, check out the business’s policies beforehand, and make sure your dog is comfortable on a leash around strangers before attempting this.
Winter
Hide-and-Seek: This is a great indoor game to exercise your pet because it’s both physical and mental. You can hide a toy, treats, or even yourself! Simply command your dog to “Stay” while you hide the desired object, then encourage them to use their senses to find it.
Snow Day: Many dogs love the snow! It doesn’t come around that often, so if you have a snow-loving pup, you’ll need to take advantage of the snowfall when you can. Bundle up and take your dog outside in the yard or to a local park. Play a fun game of fetch, or if you’re feeling adventurous, build a tunnel out of snow for your dog to run through. Make sure the temperature is over 32°F before you take your pet out for a snow day, or you may put your dog at risk of hypothermia or frostbite.
As you can see, no matter the weather or time of year, it is both important and possible to regularly exercise your pet. Consider what time of day and type of exercise works for your schedule, then build that routine with your pooch. Ultimately, you will both benefit from the physical activity!
