During the winter months, pet owners may need to be reminded of the importance of incorporating exercise into their pet care. Although becoming overweight poses major health concerns, even healthy pets benefit from exercise. Pet owners should make it a goal to keep themselves and their dogs active this season and they’ll both receive physical and mental benefits.
The New York Daily News reported that just like humans, dogs need exercise to burn extra energy in a constructive way. Dogs with too much energy end up finding other ways to amuse themselves, such as tearing up feather pillows. Dogs can’t exercise themselves, so pet owners need to be mindful of how much energy their dogs seem to have, and should take time out of their day to help their four-legged family members get enough dog steps. The walks will benefit pet owners and their dogs, since physical activity has proven to improve mentally functionality in both.
The most obvious benefit to exercising dogs is to improve their health – both today and in the future. Exercise will decrease a pup’s body weight, and allow him or her to move more freely. Making exercise more comfortable for them will help them be more active, which will keep their muscles strong. Strong muscles and joints will allow them to move around comfortably later in life, the Daily News reported. The same goes for pet owners: The health benefits they rack up today by walking their dog will stay with them well into their later years.
Exercise doesn’t always mean pet owners need to take their dogs on walks, according to Pet Side. There are many other fun activities for the two to do together. There’s nothing a dog loves more than catching balls or frisbees, so head outside to a large field and start throwing. A new fad for dogs is “doga,” or dog yoga. Owners can attend training seminars and share the techniques with their dogs as well as others. Pet owners who really want to set a goal for themselves and their pets can try squat teases, which consist of the owner squatting while holding a dog’s favorite toy. As the owner rises up, he or she lifts the toy in the air as the dog jumps to reach it.
When pet owners find ways to keep their dogs and themselves moving throughout the winter, they’ll see a healthier, happier pet now and in the future.