Canine fitness spans beyond keeping your dog thin. An active lifestyle is paramount to both your pet’s mental and physical wellness. To mitigate the risks of sedentism and canine obesity, we’re here to take advantage of Canine Fitness Month by exploring the role of exercise in your dog’s life.
Physical Aspects of Canine Fitness
Without exercise, we tend to spend more time sleeping, eating, and otherwise stationary. The same is true for our pets. When dogs do not get a sufficient amount of daily movement, they fall into a routine of sleep, eat, repeat. This can be highly damaging to their health, contributing to canine obesity. Canine obesity opens the door to a number of more complicated and hazardous health risks, including:
- Arthritis
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Certain types of cancer
Movement and Mental Stimulation
Dogs thrive when they are able to tap into regular exercise. Although they cannot verbally tell us when they are bored or under-stimulated, a dog that does not get enough exercise and physical activity will often show signs that indicate it’s time to make a change. Canine fitness contributes to ample mental stimulation, helping to keep destructive behaviors, such as destroying furniture, aggression, and other unfavorable tendencies at bay.
Canine Fitness Ideas
To optimize your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional health, consider adopting canine fitness habits into your daily routine. Whether you’re looking for low-impact exercise or engaging adventures, the opportunities to get moving and bond with your companion are endless. Some of our favorite canine fitness strategies include:
- Daily walks
- Active playtime including outdoor fetch or Frisbee
- Hide and seek with your dog’s daily treat allowance
- Dog agility and obstacle courses
- Swimming
Preserve the health and happiness of your b
