At Central Bark, we believe that keeping your dog active is an essential part of maintaining your dog’s health. Every dog will have a different fitness style and will need a routine that works for them, and you. That’s why we’ve developed the following tips to keep your dog fit during National Canine Fitness Month.
Why Canine Fitness is Important for Pet Health
Keeping your dog active is a pet owner’s responsibility and a key component of your pet’s health. Just like pet parents, dogs need regular exercise to keep them active and healthy. Regularly exercising your dog is also important for keeping your dog mentally engaged and stimulated. Much like us, exercise can help prevent certain health issues, reduce stress, and build strength. It can help prevent dog obesity, heart disease, arthritis, and other critical health problems. Exercise can also provide critical mental stimulation and reduce boredom and inappropriate behaviors.
The amount and type of exercise a dog needs can depend on their age, breed, and size. But even without taking these factors into account, every dog needs daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. It can help with joint health, digestion, urinary health, and improve body condition as well.
Tips to Keep Your Dog Fit During National Canine Fitness Month
Whether indoors or outdoors, there are so many fun activities to exercise your dog. From the classic walk in the neighborhood to indoor scavenger hunts or organized enrichment day care, there’s something for every dog and every owner.
If you’re looking for some ideas to get you and your dog exercising this summer, here are some fun outdoor and indoor dog activities to try:
- Go for a walk or hike
- Swimming
- Frisbee in the park
- Indoor hide and seek
- Indoor training course
- Sprinklers or kiddie pool water park
- Homemade ball pit in kiddie pool
- Classic fetch
- Learn a new trick
Words of Encouragement
Most dogs usually enjoy a good walk or playtime, but sometimes they’re just not in the mood. While it can be frustrating to motivate your dog sometimes, finding ways to incorporate exercise into their routine is still important. Just build an exercise plan that suits their personality. Try and do the exercises with them, such as dog yoga, swimming, or agility courses, and they will feel more comfortable and excited to have you there. Remember to create a schedule because routine and structure creates patterns and positive outcomes.
Active Dogs are Healthy Dogs
An active dog is a healthy dog. There are so many ways to get your dog the exercise they need, no matter their personality. Once you develop a routine that works, it will become part of your regular habits.
If you are looking for advice on activities, products, or treats to help motivate your dog to exercise, stop by your local Central Bark today.
