Exercise Ideas For Dogs

The importance of exercise in our lives is undeniable and really cannot be understated. This is no less true for our canine companions, too.

Leading experts recommend an hour or more of exercise every day for our four-legged best friends. Of course, the duration depends on several factors, including breed, size, age and state of health.

So what should be your guide in determining how much exercise they should have? Let your dog help you decide. Any new exercise routine is a discovery process. Pay close attention to any potential signs of early fatigue, like panting or slowing down.

Environmental factors, like excessive heat or cold, should definitely influence the duration of outdoor activities on any given day. If you’re planning a hike or some other kind of day trip, be sure to bring along plenty of water for your dog, and provide several opportunities to drink. Additionally, pay attention to your own feelings about exercise periods – in you feel like you’re spending too much time on an activity, and you become anxious about other items on your to-do list, your pet may not enjoy the time (and you might be less likely to commit to further activities in the future).

Exercising with your dog is an important opportunity for you to bond with your companion, so make sure it’s fun for both of you. Together, you can both enjoy a healthy new year.

Source: Healthy Pet Newsletter, a free monthly newsletter for pets.