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For most parts of the country, spring is finally here! Along with the spring cleaning and wardrobe purge, many of us are motivated to get outside and enjoy the daffodils emerging, the birds returning and the brilliant rays of sunshine. If you are not already doing so, now is the perfect time to begin an exercise plan with your Pet. Why? Well, firstly, exercise can be a great way to bond and spend time strengthening the relationship with your Pet. You will be amazed at the responsiveness and joy your Pet will have by spending time with you. But it is not just about the pleasure your Pet will experience, but did you know that there are also great health benefits for you? Exercising and spending time with your Pet is a great way to relieve stress, and studies have shown great benefits on key medical indicators such as blood pressure. And who knows, you may also shed those extra couple of winter pounds!
Exercise is also a great way to help your Pet shed those extra pounds. Studies have shown that 20 to 40% of our Pets are overweight or obese. It’s a real epidemic, and the extra pounds can not only cause diseases such as diabetes mellitus, or make joint pain worse, but obesity can actual reduce the number of years that our Pets will live. Keeping your Pet healthy and living longer is a great reason to get out and exercise with him or her. So what sort of exercise and how much exercise? Just a simple work around the neighborhood or a stroll through the local park is a great place to start. Many towns now have dedicated dog parks with off-leash areas to allow fun and games such as Frisbee or fetch. Doggie day care camps can also be a great resource for enjoyment and exercise for your dog. Swimming is even more fun for many of our water loving dogs, and swimming has the added benefit of enabling exercise without placing additional pressure on joints. This can be really important for our large breed dogs that also have joint pain and arthritis. Not everybody has a pool in their back yard. Look in your local telephone directory or on the internet, you may be able to find doggie swimming pools in your town. If you decide to use a lake or river, make sure that there is very easy access for your dog to get out, and that the current is not too swift or dangerous.
Ever since he was a puppy, my labrador Sackett has enjoyed the pool. Before I knew it, and without any prompting, he even learnt to swim laps with me in the pool! It is just like being a kid again, racing against your labrador to see who can get to the end first! If only you could see the determination on his face. His drive to win rivals the determination of our well known Olympic swimmers! So whether it is a walk around the block, Frisbee in the park, or swimming, go on, get out there and get moving. Fitness with your Pet is fun!
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