Dog owners totally get the meaning of ‘dog days of summer’. I know my 9 year old terrier would be content to lay in front of a sunny window the entire day. It’s more like the dog days of summer, winter, spring and fall in my house. Yet, all I have to do is walk past the leash, put on his dog boots and he’s racing to the door. Dogs actually like consistency and routine as much as humans. But what’s the right balance between lazing around and exercising? Consider these three points when determining the amount of exercise your beloved pooch needs.
Is your dog getting enough exercise?
Play is Exercise
Daily walks of at least twenty minutes are a great way to exercise and establish a routine. (Double benefit here: both owners and dogs reap the health rewards of walking.) Don’t discount the value of play as exercise. While your 12 year old Pomeranian might look at you cross eyed if you throw a stick, your younger dog may well drop it at your feet with serious expectations. Some dogs like to chase, others like to fetch. The goal is to keep moving. You’ll also appreciate your younger dog using up all that energy outside instead of getting into mischief inside!
Exercise for Health
Daily walks or backyard play not only build strong muscles, but are critical for maintaining a healthy weight. Two of the greatest gifts you can give your dog are daily exercise and a healthy diet. (Yes, we know, love and affection rank high too!) If your puppy doesn’t enjoy sufficient exercise, training can be difficult and they can become destructive. Like humans, dogs, at any age, simply won’t be healthy with a sedentary lifestyle.
Exercise for Purpose
While you might have to force yourself to hit the gym, dogs actually love to walk, play and engage. It really gives them purpose. You’ll definitely see a change in your dog’s disposition as they move from a sedentary lifestyle to one of consistent walks and play. Like humans, staying healthy is equal parts physical and mental. When our dogs are healthy, we tend to be as well!
So get out there and throw a stick, take a walk or teach your old pooch some new tricks. It’s a win-win for both of you. Enjoy your new healthy lifestyles!
This post was written by the team at Spot & Tango, fresh dog food delivered straight to your door.
Linda Monforte says
My Lea used to love to go for a walk when she was younger. Now, that she’s 18, she doesn’t want to walk I end up carrying her.
She used to play and run around the house, too, she doesn’t do that anymore. She has cataracts that are pretty bad, i’m thinking the not seeing is part of her unwillingness to walk. She does follow me around the house when she’s not tired and napping.
Ivana Kinsley says
Thanks for share dog exercise tips and guide. Little Torry wants to play with toys but it unwill to play outside. Most of time it avoid other breeds and feeling shy. What can I do now?
Angela Crudgington says
Great pointers to help stay active for our well being as well as my pups 🙂