Excercise Your Pet and Reap the Rewards Yourself Too

What is the best medicine you can give your dog? Dr. Robin Downing, a veterinary pain-management expert in Windsor, Colo., has the answer. Exercise.  Helping your pet shed a few extra pounds if overweight is critical, because without weight-management, everything else we can do will be less effective. An estimated 44% of dogs are overweight or obese; cats are at 57%; in comparison to 67% of humans who fall in the category of overweight or obese.

If you have a dog that is overweight, exercise with him. Dogs love to play outdoors and will spend hours chasing a ball. Join in the fun and run together for the mental and physical benefits are tremendous. Being able to manage the food that is given to your pet is easier than controlling your own consumption. You are able to go back for seconds, whereas a dog is totally dependent upon you for his nourishment. Take a few pounds off of your pet and he will be lighter, making it easier for the two of you to extend that five mile walk to ten. Seriously, both of you will feel better and look better with the weight loss and the added exercise. Your mental outlook will also improve and you will be making a life change that will lower your blood pressure.

According to the 2008 Journal of Hypertension and American Heart Association, hypertension is growing secondary to obesity. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because most people and pets experience no clinical signs. Weight loss through diet and exercise is the best way to manage high blood pressure.

The best way for pet owners to combat these problems is with a regular walk or jog with our canines.  Dogs love to walk and run.  It is bred into them by nature.  There is nothing better than regular exercise for humans and pets.  We all know this is not always possible, and when those days arrive there are some great alternatives out there.  A couple that I use with my dogs are, using a Dog Exercise Pen for Training and Play - This is a great place to introduce new tricks or commands to your pet, and can be fun to play in too.  This is one of the best on rainy days.  Also, if you are away from home for a long stretch during the day, using an Outdoor Dog Kennel to give your canine some added freedom.  These are only a few, and I'm sure you have some of your own too.  Feel free to let us know what you do to keep you and your dog fit.  Happy walking!