Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a must for creatures great and small: this includes people and our furry companions.
Like their owners, pets (specifically cats and dogs) need daily activity to keep them healthy and happy. Also like their owners, too many pets are overweight (35 percent of pets, according to some expert estimates). If you think having a chunky canine or a “fluffy” kitty is harmless, think again. Obesity in pets can shave years off their life spans and lead to serious illness, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Fortunately, working on your own and your pet’s fitness levels can be fun and invigorating for both of you. Here are some ways you can make it work.
Walking/jogging with your dog will give you both a great cardio workout. Before launching into this kind of routine, however, make sure your pet can follow commands like “Heel,” “Sit,” and “Stay.” Your pet should also receive adequate leash training beforehand. Consider the dog’s age and breed before pounding the pavement – too old or too young might mean the dog can’t keep up, and certain breeds like pugs may experience respiratory problems during exercise. Finally, consider the weather: hot weather means hot pavement, which can burn the dog’s foot pads, whereas ice might become trapped between your pooch’s toes during cold weather. Find more tips at CBS News’ website.
If long, steady jogging isn’t your thing, consider interval walking/jogging: changing your pace within your walk or jog can increase your heart rate and metabolism and increase your calorie burn. The same goes for your dog.
Games with tennis balls, Frisbees or other toys typically involve short bursts of running for your pet. Get in on the action! Instead of merely tossing a ball, race your dog to see who can retrieve it first. Or, play tag: “tag” your dog and run around your backyard. Your pup will certainly give chase, and in a matter of minutes your hearts will be pounding.
Squats and crunches aren’t out of the question, either. Work such moves into a game of fetch: Animal Planet’s blog “The Daily Treat” has some ideas how, as well as a few tips for cat owners, as well.
Maybe you already have an exercise routine with your pet. Tell us about it!