Exercising to Benefit You and Your Pup

Benefits Of Exercising With Your Dog

There are a multitude of benefits associated with giving your dog proper exercise. Not only does regular exercise help prevent obesity and improve their overall health, it can also help curb several common behavioral problems such as chewing, barking, and digging. Exercising with your canine companion also improves their confidence and sociability.

A tired dog is often a well-behaved dog. Providing enough mental and physical stimulation in the form of exercise is a great way to tire them out and improve your bond with your four-legged friend. If you and your pooch are getting bored of the daily walk and want to switch things up, here are a few fun activities to do with your dog to keep you both fit and healthy!

Dog-Friendly Activities

Hiking: This is a great way to make your daily walk more exciting and challenging for you and your dog. Keeping a brisk pace elevates your heart rate and helps burn a few extra calories. Also, remember to bring water for you and your hiking buddy and avoid rough terrain that may irritate their paws.

Cycling: Cycling with your dog running alongside you may seem difficult, but with enough training it can be a safe and fun way to stay active. You’ll want to make sure your dog is loose-leash trained before trying to cycle with them. Remember to keep a close eye on your dog’s condition while cycling. It’s possible to over-exercise your dog when they’re running and you’re on wheels.

Swimming: Swimming can provide excellent cardiovascular exercise while keeping your dog cool! Swimming works various muscle groups, improves endurance, and strengthens the heart and lungs. It’s also a great option for dogs and people with arthritis since it’s easy on the joints. Always keep an eye on your dog to make sure they don’t get too tired.

Agility Training: Agility training is a fast, goal-oriented sport. Your dog will race through an obstacle course with ladders, hurdles, and tunnels while you run alongside them, praising and encouraging them. This fast-paced sport is great for developing a dog’s brain as well as his agility, giving you both an excellent cardiovascular workout.

Healthy Humans, Happy Hounds

Check with your vet before starting any new exercise routines with your pup, while keeping in mind your dog’s fitness levels and physical limitations. Some dog breeds will require more rigorous activities than others, and not all breeds are suitable for all activities.

If you’re injured or in pain, and it’s keeping you from spending quality time with your furry friend, schedule an appointment with us at Airrosti, either in-clinic or through our virtual option. Our Providers can identify the underlying cause of your pain and treat it directly at the source. We combine this targeted treatment with patient education to deliver fast and efficient results.