We have spoken to many pet owners, and many of them own dogs that are pretty active. For example, Shetland Sheepdog, Labrador Retrievers et al. These dogs are meant to be running around in the yard, than to coup up in the house. Granted, they might have some inherent illness that I might not know of, but they do look perfectly healthy and active in the house. Also, I did notice that they look a little too heavy, and they might be on an exponential route to being totally unhealthy.
I do know of some dogs that suffer from many conditions in the prime of their dog live, and it is sad to know that most of these could be prevented by simply exercising your dog, and this is why exercising is important for your dog.
Why is Exercising Important For Your Dog?
Exercising is needed not only for our physical health, but it is also good for our mental health too. This works the same way for dogs too. It is a very good way for us to manage the dog’s weight, and at the same time lower the chances of them getting health issues later on in their life. In a study done in America, over 50% of all dogs are obese. This is actually depressing because most of the time, a simple regular exercise can actually bring that number down!
Obesity in dogs actually restricts their movement, and impede their activeness, hence them being a couch potato at home. Also, dogs by nature are meant to be active, and depriving them of this can be detrimental to their mental health. Dogs can suffer from mental illnesses.
Active dogs who are not exercising often can be bored, and boredom creates a whole new plethora of issues to them, and for us owners too. They could run amok in the house, destroy furniture, or they simply wither their life away.
Here are some of the reasons why exercising your dog is important.
- Weight management: Like humans, dogs can also become overweight if they don’t get enough exercise. Regular exercise helps to burn off excess calories and maintain a healthy weight. This can help to prevent a number of health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint problems.
- Physical health: Exercise helps to keep dogs physically fit by improving their cardiovascular fitness, strengthening their muscles and bones. Of course, exercising does help to improve their overall mobility. This can help prevent injuries and make it easier for them to move around as they age.
- Mental health: Exercise is not just good for a dog’s physical health, but also for their mental well-being. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress, anxiety and boredom. If not, all of those can potentially lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging and excessive barking. By providing an outlet for a dog’s natural energy and instincts, exercise can help to keep them mentally stimulated and happy.
- Behavioral issues: Regular exercise can also help to prevent behavioral issues, such as separation anxiety. This can lead to a well-behaved and happy dog.
- Bonding: Exercising with your dog can be an excellent opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Taking your dog for a walk, run or playing fetch together can provide an opportunity for interaction, companionship, and bonding.
- Socialization: Regular exercise also allows dogs to interact with other dogs and people, which is important for socialization. This can help them to become more confident, well-adjusted, and well-behaved.
It is important to note that the type and amount of exercise that a dog needs will vary depending on their breed, size, and age.
Is it too late to start now?
As the adage goes, you are never too old for anything. Seek advise from your vet if your dog is suitable for exercises, especially for older dogs. But no vets will tell you that a short walk cannot do at all! Dogs should start at a young age. Of course, do not over-exercise your dogs. Instead, slowly ease them into an exercise routine, and gradually increasing the intensity base on the dog’s response.
What kind of exercise do you recommend?
For young dogs, we recommend that you exercise them by playing with them or purchasing dog toys like KONG Air Dog Squeakair Birthday Balls, or Multipet Plush Dog Toy to keep them active in the house. Once your dog reaches an age of 1 or 2 years old, you could ease them into short runs. You can then gradually increase the pace or distance as they get older. However, do note that not all dogs behave in the same manner, so do note their response to each exercise routine that you put them through. If they display signs of exhaustion, it simply means you are over exercising it, and that itself is a danger. Also, if your dog breed is known to be inactive, then slow walks will be good enough while managing its weight through proper food.
If you need more justification at which why it is important for your dogs to exercise, you can read it here.