Why Your Dog Needs Exercise

It's another Saturday afternoon at home

It's another Saturday afternoon at home. You and your dog are vegging out on the couch. You're watching TV and your dog is snoozing. It's hard to say which one of you needs exercise more. This could probably be a lot of us. It's funny how often overweight dogs have overweight owners, isn't it?

Well, if you won't exercise for your own sake, you should seriously think about getting your dog some exercise. Canine obesity is at epidemic proportions in the United States. An estimated 17 million dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese according to the group Stop Canine Obesity - Most of the dogs in the U.S. are overweight because their owners feed them too much for the amount of exercise they get. Reducing the amount of food they feed is one way to help the problem, but increasing exercise would also be helpful.

Dogs which receive adequate exercise are better off in many ways. They are generally calmer, happier dogs. They are less likely to experience problems like separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. Exercise can also help a dog's overall physical health. It can improve bone and joint health as well as heart and lung function.

You can enjoy lots of different exercise activities with your dog, such as jogging, bicycling, swimming, even taking long walks together, or letting your dog have a good run off leash in a safe area.

As with all activities it's important to remember to do things in moderation. Don't let puppies overdo things. Any kind of forced activities for puppies are strictly out. They can hurt their bones and joints and harm their overall growth later on. But easy, moderate activities for all dogs are highly recommended.

If you're going jogging or bicycling or planning to do any other activity, be sure to warm up -- both you and your dog. Dogs can pull tendons and ligaments just as people can. Don't let your dog over-exert himself or do anything without proper preparation.

If your dog has been a couch potato don't try to do too much too fast. Work into exercise gradually. Do a little bit at a time until your dog is exercising at a level that he enjoys.

Proper exercise should be fun for your dog, not a chore. If your dog is enjoying himself then good exercise should help him live a longer, healthier life. Remember, too, that not all dogs were created equally when it comes to athletic activities. Don't expect your Boston Terrier to be able to do the same kind of running that your friend's Golden Retriever does. Make allowances.

If you visit your local kennel club, animal shelter or pet supply store you may find groups of people who are doing activities with their dogs. Agility, rally and flyball are all very active sports that you and your dog could enjoy. These activities are also a great way to meet other dog lovers and their dogs.

No matter what activity or sport you and your dog enjoy, exercise is good for all aspects of your dog's life. He'll be glad you got him off the couch.

by: Tristan Andrews

POST COMMENT

6 Exercise Outlets For Your Dog The Most Effective Natural Cure On Earth Exercise at Christmas Without the Gym by:Janice Elizabeth Small Diabetes Relief And Prevention Through Exercise by:Patrick Mckeeman How to Exercise Efficiently by:John Perry Carpal Tunnel Relief - Is Exercise The Solution? by:Jeff P. Anliker, LMT How To Benefit From Best Exercise Program by:Chris Chew Diets, Exercise, Health and Weight Loss by:Donovan Baldwin Independent Review of the Myself Pelvic Floor Exercise Device by:Bradley Porter Exercise the Right Way to Boost Your Energy by:Dr Edward Steiner Not Enough Time to Exercise by:Linda Geyer How To Get Huge Muscular Arms? Build Big Triceps Exercises by:Chris Chew Exercise As A Power Source by:Dr. Fit, Sidney E. Reeves, CFT