If you have pets and embrace organic living, you know from our recent coverage that physical activity is just as important as nutritional health in your dog’s life.
Despite today’s more sedentary lifestyles, dogs—and humans—are made for activity, and they especially love social interactions. For both man and his best friend, exercise—whether daily walks or playing fetch—is much more enjoyable together.
For dogs, lack of exercise can result in behavior problems or lead to physical ailments. Bad behavior—biting, chewing, digging and house-soiling—is significantly lower when dogs get enough exercise. An exercised dog rests more calmly at home and is less nervous when left alone.
Consider these do’s and don’ts:
- The best exercise provides both physical and mental stimulation.
- Letting a dog out into the yard is not enough. They rarely exercise alone, but wait for “their people” to play with them.
- Let your pet play with other dogs to help him learn to enjoy other dogs and people. Consider taking him to a dog park.
- Retrieving is easy exercise. Throw a toy or ball far rather than high. Jumping high in the air and landing awkwardly can lead to knee injuries.
- Playing tug games is a great substitute for walking if exercise space is limited.
Suggested Reading
- Pets May Paws-itively Benefit Seniors
- A Fitness Program for Pets (Part 1)
- A Fitness Program for Pets (Part 2)
- Natural Hand-Baked Dog Treats
- Healthy Treats for the Whole Family: Furry and Non-Furry
- Natural and Organic Pet Food, Treats and Accessories
- The Top 5 Benefits of Natural Organic Pet Food for Your Dog
- Go Fetch!
- Keep Fido and Felix Fit and Trim
- Calling All Seniors: You May Need a Healthy Dose of Pets
Photo courtesy of Iams Dog and Cat Foods
[...] Doggiecise Do’s and Don’ts If you have pets and embrace organic living, you know from our recent coverage that physical activity is just as important as nutritional health in [...]
[...] Doggiecise Do’s and Don’ts [...]
[...] Doggiecise Do’s and Don’ts [...]