Just like it’s important for our health and wellness to stay in shape, our dogs and cats can benefit from regular exercise, too. To help both you and your pet get in great shape with a fresh routine, here’s a list of my favorite ways to get moving:
Go for a Run – Instead of going to the gym to run on the treadmill, change things up and bring your fur-friend along! Most local tracks do not allow pets so take the time to explore different options, such as paths through the woods or roads with sidewalks.
Take a Morning Walk – Instead of waiting until after work to exercise, try taking a walk in the morning with your fur-kid. If you’re not a morning person, allow some of your pet’s natural energy to rub off on you to keep you motivated throughout the rest of the day.
Doga – Dog yoga, or “doga,” can help de-stress both you and your pup. This practice incorporates massaging, stretching, relaxing, and of course some good bonding. Ask around in your area because there might be group classes offered.
Fetch Races – Does your dog love to play fetch? Well you should, too! Instead of standing still while he or she chases the ball, try to make it a race. Your pup will enjoy this game even more and the short sprints will help you burn more fat and improve your agility.
Abs with Fido – Ever thrown a ball back and forth with a friend while doing crunches? Instead of a medicine ball, try a tennis ball. Throw it at the top of your crunch for your pup to chase down and return to you, then repeat. For a more advanced exercise, see how many crunches you can do while your pup is chasing the ball.
Lift Weights – Tie your playful friend’s favorite toy so that it hangs from your dumbbell. As you move the dumbbell up and down, your pet will jump, working his or her leg muscles while you tone your arms. Try it while doing different exercises like bicep curls and shoulder presses, and for a full body workout, incorporate squats or lunges.
Play Tug-of-War – If your pup is feeling playful, grab a rope and work on your arm definition with a gentle game of tug-of-war. Attach the rope to your dog’s harness so he can pull with his body and run, or let him grab the rope with his teeth – but be careful not to pull too hard. Remember to always have control over your dog as playing this game may bring out the predator in him.
Don’t Forget to Fuel Up – Just like us, our pets’ caloric intake should be adjusted based on their activity level in order to maintain a healthy weight. And what they eat is just as important as how much. For active pets, I recommend feeding a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet made of all natural ingredients. Meat-based recipes with little or no grains are more easily digested and will keep your pet feeling fuller longer while providing him with lasting energy. Keep in mind that many other factors go into determining the amount of calories your pet needs, such as age, reproductive status (intact or “fixed”), and overall health, so consult with your vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
Go For a Hike – Hiking in a hilly area is a great way to change things up as it works different muscles than walking on a flat surface. The best part? You get to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, soak in the sunshine, and take in some fresh air with your favorite friend! Bring along plenty of water for both of you to stay hydrated.
I hope you and your pets enjoy these tips for staying fit! Don’t forget to speak with your doctor and your pet’s vet before starting any new exercise programs.
Dr. Katy Nelson is an associate veterinarian at Belle Haven Animal Medical Center in Alexandria, Virginia and host/executive producer of “The Pet Show with Dr. Katy” on Washington DC’s News Channel 8. Dr. Katy serves as the Executive Chair for the Washington Humane Society’s Fashion for Paws Advisory Board and on the Public Relations Board for The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. To learn more about Dr. Nelson, visit freshpet.com/meetdrkaty.
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