Canine Cardio: Keeping Your Dog Fit and Happy

Exercise is important for maintaining good health–and not just for humans. Canine exercise is important for dog health, which is why it’s essential to make sure your furry friend is getting the physical activity he needs. Try these active dog lifestyle tips to help your pooch stay fit and happy:

Go For Walks

One of your pet’s favorite activities is also one of the easiest and most effective ways to help him stay physically fit! Walking is a low-impact activity that gets you and your pet up, on your feet, and moving around the block. It’s a great choice for dogs of all ages and fitness levels.

Pick Up the Pace

If you want to give your dog cardio workouts a boost, try picking up the pace and jogging with your dog. This is a great doggy workout for more active breeds that tend to get the zoomies. Start slowly to make sure your dog is comfortable with this form of canine fitness.  

Go For a Swim

Does your dog like playing in water? If he does, and if you have access to a dog-friendly swimming pool, then swimming can be a fantastic part of an active dog lifestyle. Swimming is a full-body exercise that can be great for dogs of all ages. It is an especially great choice for older dogs who may have joint issues, as swimming allows them to exercise without straining their joints.

Keep it Classic with Fetch

Fetch is a classic for a reason–it’s fun and a great form of exercise. You and your dog can play fetch almost anywhere, from a large outdoor park to the comfort of your own home. Grab a tennis ball, rope toy, or other toy that your dog likes to play with, and encourage him to run after it when you throw it and then bring it back to you. This may also lead to a game of tug-of-war, which is another beloved dog activity that is also a great form of exercise.

Create a Doggy Obstacle Course

Test your dog’s agility by creating your very own doggy obstacle course. You can use items from around the house, such as boxes, broomsticks, and stools to create a series of obstacles to challenge your dog. Encourage your pup to go over, through, or around each obstacle, and reward him when he does the course properly. 

Walk Up and Down the Stairs

If you have stairs inside or outside of your home, they can provide the perfect exercise activity for your dog. Walking and running up and down stairs is a great form of cardio for dogs and it also helps them build and strengthen muscles throughout their bodies.

You can always learn more about dog fitness tips when you visit the  team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital. Our Auburn veterinary services can help you keep your dog healthy and happy. Call us today at (530) 823‑6306 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.