April is Active Dog Month! This is the perfect time for this topic. Many of our canine pals have been cooped up indoors all winter, and are more than ready to run and play outdoors again. Just like people, dogs need proper activity to stay healthy. A Columbia, MD vet offers some tips on keeping Fido fit and active in this article.
Choose Suitable Exercise
Our canine pals come in all shapes and sizes. Their workout regimens should reflect those differences. Running can be great exercise for a Greyhound, but it isn’t suitable—or even safe—for a pug. If you aren’t sure what is and isn’t appropriate for your pooch, check with your vet.
Keep in mind that Fido’s activity needs will change over time. A senior pooch may only need a few short walks, while a two-year-old may need an hour or even more of vigorous activity every day.
Make It Routine
There are a few reasons we suggest this. For one thing, dogs tend to do best when kept on a steady schedule. Consistency is also important from a physical standpoint. If Fido gets very little exercise during the week, but then goes on vigorous hikes every Saturdays, he may not have much stamina and could tire easily. That’s not to say you shouldn’t take your furry buddy out on weekend adventures: just take care not to overexert him.
Playing
Playing can be great physical activity for Man’s Best Friend. If your canine friend has more energy than you do, choose activities that have him running around while you stay fairly still. (Fetch is a good example of this.) If Fido enjoys running after tennis balls, consider getting him a ball launcher. Just get one that uses balls that are the right size for him. Dogs can hurt themselves with things that are too big or too small for them!
Working Out With Fido
Since the pandemic, more people than ever have been working out at home. If you’re one of them, you may want to consider incorporating your furry best friend into your workouts. For instance, toss your pooch a toy as you’re doing sit-ups. (Of course, you may just end up giggling and having your face licked, but that’s just par for the course with dogs.)
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Columbia, MD pet hospital, today!
