Active Pets, Happy Pets: Spring Exercise Tips to Keep Them Moving
Experts say that consistent repetition is necessary for a new behavior to become habitual. When it comes to introducing or increasing certain exercises to pets, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months for things to fall into place. The tie is worth it, however, because getting (and keeping) pets moving can lead to a lifetime of benefits.
The More We Give
There are numerous physical and mental benefits associated with pet exercise, including:
- Maintains a healthy weight
- Improves the cardiovascular system
- Increases joint flexibility
- Strengthens muscles
- Maintains bone health
- Prevents illness, such as anxiety, stress, urinary tract infections or constipation
- Improves cognition and sleep
Equally important, opportunities to exercise together nurture a sense of trust, companionship, and love between pets and their owners. By carving out or adding to a pet’s daily and weekly exercise routine, pet owners prioritize their pet’s health, daily well-being, and overall wellness.
Time to Get Moving
Spring is a season of promise and opportunity when it comes to being active with your pet. As the days start to get longer, and much warmer, it’s much more enjoyable to spend time outside with our pets.
However, before you design a plan aimed to lose weight, build muscle, and increase happiness, we recommend scheduling a regular wellness exam to determine a pet’s overall health and capability for targeted exercises. We can discuss any of the following topics and provide guidance for your seasonal approach:
- Joint health
- Parasite prevention
- Vaccinations
- Microchip
- Spay/neuter
- Injury potential to paw pads, nails, and legs
- Behavior (especially for dogs walking on or off-leash in designated areas)
- Hydration needs
- Signs of overexertion
Spring Pet Exercise Ideas
Once you have the green light regarding your pet’s health and behavior, we encourage you to try any of these spring pet exercise ideas:
- Plan for a new hike or trail every week to give your pet a chance to experience new smells and sights
- Add water play to the routine, provided your pet enjoys this and you are able to keep them safe
- Visit a new dog park
- Purchase new toys and puzzles to shake up your dog’s fetch game
- Introduce clicker training and use this to teach new skills
- Build an agility or obstacle course
- Consider a scent work class
- Join or establish a doggy play group
- Meet up with other dogs and their people for hikes, swimming, or walking around
An Active LIfestyle for Pets
It is a good idea to start new habits slowly, only increasing time and difficulty gradually. Reward your pet with healthy treats, praise, and communication. Allow them to rest when tired, keep them hydrated, and never force them to keep going.
If you have questions about pet exercise safety, please call us at (210) 824-7481. Broadway Oaks Animal Hospital is always here to help your pet enjoy every season to the fullest.