As dog owners, we adore our pets, so much so that we often shower them with treats and snuggles. Unfortunately, these acts of love can also lead your dog to spend excessive amounts of time sleeping or eating, which contributes to sedentism and canine obesity. The good news is these concerns are entirely preventable with a few minor lifestyle adjustments. This Canine Awareness Month, we’re here to explore various ways to get active with your beloved companion.
Raising Awareness for Canine Obesity
Canine obesity affects an estimated 55.8% of all dogs across the nation. This means that approximately 55 million dogs in the United States are classified as obese or overweight. These alarming numbers reinforce the importance of shedding light on healthy habits during Canine Fitness Month. Canine fitness contributes to your dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing, helping to mitigate problematic medical concerns and destructive behaviors for a long, happy, and healthy life with your four-legged companion.
Finding the Right Workout for Your Dog
Determining the best form of exercise for your pet comes down to several key factors. It’s important to assess your pet’s age, breed, pre-existing medical conditions, and personality to find an activity that he or she will enjoy and engage in. Shepherds, collies, and terriers are high-energy and excel when given a challenge, making them ideal candidates for agility training, jogging, and obstacle courses. In contrast, overweight dogs, senior dogs with arthritis or joint discomfort, and flat-faced breeds, such as pugs or bulldogs are better suited for low-impact activities, such as walks, dog yoga, or swimming.
Exploring Canine Fitness Activities
When it comes to canine fitness, the options are virtually endless. From low-impact to high-energy workouts, indoors or outside, there are plenty of ways to get moving with your pet. Some of our favorite canine fitness activities include:
- Nature walks or hikes
- Swimming in the pool or lake
- Dancing with your dog
- Agility training and obstacle courses
- Active play including Frisbee or fetch
- Circuit training
- Dog yoga
To master four-legged fitness and tap into Canine Fitness Month, contact your trusted veterinarian to learn more about getting active with your pet today.