Dogs of all stripes, sizes and vocations need plenty of exercise to keep them healthy. Small dogs may find it easier to fulfil this requirement: they do not need a large area in which to run around. Bigger dogs, however, might struggle to get their daily exercise if the dog owner does not have a large yard that they can use to chase cats, birds and other small animals.
This is why it is so important that dog owners make it a priority to exercise their dogs. One of the problems that can occur is physically: dogs’ cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems find plenty of exercise beneficial. A walk a day keeps the veterinarian away, though frequent check-ups for their pets are still something that pet owners should schedule in. This ensures that Fluffy be as healthy as all the other dogs in the neighbourhood.
Exercise also works to ensure a tighter bond between Fluffy and the pet owner. This ensures that both parties play together for a couple of minutes every day. This alleviates stress – for both Fluffy and the pet owner.
There is, however, another option for dog owners who have a busy schedule. Send the doggy to doggy crèche or simply ask someone in the neighbourhood to walk Fluffy once a day. This works for all parties concerned: the dog walker gets a salary, Fluffy gets the much-needed exercise, and the pet owner can relax a bit.
Veterinarians have long advocated exercise for all animals. This helps to prevent arthritis in old age, which happens a lot sooner for dogs than it does for humans. There are many other diseases that can be prevented with a proper exercise regimen from an early age. Dogs were born to be running around in the field; dogs were not born to lay in front of the television, watching reruns of 90s programs.
There are a number of things that dog owners can do to ease their pet into a training program, which would benefit both parties in the long-term. Start small and progressively build up to a more strenuous exercise program. This will not only benefit the dog but will also benefit the pet owner’s health.
Make it as fun as possible and allow Fluffy to sniff all the bushes they want to. Allow at least a half an hour a day.
Author bio:
Bow Wow Pet Insurance wrote this article on how exercise can help to keep dog health insurance premiums down.