Canine Fitness: 6 Reasons Your Dog Needs to Exercise
Exercise is good for everyone, but it is especially important for dogs who are naturally active. While certain breeds (like those bred for work or racing) need more exercise than others, all dogs can benefit from getting daily exercise at a level that’s appropriate for their age, breed, and fitness abilities.
6 Reasons Why Exercise Is Important for Your Dog
1. Weight Control
Obesity is a common problem among dogs, and it is terrible for their health and wellbeing. When a dog is overweight or obese, it can lead to several secondary health conditions such as joint problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more.
2. Healthier Joints
You’ve probably noticed that if you stay sitting or sedentary for a long time, your joints feel stiff when you finally do get up and move around. Likewise, keeping your dog active regularly will help to keep its joints feeling loose and working well. This can help prevent some of the pain associated with arthritis and other degenerative joint disorders.
3. Mental Health
Exercise is essential for your dog’s mental health. Dogs that do not get enough exercise often suffer from anxiety and depression. They need their lives to be enriched with the challenge of playing games, running around, sniffing new smells, and seeing new places.
4. Bonding With You
Exercising with your dog – whether you go for a run, take a walk, or play a game of fetch – is a great way to develop a strong bond with your pet. This will increase the trust your pet has in you and their obedience when training, too.
5. Better Behaviour
Without enough exercise, dogs can end up letting off steam in undesirable ways such as aggressive or destructive behaviours like chewing and digging.
6. Keeps Them Feeling Young
Although you can’t stop your dog from aging, keeping them active throughout life can help to stave off some age-related health problems and the mental decline called canine cognitive dysfunction that can develop as your pet gets older. Be sure to adjust their exercise routine, as their abilities change, to prevent injury.
Lifestyle and Nutritional Counseling at Sage Creek Animal Hospital
To learn more about the importance of exercise for your dog or for a veterinarian-recommended exercise regimen, we welcome you to schedule an appointment for your dog at Sage Creek Animal Hospital in Winnipeg today.
