How Can I Keep My Pet Physically Active?

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Did you know that dogs and cats can suffer from heart disease and obesity, just like we do? Exercise and proper nutrition can help lower your pet’s blood pressure and cholesterol and keep them at a healthy weight. It is also good for their mental health. 

Taking your canine to the dog park will allow them to run and play freely, increasing their socialization. Activities like Frisbee and tug-of-war are classic games that keep your dog moving. Cats prefer interactive play and enjoy anything that encourages them to exercise their predatory instincts. 

The right amount of exercise will teach your furry friend to delight in the fun of the physical activity. It will also help produce endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals in the brain. In this article, you will learn how your pet can benefit from sports, games, and play. 

Exercises You Can Do With Your Pet

As a pet parent, you want your dog or cat to stay healthy and strong. Engaging in a fitness routine is essential for people and animals. When we play with our pets, it boosts not only their health but also ours in return. Our pets require physical and mental enrichment to thrive. There are several different exercises your pet will love. Let’s get moving! 

The Dog Park  

Dogs love adventure and to run around without any restraints. Finding a dog park that takes safety precautions so your dog can play off-leash is a good idea. Make sure there is a double gate system in place so that your precious pup does not escape. Dogs especially like to play games where they get to put their considerable canine skills into action: 

• Tug of war 
• Frisbee or fetch
• Chase the flirt pole
• Monkey in the middle 

Fetch and Frisbee are classics for a reason. Any game that allows your dog to chase and retrieve will be number one in their book. The collaboration between you and your dog during tug-of-war will help deepen your bond. Chasing the flirt pole will help your pet burn off excess energy. Monkey in the middle sharpens your pup’s problem-solving and obedience skills.

Swimming

Training your dog to swim can be a fun-filled experience. Dogster explains that you should always start your pup in “shallow water and go slow.” Let your canine companion explore the water. Take them to a safe indoor pool where they can practice without any added stressors. Some places also offer group and private swimming lessons for your dog. When they are ready, treat them to a swim at the dog beach. 

Mimicking Hunting Behavior 

Cats love games and interactive play that allow them to mimic hunting behavior, and they achieve their thrill from the chase. Because cats sometimes have short attention spans, their play can be broken up into several ten-to-fifteen-minute sessions daily. They are more active in short bursts of energy. Cats take pleasure in exercising their natural predatory instincts.

• Toy mice 
• Cat wand 
• Laser pointer
• Interactive toy

Indoor cats can still get exercise. In fact, it is much safer to keep your cat indoors and simulate the hunt through interactive games. It is safer for wildlife and better for your feisty feline. Your cat is just as satisfied performing their predatory behavior on inanimate objects. The other option is to build them a catio. That way, they can get sunshine, chatter at the birds, and play with their cat wand all at once. 

Agility Training 

Agility is an awesome recreational sport for your furry friend. Both species have the potential to excel. Agility courses are like going to an amusement park for pets. You can even set up a DIY agility course for your dog in your backyard or create one for your cat in your home. Agility courses consist of many fun obstacles and activities: 

• Hoops 
• Tunnels
• Seesaws 
• Weave poles

Canine agility and feline agility are as fun as it gets, as agility exercises your pet by getting their heart pumping. They run, jump, bob, weave, and whip through obstacle courses with speed, excitement, and precision. You can sign up for a local agility class if you are interested in your pet competing in a sport. Working as a team with your pet will also strengthen the bond. 

Walking 

Sometimes, nothing beats a good old-fashioned walk around the neighborhood with your dog or cat. Your pet will take in the splendor of the outdoors. The sights, sounds, and smells. It all has a positive effect on your animal companion. When you walk your cat, you may opt for a harness. A harness is preferable because cats can easily slip out of collars. Make sure it is a cat harness, which will be more comfortable and secure.  

Conclusion

Exercising your dog or cat is essential for their physical and mental health. Physical activity can consist of several adventures. You can take your canine companion to the dog park and let them run around or play fetch. Cats prefer the simulation of the hunt with cat wands and laser pointers. 

You can train your dog to swim or take an agility class. A walk around the block is another excellent option. Your pet is family, and you want your family to be happy and healthy, and most importantly, you want them to have fun.

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