Choosing the best fitness plan for your dog


 
  fitness plan for dog

Dogs love to exercise—and it’s wonderful that they do! Regular exercise not only keeps them trim and strong but it also provides excellent mental stimulation and a perfect bonding time for the two of you.

However, just because all dogs enjoy the chance to romp around, stretch their muscles and get some exercise doesn’t mean that all dogs enjoy the same type of exercise. In fact, activities that are fun and healthy for one dog may be unpleasant and possibly even detrimental to another.

Follow these steps to design the best fitness plan for your dog that will keep the two of you healthy and energized:

  • Start by speaking with your veterinarian. Make sure that your dog doesn’t have any health conditions that may limit the type of activities they should do.
  • Make it age appropriate. Puppies and young dogs who are still growing should stick to easy, short exercise to protect their developing joints. Meanwhile, because of their aging joints, senior dogs need gentle, low-impact activities, like walking and swimming, and should avoid jumps or quick starts and stops, like catching a Frisbee or playing fetch.
  • Consider breed conformation. Body size and shape make a difference! For example, a corgi’s itty-bitty legs or a pug’s short snout make them poor running companions, whereas huskies are built to keep running all day.
  • Adjust for weight. If your dog is carrying some extra pounds, it’s best to start easy and gradually work up to more strenuous exercise to prevent injury.
  • Make it fun for your dog! Certain dogs live to retrieve; others can’t wait to dunk in the water. Choose something your dog will love, and you will 
  • Now make it fun for you! If it’s fun for you, it will be fun for your dog. Plus, you will find fewer excuses to stay on the couch. 

No matter what you choose, consistency is the key to success. It is far better to take a 20-minute walk every day than a two-hour walk once a week. 

So go ahead and get planning, and enjoy your healthy dog-bonding time!

 

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