Dogs
Dogs may be the best workout partners known to man, but an abundance of them aren't getting the exercise they need. According to The Daily Treat, experts estimate that nearly 35 percent of pets today are overweight, which increases their risk for many serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, and heart disease. No matter the size or age of the dog, dogs need to exercise daily. "Without activity, your dog will become bored, frustrated and unhealthy. Exercise tones the muscles, helps the body and metabolic system to function properly, and engages your [dog's] mind" (PetMD, 2012). Basic exercise needs are based on a dog's age, breed, size, and health. But most dogs should spend at least 30 minutes a day with exercise or activity.
Photo credit: blog.ningin.com
Some dog breeds are not born for large amounts of exercise unlike larger breeds such Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and other working, herding, or hunting class dogs. Small breed dogs with short legs or short noses like a Bulldog, are not built for long distance or rigorous exercise. If your dog seems to be restless, chances are he probably wants to go for a walk. Dogs that lack physical activity and mental stimulation can develop destructive behavior that may be hard to break without giving daily exercise.
Pets can't sweat and instead they pant to cool down, so be sure to exercise them in the morning or evening and provide plenty of water while on the move. Remember that dogs don't wear shoes, so make sure to test the surface of the ground you plan to exercise on with your hand. If the ground is too hot, take your dog to a grassy surface or cooler place to work out (Zerbe, 2009). If you dog begins to pant excessively or hyperventilates, his tongue and gums turn dark red, or he can't keep up and tries to sit or lay down, stop exercising and seek immediate veterinary attention as this might indicate the sign of a heat stroke.
Cats
Cats can make laziness into a form of art. But believe or not, your cat needs exercise too! It's not considered to be an easy task when it comes to making your cat get up and move around, but to keep her healthy, it's best if you do. Cats are different than dogs in the way they are designed for short, frequent periods of intense activity, rather than longer, slower-paced workouts. Using toys that your cat can bat, chase, explore, or scratch consistently, will most likely take care of all her exercise needs.Exotic Pets
Some small exotic animals such as rodents, small reptiles, or birds, can get enough exercise by simply moving around their cage (AAHA, n.d.). Rodents, such as hamsters, usually meet their exercise requirements by running in their hamster wheel or rolling around in a hamster ball. Letting your pet out to roam around the house under supervision is a great way to make your pet more comfortable around its environment and also get some good physical activity. Reptiles love to swim, so swimming can also be an option if you're not comfortable with your pet running around the house. For birds, allowing them to flap their wings or climb up and down cage ladders can be a great method for exercise although it can be tricky."Whatever their species, animals' need for exercise is just as vital to their health as their need for shelter, good food, and clean water" (AAHA, n.d.). It's also a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet since both of you can be benefitted from exercising with each other. Always be cautious of what the limits are for your pet when undergoing physical activity, because they are not the same as they are for you as a human. Always ensure that there is plenty of water to quench your pet's thirst and cool them down when they are done for the day. For information about exercising your pet indoors, read Nicole Pajer's article on Dog Exercise: How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors.
Works Cited:
AAHA. (n.d.). Exercising
Your Pet. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from Healthy Pet:
http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?title=Exercising_Your_Pet
PetMD. (2012, April 6). Exercising
with Your Dog 101. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from petMD:
http://www.petmd.com/print/11168
Zerbe, L. (2009, June 18). How
to Exercise with Your Dog. Retrieved February 13, 2013, from Rodale News:
http://www.rodale.com/print/1243
The Daily Treat. (2010, April 16). 10 Ways to Exercise With Your Pet. Retrieved February 13, 2013,
from Animal Planet:
http://blogs.discovery.com/daily_treat/2010/04/10-ways-to-exercise-with-your-pet-.html
A nice, informative post! I particularly liked your opening for the paragraph on cats.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you say dogs need about 30 minutes of exercise each day, because I read that people need about that much each day as well. It's too bad I don't have a four-legged exercise to help me meet my quota.
Might I guess you have a dog? If so, what kind, and what're its favorite exercise activities, from your own experience?
I have two dogs actually. My oldest is a Shih Tzu named Buddy and the other one is a Lhasa Apso named Tommy. Buddy likes to run around the house playing with soccer balls and kickballs (he learned to play as a baby). Tommy, on the other hand, like to carry his bones around the house (it kind of looks like weight lifting sometimes) and play with his stuffed animals. He isn't much of an active dog for a two-year-old. I don't usually give them walks because Buddy is old and he can't walk very far without crying and Tommy likes to jump at cars, so I leave them out in my backyard where they play for hours on end.
DeleteI like the picture you posted, its so funny. Also, you are right about checking the surfaces dogs walk on, it is very important to do so. I have never done this and now I will because sidewalks can be very hot. I hope I do not forget this summer. Additionally, what you said about cats is true, for they are spontaneous and have random boosts of energy. I try to be very active with both my cat and dog, but I find it easier with my dog.
ReplyDeleteI think this was a really well-rounded post. I feel pretty good today, having just come in from walking my dogs (and daughter). We made it a two-for-one. The dogs to a walk, then Siggy got a chance to play at the playground while the dogs and I hung out. We all got sunshine, too.
ReplyDeleteI have family members that needed this advice when they had obese animals. I think the scariest thing is when people think "taking a dog for a pee" is an actual walk. Do you know some average distances for relatively healthy dogs?
Well it depends on the breed. Usually smaller dogs are good with a short walk around the neighborhood and relatively larger dogs typically need a longer walk like a mile or so. Depending on the breed, the standards may change. You've told me that you have 2 mutts, right? Do you know what possible breeds they could be mixed with? Or are they large in size? (size is a contributing factor as well)
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