Spring Into Action: Fun and Safe Exercise Ideas for Pets This Season
Spring has sprung here at Animal Care Unlimited, and we are excited to share our spring pet exercise ideas and tips for an active lifestyle for pets. Outdoor activities for pets are fun year-round, but we think this is the perfect time of year to get out and get moving!
Benefits of Exercise
There are lots of good reasons to make an effort to be active, and many of those reasons extend to our pets as well.
Benefits of an active lifestyle for pets include:
- Weight management — Calorie balance is the key to maintaining a healthy weight. Pets who burn enough calories stay at a healthy weight. They are also at a lower risk for diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Pets at a healthy weight tend to live about two years longer on average than their overweight counterparts.
- Increased strength and mobility — Pets move around more when they are at a healthy weight and accustomed to activity. Regular exercise can help to maintain healthy muscle mass and slow the onset of arthritis.
- Cardiovascular health — The heart benefits from regular activity Pets who are active and at a healthy body weight are at lower risk of heart and lung disease including hypertension.
- Better mental health — Exercise can help stimulate your pet’s brain through environmental enrichment. This results in improved cognitive function and a decrease in behavioral issues.
- People benefit, too! — Engaging with your pet through exercise can lead to physical health benefits for humans and mental health support, too.
Spring Pet Exercise Ideas
Knowing the why of exercise is motivation, but the how can be trickier. No matter how you get moving is great, but we have some ideas for safe spring exercise for pets.
The following are great exercise ideas for pets:
- Commit to a walk. Many dogs like heading out and about even if the weather is less than perfect. Make a commitment, dress accordingly, and get out there! Mix up your routes and locations to keep it exciting.
- Play hide and seek! You can hide yourself, a favorite toy, or even some treats and make a fun game inside or outdoors.
- Blow some bubbles for your pet. There are even bubbles scented with things like catnip or peanut butter.
- Play a game of fetch (yes, even cats!).
- Have your pet to join you on your run, swim, or hike.
- Engage in a training session daily. Get out in the nice weather if possible.
- Consider joining an obedience or agility class that your pet can participate in.
- Build an obstacle course in your backyard.
- Head out to the dog park, only if your pet enjoys social interaction.
Every pet’s abilities and interests will be different, but we are sure that you can find some ways to engage in an active lifestyle for pets that will suit them.
You can always contact us if you would like some help with how to safely and effectively exercise your pet.