• Home Remedies Index
  • Feedback
  • Subscribe
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result
Advertisements
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result

Home » Pets

10 Exercises that will Extend Your Dog’s Life

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
February 28, 2019
0

Dogs need daily exercise, irrespective of their age and breed. A good exercise routine combined with a well-balanced, nutritious diet will keep your furry friend happy and healthy for years to come.

Lack of exercise can lead to your pet becoming obese, which increases the risk of several diseases from diabetes to arthritis.

Also, dogs that go without regular exercise may suffer from a variety of behavioral issues, including destructive behaviors like barking, digging or chewing.

To let your canine friend get out more and enjoy life, the best option is to give your dog plenty of exercise and activity. Don’t skip it using excuses like it’s too cold or hot outside, the days are getting shorter or you do not have time. Make it a priority, and you and your pet will both be happier for it.

Advertisements

best exercises for dogs

Here are 10 exercises that will help keep your dog healthy.

Contents

  • 1. Walking
  • 2. Running
  • 3. Swimming
  • 4. Fetch
  • 5. Hide-and-Seek
  • 6. Indoor Obstacle Course
  • 7. Running on the Stairs
  • 8. Hiking
  • 9. Cycling
  • 10. Using a Treadmill

1. Walking

Taking your dog for a walk daily is a great way to jump-start a healthy lifestyle program.

Regular walking is one of the best exercises for your pet. It can help fight obesity and is beneficial to your pet’s digestive system, even aiding in relieving constipation.

walk your dog

Taking your dog on walks also helps your pet enjoy different smells and discover new places. You can take your dog for a walk around the block, to the dog park or to a regular park.

Advertisements

Adult dogs should walk at least 30 minutes a day. However, the actual amount of time can vary depending on breed, age and size.

For your pet’s safety, it is important to teach your dog to walk on a leash. You can carry some treats with you to give your dog regular, positive encouragement for good behavior while you’re walking.

2. Running

Bringing your dog with you for a run or jog is great exercise for your pet. Just remember to always run with your dog on a leash, unless you are in a designated off-leash park.

Running can help increase stamina and strengthen muscles. Also, it is good for fighting obesity.

running exercise for dogs

Advertisements

Avoid running or jogging many miles initially. You must gradually increase the intensity and duration of the run over a few weeks, then aim to remain consistent. Before and after running with your dog, always warm up and cool down with a five-minute walk.

Jogging or running is not recommended for young dogs whose bones haven’t fully developed. It can also be bad for elderly dogs.

3. Swimming

Swimming is a good exercise to improve your dog’s muscle strength and tone. It also promotes cardiovascular health and improves your dog’s metabolic rate.

dog activity swimming

This low-impact exercise is also easy on your dog’s joints.

Advertisements

For puppies and small dogs, you can put some water in the bathtub and you have an instant swimming pool!

For adult or bigger dogs, you can look for a nearby dog park that has a pool or a swimming center that caters to dogs.

4. Fetch

A simple game of fetch can also help your dog get a daily dose of exercise. This game keeps your dog engaged, active and helps release pent up energy.

play fetch with your dog

Use a toy that your dog likes and allow your dog to sniff and mouth the toy. Place the toy on the ground and encourage your dog to pick up the toy and bring it to you. Reward your dog every time your dog does it correctly.

Do not play this game with toys that have ribbon, string or parts that can be chewed off and ingested.

5. Hide-and-Seek

Hide-and-seek is a great workout for your dog. It can benefit both your furry friend’s brain and body. It also helps build a strong bond between you and your dog through play.

play hide and seek with your dog

Also, most dogs love this fun game and all your family members can partake.

All you need to do is put your pet in a ‘stay’ command while you run and hide. Then, call him and your pet will simply run around here and there to find you. Be sure to have a reward for him when he finds you.

6. Indoor Obstacle Course

When the weather is good, you can allow your dog to go in the backyard and play around with your kids. But during the winter months, when your canine friend cannot go outside and play, you can create an indoor obstacle course.

indoor obstacle course for dog

This is an excellent indoor activity for dogs that need mental and physical exercise.

To make an indoor obstacle course, you can use chairs or short tools as weave poles for your dog to navigate through. Even a bat set atop two buckets makes a great hurdle for your dog to jump over.

However, keep jump heights at or below the level of your dog’s elbows to avoid putting stress on the bones and joints.

7. Running on the Stairs

You can also run your dog up and down the stairs from time to time. This exercise will tire out your dog.

dog exercise running on stair

In fact, the steps add an additional challenge to a dog’s workout and provides a nice, whole-body workout. Different muscles get engaged while running up and down stairs, thus making this exercise good for fighting obesity.

Just make sure the stairs are safe and that your dog can’t fall.

This exercise is not recommended for elderly dogs or those suffering from arthritis.

8. Hiking

Hiking with your dog is beneficial for both you and your canine friend. Hiking engages your dog’s body as well as mind, benefitting your dog both physically and mentally.

go hiking with your dog

But when it comes to hiking, choose a familiar hiking trail and make sure it is free of wild animals, dangerous trails or general opposition to dogs.

For active dogs, a hiking trail that requires climbing like hills and inclines is a good option. But for dogs that are less active, choose a trail that is short (in duration) and flat.

When going for a hike, always begin with shorter hikes like a mile or two and build up from there. Also, be sure to bring enough water for your dog to prevent dehydration.

9. Cycling

Cycling with your dog is a more rigorous activity than running and is beneficial for both you and your furry friend.

exercise your dog while cycling

Cycling is perfect for dogs that are exuberant on walks and have tons of energy. It will also help with any behavioral issues that your pet may have.

Attach your dog’s leash to your bike’s frame or seat stem to absorb much of the force of sudden tugs.

However, before enjoying cycling with your furry friend, make sure your dog has the energy and stamina to trot alongside as you bike. Also, you need to pedal at a pace that will allow your pet to keep up easily.

10. Using a Treadmill

You can also try exercising your dog on a treadmill. Treadmills can serve a good role in helping overweight dogs lose weight.

best exercises to keep your dog healthy

However, it is best to use a treadmill only when the outside weather does not permit outdoor exercise.

You can exercise your dog on your own treadmill or buy one specifically for dogs, which you can easily find in the market.

You’ll need to introduce your dog to the treadmill by letting it sniff it. Only when your dog is comfortable with the treadmill, allow your pet to get on it. Start with a very low setting, and work your way up to the desired setting to provide a more challenging workout.

Advertisements

Recommended

face tingling treatment
Home Remedies

Facial Tingling: Causes, Diagnosis, Natural Treatment

by Mahesh Karandikar, MD - Neurosurgeon
July 11, 2019
0

A sudden tingling sensation overtaking your hands, feet, or face is a fairly common complaint reported by people in the...

Read more
Advertisements
how to sterilize baby bottles
Healthy Living

How to Sterilize Baby Bottles: 5 Safe Methods

by Karen M. Walker, MD, FAAP
April 1, 2019
0

The best way for a new mother to establish a nurturing bond with her baby is through breastfeeding. But sooner...

Read more
Advertisements

Homemade

How to make green tea lemonade for weight loss
Common Conditions

How to Make Green Tea Lemonade for Weight Loss

by Kei Nishida (Green Tea Enthusiast)
November 6, 2020
6

The constant struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to keep up with the demands of a hectic lifestyle is...

Read more
DIY healthy juices and smoothies to curb arthritis

DIY Healthy Juices and Smoothie to Curb Arthritis

January 29, 2019
Advertisements

Trending

mediterranean diet benefits
Healthy Living

Mediterranean Diet 101: Benefits, Drawbacks, Myths and More

by Miriam Christie, MS, RD, LD, ABD
August 21, 2019
0

The Mediterranean diet emerges from the kind of foods eaten in countries situated along the Mediterranean Sea. These include France,...

Read more
Neem Oil for hair and skin
Healthy Living

Neem Oil for Hair and Skin: 9 Benefits and How to Use It

by Robert Signore, DO - Dermatologist
July 2, 2019
0

Neem is often referred to as Indian lilac as it is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, but its medicinal virtues...

Read more
Advertisements

Don't Miss

consume aloe vera

Different Ways to Consume Aloe Vera for its Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
March 5, 2021
0

Gone are the days when aloe vera was just a potted plant sitting on your windowsill, jazzing up your home...

honeydew melon for health

Honeydew Melon: Origins, Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

Honeydew melon makes for a sweet-tasting and refreshing treat that can take the sting out of the sweltering summer heat....

fava beans for health

Fava Beans: Nutritional Value, Recipes and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

The fava bean, alternatively known as broad bean, is a large, flat, green leguminous vegetable. The earliest record of its...

health benefits of curry leaves

Know the Amazing 10 Health Benefits of Curry Leaves

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
March 27, 2019
3

Curry leaves are a common cooking ingredient for people native to India’s subtropical and tropical regions. The curry leaves are...

Advertisements
how to use apple cider vinegar for heartburn
Common Conditions

Can Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Heartburn?

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
August 5, 2019
7

Apple cider vinegar is right up there with aloe vera, high on the list of the most versatile and effective...

Read more
Advertisements

All the tips mentioned here are strictly informational. This site does not provide medical advice. Consult with your doctor or other health care provider before using any of these tips or treatments. Read more.

 

Categories: Home Remedies | Kitchen Ingredients | Healthy Living | Pets | Common Conditions | Pregnancy | Healthy Foods

 

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Terms and Conditions of Use
  • Unsubscribe

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies

No Result
View All Result
  • Home Remedies
  • Kitchen Ingredients
  • DIY Homemade
  • Healthy Foods
  • Healthy Living
  • Pregnancy

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies