Sometimes exercising can be a drag; many times, it is hard to get a consistent routine when first starting. Many people use their pets to increase the fun and activity in their workouts. Simply playing with your pet more often can lead to becoming more active outside the house as well as inside the house.

Outside Activities with Pets

Pets can make even the most mundane excercies seem like a lot more fun. Many people increase their outside activities by spending more time with pets outside, instead of simply letting them out on their own in the yard. Dogs are great pets to help you stay active. Many people run their morning or evening jog with their favorite dog. Dogs can run much longer and faster than the average person can. Dogs can also help runners establish a steady pace they can manage instead of feeling winded.

Inside Activities with Pets

Being active with your favorite pets is another great way to stay active when you are in the house. Pets will always want to play, unless they’re very old. The best way to keep yourself and your pet from being too lazy is to have a period of playtime with your pet everyday. Pets can go nonstop once they get riled-up, even the most simple game or play with your pet is better than being a couch potato.

Most of the time, it is not about what you are doing, rather is it about how often you are doing it. Make playing the pets a more consistent effort and this fun habit will form and have you living a more active life everyday. It does not take much to be active with pets inside, but doing so consistently can do wonders to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

We all know, dogs make excellent companions and are almost always content in doing whatever we are doing.  Dogs will do just about anything with us, from taking a ride in the car to lounging around on the couch (which I know I do a bit too often) all afternoon.  However, having a fur buddy gives you a great excuse to get out and exercise.  You and your dog will both benefit by taking a brisk walks around your neighborhood or jogging along a park trail.

THE ADVANTAGES
Walking or running with your dog does more than increase your physical and cardiovascular health, it can also help:

• Boost your mood
• Lower your blood pressure
• Strengthen your bond with your pet
• Keep you motivated to exercise regularly (your dog will bug you to stay on your routine)

WHAT YOUR DOG GETS OUT OF THE DEAL
Going for runs or walks with your pooch isn’t just good for you; it’s good for your dog too!  Exercising keeps your dogs heart, lungs, joints, digestive and circulatory systems healthy. 

I’m sure you’ve noticed your dog bouncing and zooming around the house in attempt to burn up their excess energy.  Exercising with your dog will help expend excess energy and control your dog’s weight. 

Regular exercise can also keep your pet’s not so fantastic behaviors in check. 

It can help prevent the sometimes destructive behavior hyperactive or anxious dogs have, like chewing, biting and digging.

KEEP IN MIND
Dogs can run (or walk) farther and faster than people, but that doesn’t mean your fur-baby should leap off the sofa and run for miles.  Gradually build up the distance when beginning.  Start with short walks/runs and slowly over time extend the distance to something you are both comfortable with.

Be careful to keep puppies from over exercising.  Strenuous activity for long periods of time can damage their developing bones and joints.  Follow the same rule with dogs that are older or recovering from illness or injury, it may be better to take it easy and exercise for shorter periods of time.  Switch your half hour run to two 15 minute walks.  Swimming is a great alternative for recovering pets.

Exercising in the middle of the day when the sun is at it’s hottest, can cause your pet to get heat stroke.  The best times to run/walk with your dog is dusk, dawn or anytime after dark.

THE ULTIMATE REWARD
Don’t feel like exercising?  It won’t just be your daily exercise that you’re blowing off, but your loving companions too.  Exercising with your dog will keep you motivated to stay on track and get healthy together.  Besides, what could be better than spending quality time with your best friend?

Tips for Protecting Your Dog’s Paws

1. In hot weather, walk you dog in grassy areas as much as possible to avoid burning of the paws.
2. In cold weather, consider having your dog wear booties to prevent contact with ice and de-icing chemicals (plus it’s really funny watching them get used to wearing booties).
3. Once inside, wipe off your dogs paws.
4. Inspect your dogs paws after every walk or run

People are living much longer today than in the past.  Our society has more Seniors now than ever before.  I like to think the vastly growing love of our pets plays a part in our human longevity.

We are all social beings and dogs are pack animals that fit perfectly into our daily lives.   Pet ownership is especially beneficial for the elderly and has numerous benefits.  

Animal behavior specialist Lynette A. Hart, PhD. says “Taking care of a creature that cares about you and responds to you is a real antidote and preventive medicine for loneliness and depression.”

Some Seniors will become more reclusive after the loss of a spouse.  Pets can give them a sense of security, with their unconditional love and companionship.  Knowing that another living being depends on you and feeling needed is a powerful motivator. 

Pets seem to relieve the stress of our daily lives, by the companionship they bring.  Studies have shown that people who own a dog or cat tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol.  They have even shown that heart attack victims that own pets have a higher survival rate after a year than those that do not.

Richard B. Ford, D.V.M., M.S., a veterinarian in Raleigh, N.C. says “Seniors can benefit substantially from pet ownership.”

We may all know that by keeping our bodies strong and fit we will live longer and healthier lives, but the older we get the less we tend to exercise.  Even though we may not exercise for ourselves, we do what we have to for the creatures we love.  If “Fido” needs his daily exercise and romps at the park, then that is exactly what gets done. 

Once you’re on the search for a pet, be sure to do your research.  Raising puppy can be an overwhelming task for an energetic 20 something, so be sure to select a pet that is appropriate for your lifestyle.   A great place to start your pet search is with your local humane society. 

For Seniors who live in convalescent homes and are unable to take care of a dog or cat full time there are Pet Therapy programs that will visit the centers. 

Nationwide Pet Therapy Groups

Pets have a Fountain of Youth quality and seem to keep us young by their very nature.  It’s tough to feel old when your playing.  Throwing balls, making silly sounds and laughing with a furry bundle of joy.