Overweight Dogs and Exercise

More and more dogs are overweight. Moreover, just like in humans these extra pounds can lead to all kinds of other conditions and diseases. Dogs that are overweight are more prone to heart disease, joint problems and respiratory difficulties. Worst of all that extra weight will shorten the lifespan of your beloved pet.

What can you do to help Fido with his weight problem? The same thing you would do if you were gaining a few extra pounds. Watch what he eats and avoid snacks and treats. And the best thing you can do to help your pet? Get him out there exercising.

Most dogs do not get enough exercise. Simply letting your dog loose in the backyard is not enough. Very few dogs are going to run around and get a good workout. Most of them are going to lay back and wait for someone to come and exercise with them. They are not going to do it by themselves.

If you are not the kind of person who enjoys taking long walks or jogging, then find something else that you and your dog can do. The world of dog sports and activities has opened up and changed dramatically over the past few decades. There are hundreds of different things you can do with your pet.

Keeping Your Dog Fit can Be Fun!

Depending on the age and health of your dog, you could join anything from a biking club to a dog therapy group. The important thing is that you both get out and get moving. While a therapy club does not provide a lot of exercise, you can walk to and from the car, park a little further away than you normally would. Take an extra stroll around the grounds to make sure that Fido is a little tired before visiting the residents. However, do not overwork him, you do not want him panting and drooling.

Joining a dog sport or club will not only help improve your dog’s physical health it will give him a chance to exercise his mind. Dogs like humans get bored. A dog that is challenged tends to have less problem behaviors than a bored dog. Training your dog to learn something new can be a lot of fun and will hone up his old skills, which may be getting a little rusty.

Helping your dog to lose weight can be a lot of fun if you just find the right activity for the two of you. You and your dog can work out and train together and your dog will not only a good physical workout but a good mental one as well.