Medically reviewed by Jennifer Garcia, DVM
Sure, dog is manâs best friend â but our furry companions are more like us than you may realize. Case in point: To maximize dog health, itâs critical for Fido to get regular exercise.
Keeping your pet healthy has a lot to do with good nutrition, but just like people, dogs are becoming more and more sedentary these days. Consider this: You can help promote good dog health by getting your pet up and moving.
Doggy Exercises For Your Pet â and You
Follow these healthy pet guidelines:
- Teach a dog new tricks. Even the simple act of teaching a dog basic tricks can be great dog exercise, says Cori Gross DVM, a VPI Pet Insurance field veterinarian near Seattle. âBasic obedience training is exercise for your dogâs body, as well as his mind. Teach him to come when called, sit, and stay. Then you can graduate to more complicated tasks such as greeting visitors without jumping.
- Take your dog for a swim. Jean Hofve, DVM, former editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and current president of the Rocky Mountain Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, says that swimming is great for dogs, especially if they have arthritis. âIf you donât have a suitable lake nearby, canine rehabilitation centers are popping up all over,â she points out. A good way to get your dog into the water is to train her to chase a ball.
- Play hide and seek. Hiding a treat or a toy in a closet, under a bowl, or in a different room will keep your dogâs brain engaged as he plays, says Dr. Hofve. You can also try a dog toy called a Kong, which dispenses treats if your dog rolls it in the right direction.
- Give this ball a spin. Hofve also recommends Boomer Ball, a soccer-style, colorful ball that many dogs enjoy rolling around and playing with.
- Look for agility challenges. In many communities, you can enter your dog in agility challenges that can keep them fit and working at their best. âIn agility training, dogs run through obstacle courses and compete for the best time and fewest faults,â says Susan Nelson, DVM, an assistant professor of clinical sciences at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Try other dog sports. Agility challenges arenât your only option for getting a dog involved in sports. âDepending on your dogâs temperament and breed, you may want to consider a range of other options, such as simple obedience training, Flyball, Earthdog, tracking, herding, lure coursing, musical freestyle, or any of the other dog âsportsâ available,â says Hofve.
One of the best things to do for your dogâs health is to choose exercises that are healthy for you, too. Here are workouts that dogs and owners can do together:
- Walk it out. When it comes to exercises for you and your dog, the tried-and-true approach is hard to beat, says Hofve. âWalking, of course, is one of the very best exercises for both you and your dog,â she says. âIf you have a very active dog, hiking is a bit more challenging.â
- Play fetch. You canât go wrong with a good game of fetch, adds Hofve. âFetching games such as Frisbee and ball-throwing will at least get you out in the fresh air and will be tremendous fun for your dog,â she says. âIf you donât have a good pitching arm, try a product known as Chuckit! to throw the ball.â
- Run with caution. Running or jogging is great for many dogs, but itâs best to approach both options with caution. Advises Hofve, âMake sure your dog is fit enough for the faster pace. Also, run early or late during hot weather, and always bring water and a collapsible bowl for your dog.â
- Do downward-facing dog â together. Yoga with your dog? Believe it or not, there really is such a thing. Itâs called Doga, and there are classes and a DVD available to guide you through it.
Making time for exercise with your dog can be fun â and it will enhance both of your fitness levels.