The benefits of staying healthy and fit is something most of us are aware of today as we fight the obesity epidemic and associated health risks of carrying excessive weight and limiting physical movement. Just as this is dangerous for humans, it also puts our four-legged friends in danger.
Pet obesity rates are rising today as we spend more time at the office and less time doing outdoor activities.
Just like humans, being obese increases your pets risk for developing diabetes, blood pressure or even cancer.
While positive reinforcement certainly goes a long way to train your pets, treats can easily increase caloric intake and add to excessive weight gain in dogs. Add to this the less frequent walks and time spent outdoors in general today, and the threat increases.
Here are some tips on increasing activity time to help keep your pup fit.
Create a Schedule and Stick to It
For anyone looking to get in shape and provide their body with proper cardiovascular health, creating a schedule is the best way to work fitness into their daily routine. Just like a doctor’s appointment or business meeting, this dedicated time slot should be honored. Be sure to take your dog along for the outing so he is also getting recommended daily exercise. Depending on the breed and type of dog they may need up to two long walks per day to receive enough activity.
Give Your Dog More Freedom
Another way to increase the time your dog is up and moving about is to give them more freedom. Both indoors and outside.
Keeping your dog in a crate for the long workday is an option many people frown up. Once you build up trust in your canine companion you may find that you can leave them out of the cage for the day and provide them with some time to get up and move around.
Running free outdoors is also something most dogs love to do. Even if you don’t have a physical fence up, you can allow them freedom in both scenarios by installing invisible fencing.
Invisible Fencing Options
Setting up a safe barrier that allows your pet freedom to roam and stretch as needed while keeping them your personal property safe is a top benefit of invisible fencing.
Using wireless technology and a dog collar you can set up dedicated perimeters for the dog to stay within. Keep them out of the kitchen, your flower beds and away from danger without putting up obstructing and bulky gates.
DogWatch of Western Mass is your source for user-friendly containment systems for your dog or cat to give them freedom while keeping them safe.