Exercise and Your Pet

Developing an exercise program for your dog and cat is important to their overall well being. Regular exercise builds strength and endurance while maintaining a healthy body weight. Additional benefits of exercise include fewer behavior and medical problems associated with inactivity.  Obesity is a preventable disease and in the pet population, one in five pets suffer from obesity. Our pets become obese through a combination of excessive caloric intake and inadequate exercise. The excess fat that weighs down your pet leads to many medical conditions and may shorten your pet’s life span.  

All pets will have a different level of need for exercise.  Some animals are very high energy and require hours of exercise, while some animals require less.  Either way, the goal is to keep your pet at an ideal weight.  A pet at an ideal weight has the following characteristics: ribs are felt readily under the skin without excess fat deposits, a waistline that is indented, and their abdomen draws up and does not droop. 

Puppies and Dogs

There is a saying, “a good puppy is a tired puppy”.  For puppies and dogs, it is best to start as early as possible introducing them to a collar and leash. Some dogs will do better with a harness instead of a neck collar. Ask your veterinarian for the best choice for your dog. This early restraint training will ensure that your dog is safe and will be a joy to walk.  Once your dog can be safely handled on a leash, begin with slow and steady walks one to three times a day. Gradually increase the walking distance to one that is comfortable for your pet. The distance will vary based on your dog’s age, health status and breed. Your veterinarian will help you establish guidelines for your dog.  Most often, dogs will start to sit or walk behind you when they are getting tired - this is a good sign that you have reached a good distance.  

There are other activities that can be explored for more high energy dogs. Most dogs enjoy retrieving balls, ropes and frisbees. Swimming and playing with other canine companions are also excellent forms of exercise.  There are also agility training courses or lure coursing that can be fun and competitive.  

Kittens and Cats

Kittens and cats are a whole different species!  For our feline friends, choose activities that stimulate their natural predator-prey instincts. Try different forms of play with your cat to find out what they like best. Aim for 10-15 minutes of activity, three to four times daily.  It is important to do frequent repetitions, as cats can loose interest quickly.  Fishing pole toys are popular choices for many cats, as they readily promote play and jumping behaviors.  Often, the best toys for cats are those that are not found in the store: cardboard boxes, paper bags, and paper crumpled into a ball that can be batted around are favorites.  String and yarn are not good toys for cats it can be swallowed and cause an intestinal foreign body.  If your cat enjoys walking outside, be sure they are fitted with a harness and leash for safety.

Let us help you develop a regular exercise program tailored to your pet’s needs. A consultation with a veterinarian prior to starting any exercise program is essential to ensure your pet doesn’t have any health conditions (e.g., arthritis) that need to be addressed first. The goal is to make the exercise program fun for everyone while ensuring your pet’s safety.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 277-1883.