In today’s busy, often hectic world, exercise and other playful activities are essential for you and your furry friend. After a long workday, you may be tempted to relax on the couch, but engaging in physical activity promotes your and your pet’s health, strengthening the bond you share. Whether you have a playful pup or a curious kitty, you can incorporate exercise into your daily routine in numerous ways. Read our Bartow Animal Clinic team’s five ways to stay active with your pet and enjoy a playful, happy, and healthy life with your furry pal.

#1: Take a walk with your pet

Walking is one of the best exercises, and you and your pet get the added benefit of fresh air and sunshine. Most pets are well-suited for walking because it’s a low-impact exercise. However, certain breeds, such as flat-faced (i.e., brachycephalic) dogs, are negatively impacted by heat and overexertion. Ask your veterinarian to give you the green light if your pet has health conditions before heading out on those walks or jogs. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking each day, allowing your pet to explore and smell their surroundings. Choose various routes to keep things interesting, and consider incorporating jogging or running intervals to increase your workout’s intensity. However, during hot days, follow these tips for your pet’s safety:

  • Bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for hydration
  • Keep your twice-daily walks to the early morning or late evening hours
  • Follow a route that provides shade
  • Opt for short, frequent walks
  • Avoid hot asphalt and sidewalks that can burn your pet’s paws

#2: Have fun indoors with interactive pet games

Your pet will get great exercise and mental enrichment when you engage them in interactive games. During interactive play, you bond with your cat or dog while burning off excess energy. Choose various toys and games to find what your pet enjoys most, and make playtime a regular part of your daily schedule. Options for indoor interactive games include:

  • Cat Dancer or laser pointer
  • Tug-of-war
  • Fetch
  • Indoor agility course
  • Hide-and-seek
  • Food-dispensing puzzles
  • Teaching new tricks

#3: Use the great outdoors as your pet’s playground

Exploring the great outdoors with your pet by going on hikes or camping trips together is a wonderful activity choice. Many dogs, and sometimes cats, love exploring new trails and environments. Ensure that any trail or campground is pet-friendly and that your pet is fully vaccinated and on year-round parasite preventives. Before going outdoors, grab a water bottle for your pet to provide them with hydration and prevent them from drinking from puddles, lakes, or other water sources where Giardia can thrive. Always keep your pet on a leash while exploring, and avoid wildlife by going in the opposite direction of their path. 

#4: Create an agility course for your pet

Agility training isn’t just for professional athletes; it’s a fun and challenging game for pets and their owners. Set up a backyard obstacle course, which you can find online, or enroll in a local agility class to improve your pet’s coordination, agility, and obedience skills while getting a great workout. Using baby gates, boxes, poles, and everyday items, you can build your furry pal’s course. 

#5: Go for a swim with your pet

If you and your pet enjoy swimming, go for a dip. If this is your pet’s first time swimming, test their skills by starting them off in shallow water. If you can access a pool or pet-friendly beach, take them into shallow water and let them splash around. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that provides a full-body workout for people and pets. Remember, not all dogs are natural swimmers, and the activity can be dangerous to brachycephalic breeds whose respiratory systems are compromised. Always supervise your pet while they’re swimming to ensure their safety.

Keeping your pet active also keeps you active, creating a win-win. Daily play and exercise benefit physical and mental health and strengthen the bond you share with your four-legged friend. Incorporating exercise can ensure you and your pet lead happy, healthy lives together. The team at Bartow Animal Clinic encourages you to get moving and have some fun. To ensure your pet is exercise-ready, schedule their wellness exam with our team.