Fido’s Fitness Routine

Does your canine buddy playful and full of energy? Or do you have a furry couch potato on your hands? Making sure Fido gets proper activity is very important, for both his physical health and his mental well-being. Read on as an Omaha, NE vet discusses keeping your dog fit.

Your Dog’s Activity Needs

Doggy workout requirements are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Your pet’s needs will depend on several different factors, such as his age, weight, health, and breed. Not all exercises are suitable for every pooch. For instance, large breeds should not be encouraged to jump or stand on their back legs very often, as it can put too much strain on their hips and joints. Pugs, on the other hand, get winded easily, and are not good candidates for running or swimming. Ask your vet for specific recommendations. Of course, you’ll also want to keep Fido’s personal tastes in mind. Some pups can get a great workout in just by playing fetch a few minutes a day. However, if you throw a stick, and your just dog tilts his head and gives you an adorable, confused look, you may need to find a different option.

Safety

Overexertion can be very dangerous for Man’s Best Friend. If you’re an athletic type, you may want to take your pooch jogging or hiking with you. Build Fido’s endurance up slowly, and keep an eye on him at all times. If he starts to lag behind, take a break and give him some water.

Indoor Workouts

Walking your dog is a lot more fun in warm weather than it is in wintertime! Fido may want to spend a good chunk of winter snuggled up in his doggy bed. However, you can keep your four-legged buddy moving inside. Pick an area without a lot of breakable objects, and play a few rounds of fetch. Holding a laser pointer for your pup to chase is another good option. You can even trick your furry pal into doing stair runs. Go up the stairs with your pet’s favorite doggy toy, and call him to you. When your canine friend reaches you, toss the toy down the stairs for him to retrieve. A few rounds of this will really get your pup’s heart going! Ask your vet for more information.

Please contact us, your Omaha, NE animal clinic, anytime. We are happy to help!