Marmaduke Pets

We all know that exercise is good for us, but did you know that it’s also good for your pets? Exercise helps to lower blood pressure and build up muscle. It’ll even help your pet have healthy bones. Walking also helps your dog to poo and wee so they’ll be less likely to get constipation or a urinary tract infection. Exercise stops your pet becoming bored and can reduce common behaviour problems such as chewing, barking, or digging.

But how much exercise does your pet need? And what are some of the best ways to exercise with your pet? In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and give you some tips and ideas on how to keep your pet fit and happy.

How Much Exercise Does Your Pet Need?

The amount of exercise your pet needs depends on several factors, such as their age, breed, size, health, and personality. In general, most dogs should get one to two hours of exercise daily to help keep them healthy². Cats, on the other hand, may need less exercise, but they still benefit from regular play sessions that stimulate their natural hunting instincts.

The best way to determine how much exercise your pet needs is to observe their behaviour and energy level. If your pet seems restless, bored, or destructive, they may need more exercise. If they seem tired, sore, or reluctant to move, they may need less exercise or a different type of activity.

How to Exercise with Your Pet

There are many activities you can do with your pet while exercising at the same time. Some activities provide more exercise for your pet than for you but are still a fun way to bond.

Here are some examples of exercises you can do with your pet:

1. Walking

 Brisk walking is an ideal exercise for human and hound. The benefits include a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, more energy, denser bones, and a lower risk of depression. In dogs, regular walks can also reduce common behaviour problems. There’s no set rule for how far or how long a dog should walk. Just work slowly toward a goal and slowly increase your speed and how far you walk. A trip to the vet for your dog and a doctor’s checkup for you is recommended before starting an exercise program.

2. Playing fetch

Playing fetch with a ball or disc is a classic way to exercise your dog and have fun at the same time. You can do this in your own yard or at a nearby park. Just make sure the area is safe and secure for your dog and that you use appropriate toys that won’t harm their teeth or cause choking hazards.

3. Swimming

Swimming is an all-in-one workout that is especially beneficial for people or dogs with arthritis. Because it’s a low-impact sport, swimming is easy on the joints. But that doesn’t mean it’s a wimpy workout. Swimming works various muscle groups, improves endurance, and strengthens the heart and lungs. Not all dogs enjoy swimming, so start slowly. Use toys or treats for encouragement, and if your dog still resists, find another sport.

4. Dancing

If long walks don’t entice you, try dancing with your dog. Also called musical freestyle, you choreograph a dance routine to upbeat music. You’ll have your pooch running between your legs and performing other tricks, while both of you get an aerobic workout. The benefits of dance include burning calories and developing greater stamina, better balance, lower blood pressure, and improved muscle tone and bone density.

5. Hiking

If your area offers hiking opportunities, you’ve got one lucky dog. Most dogs love to go out and find new smells and see other animals while spending time with their owner. Hiking can be a great way to explore new places and enjoy nature with your pet. Just make sure you follow the trail rules and etiquette, keep your dog on a leash or under control at all times, bring enough water and snacks for both of you, and watch out for potential hazards such as wildlife or poisonous plants.

How to Make Exercise Fun for Your Pet

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring or tedious for your pet.

You can make it more fun and engaging by following these tips:

1. Vary the routine

Don’t do the same exercise every day. Mix it up and try different activities, locations, and times of the day. This will keep your pet interested and excited about exercise.

2. Use positive reinforcement

Reward your pet with praise, treats, toys, or affection for doing a good job. This will motivate them to keep exercising and make them associate exercise with something positive.

3. Challenge your pet

Don’t make exercise too easy or too hard for your pet. Find the right balance of difficulty and intensity that suits their abilities and needs. You can also add some mental stimulation to the physical exercise by teaching them new tricks, commands, or games.

4. Have fun

The most important thing is to have fun with your pet while exercising. Enjoy the time you spend together and bond over the shared activity. Exercise should be something you both look forward to, not dread.

How Marmaduke Pets Can Help You

At Marmaduke Pets, we are passionate about helping you and your pet stay healthy and happy. That’s why we offer a wide range of products, services, and resources to support your pet’s well-being.

Whether you need a new leash, collar, harness, or toy for your dog, or a scratching post, litter box, or bed for your cat, we have it all. We also have grooming kits, supplements, treats, and more to keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

And if you’re looking for more tips and advice on how to care for your pet, check out our blog and newsletter. We regularly post articles on various topics related to pet health, nutrition, behaviour, training, and more.

We hope this blog post has inspired you to exercise with your pet and enjoy the many benefits it can bring. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. 

We’d love to hear from you!