Happy Dog, Happy Life. There’s a reason they’re called Man’s Best Friend!
We all know the importance of exercise and how it’s the secret to a healthier and happier life. But did you know that it’s the exact same case for dogs as well? Exercising for dogs is not just a fun activity, it is also needed for their physical and emotional health. In fact, whether its pet magazines or actual certified veterinarians, everyone agrees that exercise is crucial for a dog’s well-being. If you’re still curious as to why dogs actually need all this workout, keep reading.
Exercise Makes Dogs Happy
Exposure to sunlight produces all the happy endorphins like dopamine and serotonin, making your dog the bundle of positivity that you love. When you add exercise to the equation, it gets even better because it’s is a mood booster and a fun activity which does wonders for your dog’s emotional health. Dogs tend to develop anxiety, and the consequences of that can be seen especially when they are left alone. If your dog has a lot of pent-up energy and feelings and is not stimulated enough, you can be sure your dog will be a messy attention seeker. Like humans, exercise alleviates anxiety in dogs. It provides for an overall better mood and peace of mind. So, the more physical activity your dog gets, the happier it will be!
Natural sunlight is so good for your dogs! They will soak it up.
Sunlight Exposure Is Healthy
The obvious question here is — what does exercise have to do with the benefits of sunlight? Our dogs can attain sunlight through open windows altogether, right? Well, that’s where you’re wrong. Glass actually doesn’t let the full spectrum of light in, so your dog won’t be exposed to the full range of benefits sunlight has to offer. Sunlight is a very good source of Vitamin D, which dogs obviously can’t produce themselves. You must be wondering, then why would dogs even need Vitamin D? Well, Vitamin D is extremely important for your dog/puppy’s skin, coat and bone development. So, since sunlight is a free source of Vitamin D, why not let your dog have as much as it can? Sunlight is also great for killing bacteria and fungi and helps your dog heal a lot faster. It also regulates melatonin, which is the substance that gives your dog a routine sleep cycle. So, the best way to get your dog the sunlight it needs is by letting it stroll outdoors.
Exercise Keeps Your Dog Fit
Exercise keeps dogs healthy. It allows them to be lean and fit and have good joints and bones. Just like humans, being in proper shape ensures dogs fewer chances of having diabetes, cancer, or other diseases. Even old dogs need exercise. It makes their aging process a lot easier. In fact, for the prevention of health issues like arthritis, exercise is always recommended. However, it’s important that you keep an eye on elderly dogs during exercises. If your dog isn’t responding well to them, then the exercises should be more mellow and less strenuous. No matter what, keep your elderly dog physically fit and active to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
There’s a reason they’re called Man’s Best Friend. Bonding with your dog through exercise and play is healthy for both you and your fur baby.
Bonding Opportunity
Making sure your dog exercise ensures more quality time and bonding opportunities for the both of you. You’ll discover your dog more. You’ll get more opportunities to understand and play with them. That’ll make your dog a lot more gleeful while being a huge mood booster for you. A better option? Start exercising with your dog. If you’re someone who wants to lose weight or incorporate an effective workout in your life, there’s no better option. Dogs are full of energy and make even the most monotonous physical activities heaps of fun!
Dogs Are Meant to be Active
Dogs aren’t supposed to lead sedentary lives. For example, dogs such as German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to be active breeds. So, dogs are inherently physically active and you shouldn’t deprive them of that. In the past, hunting, guarding or herding were typically stereotyped as dog activities. Therefore, when you command your dog to exercise, you’re actually giving them a task to complete. Even simple tasks like fetching a ball or completing an obstacle course will provide your dog a fun, motivating and stimulating activity.
Exercise Will Make Your Dog Social
Taking your dogs to the park for exercising exposes them to other dogs and humans. This is especially helpful for puppies and dogs that are not prone to contact, especially the rescued ones. When you take your dog out for a walk, you’re giving it a tour of the street, and exposing it to different objects, aromas, noises, vehicles and even different people. These various walks on the streets and parks let your dog experience walking around on different surfaces. All this lets your dog get accustomed to the world and helps him or her develop good behavior and reactions.
Dogs who have spent time outdoors getting exercised and socialized generally are easier to train.
Exercise Helps the Training Process
Some dogs are quite difficult to train because of their hyperactive, abstract personalities. In such cases, exercise might actually be easier than training for your dog. Wearing off all that energy might give your dog more focus. You could even teach your dog a few tricks and train them to do things during walks and playtime, daily. Your dog may then take a liking towards training and follow instructions.
Final Thoughts
Dogs need exercise just as much as humans. Not only are they active species by birth, but it ’s also extremely important for their bodily and mental health. However, you should always make sure you are doing only as much your dog can handle. An older dog won’t be able to be as active as a middle-aged dog. In fact, even puppies don’t have properly developed bones like their adult counterparts. But don’t worry, the benefits of exercising your dog far outweigh the negatives if there are any. The cons can surely be avoided if you take good care.
So, go on and take your dog on a daily walk, or play with it in the park or backyard and you’ll see the change yourself!
Author Bio
Shawn is a content writer at FeedFond. He’s a doting father not only to his two children but also to his two Golden Retrievers. Check out more of his articles at FeedFond.com.
