Exercise & Your Pet
By Catherine Cobb, Fido Fitness

Every year, millions of people resolve to exercise more and lose weight. Many never reach the goals they have set. Are you one of them? Make it easier on yourself by sharing your resolution with a friend. Studies have shown that you will follow through and have a much higher degree of commitment and success when you work out with a companion. The truth is, you already have the best exercise partner in the world under your roof – your family pet!

Here’s how to structure an exercise program around your pet’s abilities and attributes. The trick is to design a program like your pet would design… one that includes lots of love, play and affection!

THE BENEFITS - Although this article is about exercise and your pet, all the health benefits your pet receives, you will receive, too! Exercise can help prevent weight gain and keep the joints, ligaments and muscles strong with full range of use and movement. Studies have shown that appropriate exercise can help reduce the pain and suffering associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia in pets. Exercise also keeps the immune system active and the heart, lungs and other organs strong and functioning at their best. The risks of not exercising include obesity, diabetes and reduced immunity to disease.

Another benefit of exercise is the social interaction and mental stimulation you get from having a pet. Research has proven that people with pets are much less likely to suffer from feelings of loneliness or experience severe depression. Pet owners get sick less often than non-pet owners. When pet owners do get sick or have surgery, they recover substantially faster with fewer complications.

EXERCISE - It’s good for you and it’s good for your pets! The type of exercise you choose should be fun, with variety for both you and your pet. Some great forms of exercises that are safe and enjoyable are walking, running, swimming bicycling, playing fetch and taking trips to the local dog park. Cats need playful and fun exercise, too. Although cats can be trained to walk on a leash, they are designed for brief bursts of activity rather than longer slower periods of exercise like dogs. Cat toys are an excellent option for playing with Fluffy. Any toy or object that brings out the hunting instinct to chase, catch and strike at will get your cat off the windowsill.

BEFORE you begin an exercise program, consider the following:

What is the current health of your pet? The best plan for you and your pet is to get a physical checkup by your doctor and veterinarian before beginning any exercise program. A veterinarian can also help you evaluate exercises and even suggest alternative exercises that might be more appropriate for the size, breed and age of your pet.

Is there a time of day that is best to do your exercise? The greatest benefit of exercise is acquired cumulatively. In other words, you need to do it on a consistent and regular basis for optimal benefit. It is best to schedule two 15-20 minute sessions every day, plus one day a week to do something even more fun. Your pet will appreciate the routine and it will motivate you to get up and out of the house.

Do I need to warm up before exercising? Pets, like their owners, should warm up before exercising to reduce the risk of strain and injury. If your pet has been spending a lot of time sitting on the couch watching Animal Planet lately, you will need to start out slowly on an exercise program. If you choose to run with your pet, start by walking, then slowly pick up the pace before hitting full stride.