7 Ideas for Outdoor Fun and Dog Fitness
April is National Canine Fitness Month, so we’re looking at ways to help pets and their pawrents stay active and enjoy the new spring weather.
From old favorites to new tricks, we’ve got ideas to help you enjoy more outside time with your canine companions.
7 ways to have more fun outside with your dog
After a winter cooped up indoors, your four-legged buddy is eager to get outside and sniff the grass under her feet.
Canine Fitness Month is the perfect time to focus on your pet’s physical health and well-being. Here are some ideas to celebrate canine fitness month:
- Step up your dog walking game. Go on regular walks or hikes with your pet. Walking and hiking are great ways to keep your dog physically active. A scenic hike through a local park or nature preserve helps your animal get exercise and experience new sights and smells.
Spending this time together also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. If you run, try taking your dog for a run or jog. Their stamina may surprise you!
- Play fetch. Many dog breeds love to play fetch, and it’s a great way to keep them physically active and mentally engaged. You can play a game of fetch in your backyard, at the dog park, or even at the beach.
- Try agility training. Agility training involves your dog navigating through a series of obstacles, such as tunnels, jumps and weave poles. This activity is a fun and challenging way to keep your furry friend moving.
You can create your own obstacle course in your backyard or a local park. The course could include weaving through cones, crawling under tables or jumping over hurdles.
- Go for a swim. If you live near a lake or beach that allows pets, take your dog for a swim. Swimming is a low-impact exercise than is great for animals with joint problems.
- Teach your dog a new trick. Young or old, dogs love learning new tricks. Teaching a new trick can be fun for both of you!
- Take part in a charity dog walk or run. Many organizations host dog-friendly charity runs or walks. These can be a great way to get your dog moving outside while also supporting a good cause.
Other ways to help your pet stay fit
Canine fitness doesn’t just mean workouts. It also includes routine veterinary care. Regular wellness checkups with your vet can help ensure that your dog is healthy and fit. Your vet can advise you on a fitness routine tailored specifically to your dog’s needs.
Check with your vet before starting a new exercise routine with your pet, especially if they are elderly or having underlying health issues.
Treats are a great way to reward your dog for desired behavior, but make sure you give healthy treats. Look for dog treats from a reputable brand that are low in calories and high in protein to help maintain a healthy weight. There are many recipes online for making homemade dog treats at home, with ingredients like canned pumpkin, sweet potato and peanut butter.
Is your dog tired or sore from increased activity?
If boosting your pet’s activity level results in new muscle aches and pains, don’t worry. As his body gets used to being more active outside, the muscles will become more conditioned. If your pet’s pain is severe or you think he has an injury, call your vet.
There are natural remedies available that can help relieve muscle and joint pain in pets. Here are some of our favorites:
ComfyPet Pain Relief™ is a homeopathic medicine to help pets with minor aches and pains. It reduces soreness and discomfort in muscles and joints caused by old age or injury.
Muscle & Joint Support-S™ is a natural herbal supplement to support healthy joints and muscles. It aids comfortable movement for animals of all ages.
Muscle & Joint Support-M™ is a homeopathic medicine for joint stiffness, minor pain, soreness and swelling. It helps to keep joints flexible and maintain strength in the body’s elastic tissues.
C-Caps™ for Complete Cellular Health promotes cellular and immune system health in dogs and cats. It is an herbal supplement capsule that supports red and white blood cell health, energy levels and vitality. It helps maintain healthy organs, tissues and cells, and also supports a healthy appetite along with waste and toxin elimination.
Our hemp extracts come in full-strength and extra-strength formulas that support overall canine health.
Is spending more time outside triggering your pet’s allergies?
If your dog has allergy-like symptoms, don’t panic. Like humans, pets can experience seasonal or environmental allergies.
Pets with allergy symptoms can benefit from natural, homeopathic and herbal remedies. While prescription allergy medicine is available, natural allergy treatments are a good alternative for pet owners who want to minimize pharmaceuticals.
Some pet owners add a small amount of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to a dog’s food or water to help alleviate allergy symptoms. Apple cider vinegar has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help sooth irritated skin and reduce itchiness.
Likewise, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties because it is high in lauric acid. Some pet owners add a little coconut oil to their dog’s food to help allergy symptoms and boost overall health.
Herbal remedies can be effective at treating allergy symptoms in dogs. Common herbs for allergies include nettle, licorice root and chamomile. A holistic vet can help you determine which remedies are right for your dog.
Here are three favorite natural remedies to help pets with allergies:
Allergy Itch Ease™ is a homeopathic medicine for dog and cat skin allergies, available as either an oral spray or granules. It relieves and soothes skin itch and allergies and addresses acute skin problems such as eczema and redness. Learn more.
Sinu-Rite™ is a homeopathic medicine for symptoms of allergy-related congestion and acute sinusitis in dogs and cats. Learn more.
Allergy Itch Ease™ Oral Spray is homeopathic medicine for cat and dog skin itch and allergies. It stops the scratching and calms your pet.
Natural remedies should be used in conjunction with your vet, not as a substitute for regular veterinary care. Always check with your vet before changing your pet’s medication or routine.
Takeaway
Including regular exercise and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle will help your canine companion avoid weight gain and live a healthier life. Canine Fitness Month is the perfect time to start a new routine you can continue all year long.
Sources:
- “FitPAWS brings you National Canine Fitness Month.” FitPAWS Experts in Canine Fitness, Conditioning and Rehab. Accessed March 29, 2023. https://fitpawsusa.com/national-canine-fitness-month/
- “Canine Fitness Month.” National Today Calendar. Accessed March 29, 2023. https://nationaltoday.com/canine-fitness-month/
- “Canine Fitness Month.” National Day Calendar. Accessed March 29, 2023. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/canine-fitness-month-april/
- “Amigo Animal Clinic Brings You Canine Fitness Month.” Amigo Animal Clinic. Accessed March 29, 2023. https://amigoanimalclinicgj.com/blog/amigo-animal-clinic-brings-you-canine-fitness-month/
- Burke, A. “Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment.” American Kennel Club AKC. Accessed March 29, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/
- “Types of Allergies in Pets.” Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota. Accessed March 29, 2023. https://aercmn.com/types-of-allergies-in-pets/