April is National Canine Fitness Month, so we’re looking at ways to help pet’s and their parents 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.
Six ways to have more fun outside with your dog
After a long winter cooped up indoors, your four-legged buddy is eager to get outside and sniff the grass under their 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
- 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.
- 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. This is especially important if they are older or have underlying health issues.
Treats are a great way to reward your dog for desired behavior, but make sure you are giving healthy treats. Look for dog treats from a reputable brand that are low in calories, but high in protein to help maintain a healthy weight. There are also many recipes online if you want to make your own dog treats at home, with ingredients like canned pumpkin, sweet potato and peanut butter.
Is your dog tired or sore from increased activity?
If you find that boosting your pet’s activity level has resulted in new muscle aches and pains, don’t worry. As their body gets used to being more active outside, the muscles will become more conditioned. However, if your pet’s pain is severe or you think they may have an injury, call your vet.
Here are some of our favorites natural remedies to help relieve muscle and joint pain in pets:
- ComfyPet Pain Relief™ for Minor Aches & Pain is a homeopathic remedy to help pets with minor aches and pains, by reducing soreness and discomfort in muscles and joints caused by old age or injury.
- Muscle & Joint Support-S™ for Pet Strength & Mobility is a natural herbal supplement to support healthy joints and muscles, while aids in comfortable movement for pets of all ages.
- Muscle & Joint Support-M™ for Joint Pain in Pets is a homeopathic remedy for joint stiffness, minor pains, soreness and swelling. That helps to keep joints flexible and keep 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 a herbal supplement capsule that supports red and white blood cell health, energy levels and vitality. Helping keep healthy organs, tissues and cells, and also supports a healthy appetite along with waste and toxin elimination.
Has spending more time outside triggering your pet’s allergies?
If your dog has allergy-like symptoms, don’t panic. Like humans, pets can also 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 option for pet owners who want to reduce pharmaceuticals.
Some pet owners add a small amount of apple cider vinegar 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. While other 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 find which remedies are right for your dog.
Here are two of our favorite homeopathic remedies to help pet’s with allergies:
- Allergy Itch Ease™ Granules are homeopathic remedy known to soothe and relieve skin itch and allergies, as well as supporting the health and integrity of all cells and layers of the skin for both dogs and cats.
- Sinu-Rite™ is a homeopathic remedy for symptoms of allergy-related congestion and acute sinusitis in dogs and cats.
Homeopathic remedies should be used alongside your vet, not as a substitute for regular veterinary care. Always check with your vet before changing your pet’s medication or routine.
Takeaways
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.