Dog Exercise: The Key to Health and Happiness!

I love this time of year as I watch our neighborhood come alive - kids riding their bikes, neighbors mowing their lawns and everyone greeting each other as we pass by walking our dogs. An active lifestyle is not only important for us but our four-legged friends as well. Outdoor exercise provides a fresh & interesting environment to keep your pet active, alert and out of mischief. The following are a few outdoor activity ideas you can share with your dog:

• Take a Walk - there's nothing easier. Grab a leash and go! Daily walks are recommended for most dogs as part of their normal exercise routine (and for people too). Walks not only allow your pet to relieve himself but to also meet new friends in the neighborhood. Remember to use a lead or leash and make sure your dogs collar is not too loose that it may slip off or too tight that it could choke him. And don't forget it's common courtesy to clean up after your dog if he decides to make a mess while walking the neighborhood.


• Run Dog Run - taking it to the next level. This certainly isn't for me & my 12-year old dog but I do envy those who can run with their dogs. It's good for both of you to sport some sort of reflective gear especially while running at dawn or dusk. You will certainly feel safer with your dog in a track safety dog jacket in either blaze orange or fern green. There are even "running" leashes so you can be hands-free!


• Play Fetch - in your yard or at a local park. There's nothing more rewarding for your dog to return to his happy owner again and again and again and again. Dogs enjoy a good 'ol game of fetch as it's their natural instinct to hunt and retrieve. There are many popular fetch toys available now (beyond the soggy tennis ball & slobbery stick) that include flying discs and more.


• Doggy Paddle - swimming isn't just for humans! Dogs love to swim. And they are so much fun to watch as they doggy paddle along. If you're out on a boat, it's not a bad idea to consider investing in a dog life jacket especially if you're four-legged friend is a small breed. And don't count out your senior dog... swimming is great exercise and easy on the joints. If you're out in the middle of the lake use a doggy boat ladder to help your senior pal climb back into the boat easily.

No matter what activity you and your dog partake in this summer, remember safety first including water! It doesn't take much to overheat in these record temperatures that we have seen across the country this summer. Happy exercising!

This article is sponsored by medical case study.