Exercising with your dog can be a rewarding and enjoyable way to keep you both fit and healthy. Regular physical activity has numerous benefits for dogs, including weight management, improved cardiovascular & immune health, mental stimulation, and strengthens the bond between both dog and owner.
Your dogs lymphatic system will be healthier through exercise too! The lymphatic system helps to remove toxins and waste products from the body and exercise enhances this process by increasing circulation and promoting efficient lymphatic drainage. If your dog suffers with inflammation and swelling, an efficient lymphatic system will help to drain the excess fluid which is great news for dogs with stiff joints. Keeping your dogs lymphatic system healthy will also help to keep their skin and coat in good condition, as the lymph feeds the skin!
So if you are thinking about getting out and about, whether that’s a gentle walk or something more energetic, we have put together some ideas below for exercising with your dog.
Remember to consider your dog's age, breed, and health condition when planning activities. Always consult with your own vet if you have concerns about your dog's ability to participate in specific exercises. The key is to make exercise enjoyable for you and your dog, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for both of you.
Walking: Daily walks are a simple and effective way to keep both you and your dog active. Vary the route to provide mental stimulation for your dog and to reduce boredom for yourself!
Running or Jogging: If you enjoy running or jogging, consider bringing your dog along. Certain breeds, like retrievers and herding dogs, often enjoy running activities. If you want to be more active and do cross country running with your dog, consider the popular sport of ‘Canicross’ - search for your local club online or visit https://canicrossuk.com/
Biking: For high-energy breeds, biking with your dog on a lead is great fun. For the more adventurous, Bikejor is a great sport where you ride your bike with your dog pulling you along, attached to a special harness. Bikejor clubs in your area can be found online.
Hiking: Explore nature trails or hiking paths with your dog. Hiking provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation as your dog encounters new scents and environments. Hiking is suitable for the more mobile and adventurous.
Sports; Agility/Fly ball: Agility is a great solo activity with your dog that involves your dog negotiating obstacles so not only provides physical exercise but also stimulates your dog's mind. Fly ball is more of a team sport where your dogs speed and agility are paramount to the teams success! Both sports do require your dog to be fit and well and extra support of their musculoskeletal system may be required. Both sports are well supported in the sporting community so do reach out your local club of more information.
Fetch: Playing fetch is an excellent way to engage your dog in physical activity. Whether it's in your backyard or at a park, throwing a ball or a frisbee can be a fun and energetic game.
Swimming: if your dog enjoys water, swimming is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. This is an ideal exercise for dogs who can only do low impact activities due to age or injury. Be sure to choose a safe environment, and never force your dog into the water if they are uncomfortable.
Playdates: Arrange playdates with other dogs. This not only provides physical exercise but also social interaction, which is important for your dog's well-being.
Consider adding a Proflax supplement to your dogs daily food where they are exercising more than usual. For extra energy and to aid recovery choose Immunity & Vitality as a flaxseed oil option or Omega Vital as a fish oil option. For musculoskeletal support pre and post exercise choose one of our four Bone & Joint products in oil, powder or chew form.
To further support cleansing of the system alongside exercise and to prevent allergies and yeast conditions, opt for a short course of Liver Love which is a powerful yet gentle cleansing oil. Finally, if your dog loses focus or concentration then opt for one of our three Calming products in oil or chew form.
