How To Keep Fido Physically Fit

One of the greatest aspects of maintaining your dogs physical health is that it has  a direct effect on your own fitness. The best way to bond  and have quality time with your companion is exercise. It's all about "the walk."  Walking is pack behavior.  It emulates the "hunt" for food, and has a lasting effect on  your dogs emotional well-being. Nothing better to a dog than a run with the pack. Fenced in or backyard play is good, but it never gives your dog the same benefits as walking, the truth is, that your dog is more active during a good walk.

A vigorous walk is a cardiovascular workout. It breaths life into the muscular tissues and circulatory system.  Oxygenation occurs by dilation of blood vessels and increased blood pressure,  and cleanses cells of toxins. Exercise aids in improved bowel movements. (Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, Richard H. Pitcairn, DMV, PHD)

Use common sense. Design your exercise regiment according to your dogs abilities. Low energy, smaller breeds need less exercise then high energy larger breeds. Elderly dogs need exercise, but at a much slower pace, and that's assuming they are healthy and mobile.  German Shepherds, for example, will do good with at least a hour or more a day. For your couch potato Terriers, a half hour is good. Mix walking with other activities like fetch or frisbees. Makes for a win-win program that benefits you and your companion. Visit my web-site @ www.petbudsvt.com.