It is important for cats and dogs to maintain a certain level of physical activity. This is not only beneficial for their wellbeing, but also for their behavior.
Overall, regular physical activity is essential for the wellbeing of cats and dogs, and can help them live longer, healthier lives. With summer right around the corner, we looked into various ways to help keep your dogs & cats active in the summer months.
But first, lets look at the benefits of
Regular physical activity can lead to a number of benefits:
- Physical health – regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, which is important for preventing obesity and related health issues such as joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Mental health – exercise and playtime can help reduce stress and anxiety, keeping pets mentally healthy and happy.
- Behavioral issues – regular exercise and activity can reduce the risk of destructive behaviors such as chewing, scratching, and excessive barking.
- Socialization – exercise and playtime can provide opportunities for socialization with other pets and people, which is important for their overall well-being.
- Bonding – regular play and exercise with your pet can help strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion, promoting a happy and healthy relationship.
- Loose weight – excercising can be an important part in weight loss for cats & dogs.
Keeping pets active is important for their physical and mental well-being. Remember, each pet has different needs and energy levels, so it’s important to tailor your approach to your pet’s individual needs. With some creativity and patience, you can help your pet stay healthy, happy, and active.
We searched online for some of the ways to keep your pets active found a number of engaging activities (beyond just playtime). Here are some tips on how to keep your pets more active:
- Playtime perhaps the most obvious way to get your cats & dogs to exercise is to set aside some time each day to play with your pet. This can be as simple as tossing a ball or a toy, or even a game of hide-and-seek. We will explore a couple of popular ways to play with your pets later in this article.
- Exercise – take your dog for daily walks or runs. For cats, provide them with toys that encourage physical activity such as a laser pointer or a wand toy.
- Food puzzles – use food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys to keep your pets mentally stimulated while also providing them with a physical challenge.
- Training – teach your pet new tricks or commands that require physical activity, such as jumping or crawling.
- Agility training – consider enrolling your dog in an agility training course, which can provide them with a fun and challenging physical workout.
- Interactive toys – provide your pet with interactive toys that require physical activity, such as a rope toy or a ball that dispenses treats when played with.
Another consideration here is making sure your dogs & cats have all the necessary minerals & vitamins they need, plus follow the routine processes like deworming etc. When your cats & dogs feel their best, they will be more active!
One of the most common way to keep your pet active is playtime. And when it comes to playtime it is important for it to be fun for you and for your pet! We looked into fun games that would be fun and engaging and put together a list below.
- Fetch – the classics. Playing fetch is perfect for dogs, but some cats also enjoy playing fetch with their toys. It can also be a lot of fun to compete with your dog – who gets the toy first.
- Hide-and-seek hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your pet to find them.
- Tug-of-war: This game is perfect for dogs who love to pull on toys. Just make sure you use a sturdy rope or tug toy and teach your pet to release the toy when you say “drop it.”
- Puzzle toys: Treat-dispensing puzzle toys can provide hours of fun for dogs and cats. You can buy them at pet stores or make your own by hiding treats in a box with holes cut out or a muffin tin with tennis balls covering the treats.
- Laser pointer: Many cats love chasing the elusive red dot of a laser pointer. Just be sure not to shine it in your pet’s eyes and to end the game with a treat or toy they can catch.
- Agility course: Set up an obstacle course for your dog, with jumps, tunnels, and other fun obstacles. You can use items you have at home, like boxes or chairs, or buy an agility kit online.
Remember, it is important to choose games that are appropriate for the size of your pet and their energy level. Have fun!
