A Keep Fit Program For Your Pet

By Author: Petsecure
Total Articles: 6
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We all know the benefits of exercise for humans. Well, dogs and cats aren’t that different. If they don’t get exercise they will also run the risk of diabetes, liver problems, cardiac disease and arthritis. As well, inactivity will impact upon their mood and behaviour.

Tips on the type and extent of exercise recommended for dogs and cats
While cats need less exercise than dogs, they can become overweight if they don’t have exercise and this impacts on their general health. They also need to exercise their minds and young cats in particular can become destructive if they’re bored.

What kind of exercise works for cats?

• Play: cats enjoy playing, so get them some toys and play with your cat a couple of times a day. They like chasing moving objects (think cat and mouse), Tie a ball or some object onto a length of string and let her chase it. Or bounce a small ball around.

• Equipment: scratching posts and interactive toys that they can play with on their own will get them moving and save your furniture from damage.

• Hunting: Exercise their minds as well as ...
... bodies by making them hunt for their food. Rather than place it in the same spot every day, put it in different places. They’ll find it, never fear, and you’ve made them work for it!

• Walking: Unlike with dogs, walking on a lead is not a spontaneous activity for cats, but if you have a suitable harness and teach them when they’re very young, they can enjoy a little walk with you.

What exercise is best for dogs?

Dogs need more exercise than cats, but their needs vary significantly according to breed and age. It’s a good idea to consult your vet on the amount and type of exercise most suited to your dog. And remember, if you have pet insurance, you don’t have to skimp on the cost of a visit to the vet. Behaviour is a big issue with dogs, because a bored dog with dig holes, bark and even become aggressive, resulting in complaints from neighbors.

• Walking: this is the most popular and one of the best ways to exercise your dog and yourself – at the same time. A rule of thumb is 30 – 60 minutes a day. Some people (and dogs) prefer a shorter walk morning and evening.

• Running: Off leash exercise is great for dogs. Encourage them to run, romp and burn off energy. It’s good to tire them out but not to the point of exhaustion. Make sure they’re well hydrated.

• Playing: dogs are so good at games – wrestling with an old blanket or towel, one of those rope type toys, or a child’s old toy. They love games of throw and fetch and almost any object will do – a ball, a stick, even a pebble.

• Swimming: not all breeds are swimmers but even the non-aquatic types will enjoy a paddle and can be encouraged to swim by playing throw and fetch in the water.

• Training: Obedience training, doggy boot camp and day care will exercise mind as well as body.

Resource:

This article is written by Petsecure. Petsecure provide a range of pet insurance plans that enable you to claim up to $11,000 benefit per annum. For further information and a free pet insurance quote, please visit: http://www.petsecure.com.au/