The new year is here which means you’ve probably set some goals and resolutions for yourself regarding your health, finances, and self development. But, what about your pets? Pets, like humans, need to get exercise on a daily basis, and the new year poses as the perfect time to start setting health and exercise goals for your pet.
If you feel like you need help setting up a health plan or exercise plan for your pet, talk with a veterinarian at Laveen Veterinary Center for tips on doing this yourself at home.
Dogs
Luckily, most dogs are naturally active, but some need more opportunities to let out all of their energy. Try taking your dog for one extra walk a week, or make it a goal to take him or her to the dog park for a special day once a month.
At the dog park, your dog will naturally be inclined to engage in fun play with other dogs, and will get good exercise from running around and chasing them. Plus, letting your dog spend time with other dogs is also good for his or her social habits! When you are just at home, playing fetch is a great game to get your dog up and active. This requires minimal effort on your end, and they’ll have tons of fun playing with you. Finally, once the weather warms up, give your dog plenty of chances to spend time outside! If you’re lucky enough to have a big backyard, your dog will be sure to get plenty of exercise.
Cats
Though it can be more challenging to get cats to live more active lifestyles, there are a number of things that you can do to improve their activity and physical health. There are several interactive toys on the market to get your cat moving, and you can also consider feline agility training as well. The trick is to provide your cat with enough distraction throughout the day to get it moving. Try an automatic laser pointer or a vertical space or cat tree! These are basically guaranteed to give your cat endless hours of entertainment.