Good nutrition and exercise is key to every pet's overall good health. But if you have an indoor dog and you can’t get them outside often enough for optimal wellness, how can you encourage exercise within these limitations?
The good news is that you have plenty of ways for the diligent dog owner to keep their best friend in good shape. Here are a few things you can do.
Get Your Pup a Friend
Do you have room in your life for a second pet? Then you might help both yourself and your dog. A young and relatively energetic friend may encourage your current dog to be more active. They play, chase, and get each other interested in the world around them.
Make Obstacles
Your home can be good exercise for a four-legged friend if you set it up right. Do you have multiple levels in your house or apartment? Running up and down stairs is an excellent cardiovascular workout both for humans and their dog friends.
You might also create certain obstacles within the house to design a doggy exercise course. Turn chairs and tables into an agility exercise. Use pool noodles or hula hoops to encourage your dog to jump over or crawl underneath. Play hide and seek. The options are limited only by your own imagination and your willingness to work with the pet to teach them.
Visit Pet-Friendly Stores
Winter is one of the most difficult times to walk and exercise dogs. Between the cold weather and short days, it might even be dangerous to be outside with your dog for too long. One free alternative are indoor stores. Look for pet-friendly retail locations in your area — often in pet-focused specialty stores — and take Fido there for some exercise and entertainment.
Exercising a dog in any retail environment carries a bonus perk as well. An indoor dog who doesn't get to visit other dogs very often gets to participate in a little socialization with other animals and humans alike.
Try a Treadmill
Do you have a treadmill in the home? Many Americans own such a machine, although it may be used to dry the laundry more than to exercise on. Whether or not you actually work out on a treadmill, this is a simple way to get your dog walking.
Start slowly and always provide adult supervision of the dog. Begin by getting the dog familiar with the treadmill when not in operation. Eventually, use treats or positive reinforcement to start it at a very slow pace. Gradually increase. Not all dogs will take to a treadmill if they weren't trained as puppies, but it's a great workout for those who enjoy it.
Organize Play Dates
Play dates aren't just for little kids. If you are having trouble getting your dog outside and well exercised, the chances are that others around you have the same problem. Why not ask for some play dates?
If your dog isn't already spending time with other specific dogs, talk with friends, co-workers, family members, and neighbors about their schedule and how their dogs get along with others. Organize a fun outing at a park in good weather or just get the pets together indoors during harsher weather.
Can you use any of these ideas to help keep your indoor dog healthier and happier? If you aren't sure how to apply suggestions within your own life or could use other ideas about exercise, talk with an experienced veterinarian in your area.
At
Angel Pet Hospital, we know that animal health begins at home. Make an appointment today to learn more about the benefits of exercise and ways to accomplish it in any circumstances.
