Doggy fitness: 8 fun, easy exercise ideas for busy dog owners

Spring is here! The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and your dog’s desire to go outside is at an all-time high! Spring is the perfect season for enjoying the outdoors with your pup, but sometimes our busy schedules can get in the way of adequate exercise.

Remember, daily activity for your dog is essential—not only does it aid in heart health and weight management, but it also boosts their mood, eliminates boredom, and reduces potentially destructive behaviors.

From at-home activities to chill hangouts with other pups and their owners, here are eight simple ways to exercise your dog this spring!

1. Have some brain-boosting, backyard fun: If you have a backyard or a large yard, agility training and nosework games are great ways to exercise your dog in a secluded space. Obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, and other stimulating activities exercise the body and brain, and your dog will end the play session with a few new skills to show off to visitors! Best of all, they take a short time to set up, making them an easy add-on to your daily routine.
2. Take more walks: Don’t be a couch potato—the time spent sitting around your house can be used for more outdoor time. Spring is the best time to add in a few more extra walks for both you and your dog. Burn calories, prevent diabetes, and combat boredom with a leisurely walk.
3. Explore the trails: For adventurous owners, including your dog on a hike can make up for lost exercise time. Fresh spring air, winding trails, and scenic views of lakes and rivers can be the much-welcomed change of scenery you and your pup need. This is especially great for active breeds, and exploring new trails and sniffing out new scents can improve your dog’s navigation and social skills.
4. Attend a doggy function: Fancy a Maltese meet-up? How about a session of puppy yoga? Canine community events are popular in the warmer months and are fun ways to enjoy the fresh air, exercise, and meet other animal lovers doing activities you enjoy! Check local social media groups, pet stores, and vet offices for upcoming events in your area.
5. Hit the dog parks: Get some socialization in with a visit to the dog park. Interacting with other animals and people is a great way to ease social anxiety and build confidence in new surroundings—just be sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations.
6. Take a swim: Swimming is a valuable life skill for both humans and dogs! If your dog loves splashing around, include them on a beach or lake day with you and your friends. If your pup isn’t a swimmer yet, spring is a great time to learn! Start in a safe, shallow area, use a life jacket, and encourage them with lots of treats for their treads.
7. Teach some new tricks: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Use spring as an opportunity to teach your dog some fun new tricks while at home. From life-saving skills to obedience commands, training sessions keep their minds sharp and strengthen your bond.
8. Bring the water park to your home: Just because your dog prefers their paws on the ground rather than in the water doesn’t mean they should miss out on the springtime H2O fun! Play a few games with the hose in your yard, like water fetch or tag, to cool, cleanse, and exercise them without leaving your home.

Spring exercise tips

• Invest in doggy shoes: Protect your pup’s paws in all types of weather. Waterproof shoes shield your dog’s paws from the slips and slides of rainstorms and prevent mud from being tracked inside your home after walks. For hotter climates, dog shoes protect paws against burns.
• Stay hydrated: More sun means more water is needed to stay hydrated. Make sure your dog is drinking enough water before and after physical activities. Signs like excessive panting, wobbling, drooling, and a dry nose may indicate dehydration. Bring them to a vet immediately if these behaviors persist.
• Keep vaccinations up to date: Especially important when interacting with other pets, vaccines help prevent harmful illnesses and diseases such as rabies and parvo, which could be fatal.
• Be aware of toxic chemicals: Many springtime gardens have pesticides and other chemicals that are dangerous to pets. Keep your dog leashed during walks and steer them away from other people’s lawns to prevent accidental infections and poisonings.

Have a question about pet health? Want to become the best possible pet parent? Find helpful tips, reminders, and insight to give your furry friend the best possible care with For Pet’s Sake! Learn more at drdevonsmith.com.