Shaping a healthy life mainly consists of two parts: an ideal healthy weight and physique, and appropriate physical exercise. An ideal healthy weight and physical exercise often complement each other; we rarely see fat dogs that are also very fit.
The best way to determine if a dog is overweight is to feel its ribs and spine with both hands. You should not be able to see the ribs and spine; if your dog is overweight, you will need to press harder to feel the ribs. On the other hand, if you can see the ribs clearly, it indicates that the dog is underweight or malnourished. As for physical exercise, a normal dog should be able to easily walk for 30 minutes without being out of breath or very tired.
When developing a physical training plan, remember to consider your dog's breed and age. Some breeds, such as Greyhounds and Whippets, typically have more prominent ribs, while Bulldogs are naturally quite muscular. Therefore, Greyhounds are usually more agile than Bulldogs. Additionally, older dogs tend to have lower physiques and exercise capacity compared to younger dogs.
What are the 5 methods to keep your dog in shape?
Shaping a dog's physique isn't difficult with proper and regular exercise. At the beginning, remember not to rush it; gradually increase the intensity over several weeks. Also, don't forget to consider the dog's breed and age. For example, the exercise for pugs should differ from that for terriers ; very young or older dogs shouldn't do overly strenuous exercise. During their growth phase, especially larger breeds, dogs should avoid overly strenuous exercise, as their bone development isn't complete until around 9 months of age, and excessive exercise can hinder this development.
Here are 5 ways to best train your dog's physical fitness:
1. Walking: Sometimes, the simplest method is the best. Regular, consistent walks can improve cardiovascular health and burn fat. If possible, I recommend walking your dog twice a day, with the duration depending on the dog's age and breed, ideally between 15 and 30 minutes.
2. Trail Walks: Once your dog's fitness level has improved, you can try more challenging trail walks. If your dog is ready for a challenge, these trail walks can not only improve leg strength but also effectively enhance overall fitness.
3. Outdoor playgrounds and parks: Activities like frisbee and tug-of-war are beneficial for both physical and mental well-being, and can also promote interaction and bonding between dogs and their owners.
4. Take your dog to a dog park: Going to a dog park can be a great form of exercise. If your dog enjoys interacting with other pets and is obedient without a leash, going to a dog park can enhance your dog's socialization. When your dog plays with other dogs, they will have a lot of fun, which helps improve their muscle strength and physical fitness, as well as their socialization. Click here for details about dog parks under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in Hong Kong.
5. Swimming: Swimming is a gentle exercise and one of the favorite activities for many dogs. Swimming can exercise multiple muscle groups and is also very helpful for dogs with stiff joints. Swimming can also be quite strenuous, so make sure your dog is not afraid of water and let it gradually get used to the feeling of being in the water before gradually letting it swim on its own.
How can I encourage a lazy dog to exercise?
I believe all dogs enjoy walks and social activities, but don't rush things. No animal likes being controlled or forced to do things beyond its capabilities. For dogs that have never exercised before, or even those that don't go outside often, exercise can be unfamiliar and even stressful. In this case, I suggest starting by taking your dog for a walk outside the house, letting it explore the street for a few minutes, and offering treats as encouragement to help it build positive memories. After doing this a few times, until your dog is no longer afraid of going outside, then gradually increase the walking distance. If your dog initially wants to go home, don't force it to continue. Let it sit for a while, then go home. Let it gradually build confidence, and then start again the next day.
What are the benefits of a dog having good physical fitness?
Physical exercise greatly benefits both our health and that of our animals. Statistics show that healthy dogs of normal weight have better immunity, improved organ function, more stable blood sugar levels, a slower heart rate, reduced risk of high blood pressure, and a significantly lower risk of metabolic problems such as diabetes. These benefits translate to a longer, happier, and healthier life. Furthermore, physical exercise increases the time dogs spend outdoors with their owners, making them happier and more enjoying their lives.
Do dogs with good physical fitness need more food?
Dogs that do a lot of exercise and working dogs do need higher-calorie and higher-protein foods. However, most dogs of normal size can get balanced nutrition by eating the recommended portion of dog food. I recommend that owners assess their dog's health using a body condition rating system, which involves feeling your pet's ribs with both hands and then scoring them. If you think your dog is underweight, I suggest increasing their daily food intake by about 15 %, but be careful not to overfeed. I also recommend that active dogs take joint supplements, such as glucosamine and omega -3 (the average dog needs about 500 mg per day), to supplement their extra needs.
I believe that keeping your dog healthy is an important part of being a pet owner. Giving it a longer, happier, and healthier life is giving yourself a healthier and happier life. Frankly, exercise has so many advantages but no disadvantages, and most importantly, it's free.
