December 21, 2018
If you’d like to get fitter in the new year and you love spending quality time with your dog, why not combine both interests?
There are lots of ways that you and your dog can stay healthy together, which should lead to a more enjoyable life for both of you. Just like humans, overweight dogs can be at risk from various serious conditions, especially as they get older.
Plus, if you have concerns about your dog’s weight, remember you can always visit our friendly vet nurses in Bayswater for some advice and support.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the gym and make fitness fun with your dog, here are some ideas…
Start with varied walks
Most dogs need a daily walk, to make sure they’re getting a basic level of exercise and mental stimulation – so this is a good opportunity to get creative. You can meet up with friends, investigate new routes and try different terrains, to get a balanced workout across the week. Your dog will enjoy the variety, too.
Introduce games and challenges
Dog agility courses and training routines can be surprisingly demanding for both owner and pet – with the bonus of being distracted throughout – so check out what’s available in your local area. There may be courses for one-off hire, or even clubs that you can join.
Try canine running
This may take a bit of training, but if you choose the right type of harness or lead, you and your dog could become regular running buddies in parks around London. You can also join in with events across the country (take a look at CaniCross, Cani-Fit and CaniX for more details).
Take dog-friendly holidays
A break with your canine can also mean lots of great opportunities for outdoor activities. And you needn’t feel too restricted, as these days lots of hotels, pubs and restaurants provide hospitality for well-behaved dogs and their owners (take a look at DoggiePubs and DogFriendly – and there are plenty more directories available via a quick internet search). This can include some very posh venues, too – the 5-star Milestone in London’s Kensington being an extreme example.
And once you’ve tried one or more of the options above, don’t forget to share your progress on our Facebook page, Bayswatervets. You might even get to know some new dog-owning fitness pals…
