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Tips to Prevent Sedentary Habits in Dogs

 
Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. October 10, 2016
Tips to Prevent Sedentary Habits in Dogs
Dogs

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Dogs and humans have a surprising connection; they are really our best friends. Unfortunately, this connection and growing similarity between pets and owners also means that your bad habits might be transmitted to your pet, even harming their health.

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are dangerous habits that have taken over a large percentage of the world's population, threatening our health. Moreover, it has also begun to affect dogs. After all, pets commonly adopt sedentary habits if they live in an inactive home.

In this AnimalWised article we will provide you with the information you need to improve your dog's health. Stay with us to learn the best tips to prevent sedentary habits in dogs and help your pet have an active lifestyle.

You may also be interested in: How to Make a Cat Fall Asleep Instantly

Sedentary habits in dogs

Does your dog spend most of the day sleeping? Does it only get up to go lie somewhere else, or to go to its food bowl?

This situation is typical of a sedentary lifestyle, that is, a lifestyle with a severe lack of physical exercise. On average, dogs need to sleep for around 15 hours per day. Dogs need plenty of physical exercise to channel their energy and to stay active and healthy.

In the absence of the movement and activity they require, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to very negative consequences for your pet's health:

  • Weight gain and obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Coronary heart diseases
  • Stress
  • Joint problems

Therefore, preventing your dog from being inactive should be a priority for the owner. This can be easily achieved, but it takes effort, and you will have to make changes in your dog's lifestyle as well as your own.

Tips to Prevent Sedentary Habits in Dogs - Sedentary habits in dogs

Do you take your dog out for a walk?

Walking your dog should be part of your daily routine, and it is essential to avoid physical inactivity. What's more, walking your dog will strengthen the bond between you and your pet, as you will spend quality time together.

You should adapt the intensity and duration of the walk to your dog's needs. For example, a Pekingese does not have the same exercise requirements as an American Akita. Here you can learn more about how often you should walk your dog.

As a general recommendation, you should walk your dog 3 times a day. This way, you will ensure that your dog does not get overweight or obese.

Tips to Prevent Sedentary Habits in Dogs - Do you take your dog out for a walk?

Do you play with your dog?

You don't just have to walk your dog outside, you can also do physical activities inside. Take advantage of your dog's innate inquisitiveness and playfulness, especially as a puppy. If you have a small space at home, don't hesitate to use it to play energetic games with your dog.

This way, you will help your dog stay active for longer periods of time even inside your home. There are a number of indoor games you can play which not only prevent your pet from being physically inactive, but also allow you to manage stress and boredom better. If you have favorite games, tips or ideas please share them in the comments section.

Tips to Prevent Sedentary Habits in Dogs - Do you play with your dog?

Have you tried dog agility?

Have you thought about starting dog agility with your pet?

Dog agility is a unique sport which will work on and develop your dog's agility, intelligence, obedience and concentration. It will put an end to your dog's sedentary habits, and it's also a useful tool to address various behavioral problems in a constructive way.

Dog agility involves guiding your dog through an obstacle course. It is a fun activity for both of you, and really the best way of keeping your dog active. What's more, by going to a dog agility center close to where you live you will meet new people with similar interests - both of you will benefit!

Tips to Prevent Sedentary Habits in Dogs - Have you tried dog agility?

Active owners for active dogs

An inactive lifestyle in dogs progresses just as it does in humans, and this bad habit will eventually affect both the owners' and the pets' health. Therefore, the solution to this problem should be a joint one.

Having a dog as a pet is very useful for people who want to be more active, since it forces them to move and go out regularly. Obviously, however, you cannot expect your dog to be active if you don't exercise yourself.

Therefore, it is essential that you lead a active lifestyle and incorporate your dog into your routine whenever possible.

Tips to Prevent Sedentary Habits in Dogs - Active owners for active dogs

If you want to read similar articles to Tips to Prevent Sedentary Habits in Dogs, we recommend you visit our Extra care category.

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