With the warm weather on its way, we tend to think about getting healthy, and taking our pets along with us when we exercise. Below are some exercises for you and your dog or cat to do together!
Interval Walk: 15 to 20 minute walks are good for the average, healthy pet. This gets their heart rate elevated and helps them be active! One way to increase heart rate is to do intervals, 1 minute walk, 20 second jog, 1 minute walk, 20 seconds run backwards, and repeat. The change of pace will excite your dog and keep them interested.
Ab Fetch Tease: You can do this activity by grabbing your pet’s favourite fetch toy and getting on the floor in a sit-up position Hold the toy as you do a sit-up, and pretend to toss it as you reach the top. Fido will chase after it, only to realize you still have his toy. Do another sit-up, and pretend to toss the toy again. Try to get in as many reps as you can until your dog stops chasing and playing along.
Squat Tease: Stand with legs shoulder-width apart. Squat and tap your dog with his favorite toy. As you rise, lift the toy above your head; your dog will jump up for it.
Doggie Obstacle Course: Set up fitness gear throughout your backyard like an obstacle course. Put your dog on a leash and briskly walk through the course together, stopping at each spot to do an exercise. It’s a great way to have some quality time with your pooch while you work off those calories!
Dog Tag: Just your typically game of tag, but with your dog! Tap your dog and encourage him to chase you in the game.
Fetch: Get your dog’s favourite fetch toy and throw it in your backyard, but try and chase your dog to get to it first! This is a great exercise for you and your dog.
Take the Stairs: Whether the stairs are in your home, or a nearby park or school, take your dog with you and exercise by walking up and down the stairs. To increase the work-out, take steps 2 at a time, or speed up the pace.
Kitty ABs: Take a mini flashlight in each hand and do sit ups. When you get to the top position, wave the flashlights to get your cat’s attention, and get them moving.
Cat Jump-Rope: Hold a mini flashlight in each hand as you do a jump-rope motion with your arms. Your cats will chase the light and you’ll get some good cardio in!
Curling & Cats: If you have a dumbbell at home, you can do this exercise! Tie a light cat toy to the end of your dumbbell and then watch as your cat has fun, while you curl!
Resources
http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/10-ways-to-exercise-with-your-pet?page=2
http://www.ontariospca.ca/blog/exercising-pet-10-tips/
