It is fair to say that so far 2020 has been a messed up year and the global lockdown which has now lasted almost 4 months has meant a very tough time for many. Everyone is rightly discussing the need to keep yourself healthy and to ensure that you are doing as much exercise as possible. What we should also be talking about is looking after the dogs whilst we are lockdown too, as they need exercise just like the rest of us. Lockdown could mean that the dogs pile on a few pounds as well, which is why we have to be on the front foot in supporting them to keep healthy and keep on exercising.
We spoke to the team at the AV Veterinary Center to find out what you could be doing in order to help your dog stay in shape, let’s take a look.
Treats
We have to accept that even though we may try and give our dogs as much exercise as possible, it will not be comparable to what they are used to, and this is why it is important to make sure that they are not overfed. This means that you may have to calm down with the threats or any fatty foods which we may normally give them. Keep their diet nutritional and simple.
Taking Chances
It is going to be absolutely vital that you take every opportunity that you can to get out with your dog. Even if you are using up your time to go to the grocery store, take your dog with you and leave them outside or with a member of the family whilst you shop. When you do take the dog out for your exercise, be sure to give them a proper workout, get out and go running with them or take a ball and get them chasing it. You have to use this opportunity to get them to burn as much as they can and to really tire themselves out. If you are only allowed out once per day then be sure to make that time extra special and very physical, it will also help you.
Stairs
We live on the 8th floor and I make a point of taking the dog up and down those stairs at least 3 times per day. If you have some public stairs or stairs in the home then you too should be looking at taking the chance to use them and get the dog running up and down until they are tried out. You may need to give them some encouragement such as a toy or a healthy treat, but the point is to get them really pushing and getting up and down those stairs to get all of that energy out of them.
Your dog will show when they are feeling energetic so be sure to heed the signs and get them out and running as soon as you can.
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