Running or walking with your dog can keep you motivated to stay on track and get healthy together. Daily exercise sessions can benefit you and furry companion – and you don’t need to spend a ton of money on a gym membership.
Exercise needs vary depending on the breed, age and individual traits of the dog. Check with your dog’s veterinarian before starting an exercise program. Your vet can check your dog for any health issues that may be aggravated by exercise and suggest safe activities.
Increasing your pet’s daily activity will allow them to burn more calories each day. Exercising can be easier to achieve in a dog you can walk and run versus a cat who requires coaxing to move, however, there are many interesting interactive cat toys available to improve activity. A laser-pointer session or wiggling around a shoe string might be a perfect way to get your cat on the move.
Benefits of Exercise
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- Taking your dog for 30-minute walks once or twice a day is a great way to stay healthy. Also, jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great ways to burn excess energy.
- Sufficient exercise helps reduce or eliminate common behaviors such as digging, excessive barking, chewing and hyperactivity. Dogs need physical and mental stimulation each day.
- Exercise helps prevent boredom and channels the dog’s energy in a productive and acceptable way.
Looking for ways to exercise and help animals in need? We’ve got you covered!
Seattle Humane’s 13th annual Walk for the Animals is coming up on October 18. This year we’ve changed our location to the beautiful and scenic Green Lake, enjoy a 2.8-mile walk around the lake with your furry friend. Register now and start fundraising to provide food, shelter and veterinary care for orphaned pets in our community.
Love to run, bike, or swim AND love animals?
Come learn about Seattle Humane’s Charity Athlete Program, a fun way for animal lovers to raise funds for the pets in our care through participation in any athletic race or personal challenge including the Seattle Marathon (Full and Half) on Nov. 29! By joining the Charity Athlete team you can race knowing you are saving lives in the process. Charity Athletes get exclusive discounts on registration, a sports-performance shirt, T-shirts for your Cheer Squad, Yappy Hour with the team (think Happy Hour but with dogs!), and more! Grab a friend and head to Seattle Humane on Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. for an hour-long info session on Charity Athlete and special information on the Full and Half Seattle Marathon.
Please RSVP to events@seattlehumane.org.