The Active Pet is a Healthy Pet
Brought to you by P&G Everyday Solutions
Just like humans, dogs and cats need exercise, because:
- Too much fat can lead to heart disease and diabetes.
- Weight gain is more likely when activity levels are low.
- Increased exercise can lead to weight loss and toned muscles.
- Exercise burns calories and relieves stress.
Exercising Indoors
Although each has his own personality, every dog and cat can enjoy, and benefit
from, indoor game playing.
Fetch
Teach your dog or cat to play fetch. Use a toy they can easily carry, but not swallow.
Be patient. They'll love it once they learn the routine.
Hide-and-Seek
Hide-and-seek will get you both moving. Hide in another room and call your pet.
Once you're found, do it again and again. (Don't be surprised if your pet initiates
the game once he or she gets the hang of it.)
Exercising Alone
While dogs have ample opportunity to exercise outdoors, cats need their own space
inside. Construct a climbing area in a corner with shelves and a short ladder secured
to the wall. Hang balls and toys on ladder rungs and underneath shelves. Hang a
sturdy rope from the ceiling, ending 2 feet from the floor. Attach a tassel at the
bottom, and watch your cat run wild.
Exercising Together
Both you and your cat can get a workout when you tie a jingle ball on a string to
your ankle. While you do leg lifts, your cat will scramble for the ball.
Exercising Outdoors
Walking briskly around the block is suitable exercise. But there are ways to make
a workout more enjoyable for you and your dog:
- Slap on a pair of in-line skates. Glide slowly through the neighborhood or park.
Not too fast, as this is more work for your dog than for you.
- Play Frisbee®. Dogs love this game and can master the art of catching
a Frisbee with some practice.
- Plan a hike. Your dog will love the variety of new scents, and
everyone's leg muscles will get a workout.
- Go for a walk in the park. Dog parks are increasing in popularity
in many communities. These large, fenced-in areas let you unleash your pet while
you both get some exercise. If your community doesn't have a dog park, and you don't
have a fenced-in yard, find a neighbor who does. Ask if you can periodically let
your dog roam their yard. If they also have a dog who likes to play, arrange play
dates. Be sure to clean up afterward.
A Few Words of Caution
Dogs are so energetic and happy-go-lucky, we sometimes forget to worry about their
welfare when playing. Keep these safety tips in mind to avoid injury:
- Never bicycle with your dog running alongside. The risk of injury is too severe.
- Hot pavement burns paws.
- If your dog has gotten little exercise in the past, start slowly. Like you, your
pet needs to ease into a rigorous exercise program.
