7 Benefits of Exercising Your Dog: Why Fit Leads to Fabulous

Lack of exercise. It’s bad for you. It’s bad for your dog. When you consider the benefits of regular exercise, you might get up and dance with your dog, which isn’t a horrible idea, by the way.
Take a look at these seven benefits of routine physical activity for your pet:
1. Gain strength and protection. A dog that exercises has stronger bones and more defined muscles that help him avoid injuries.
2. Overcome obesity. And also overcome everything associated with it: heart disease, breathing problems, diabetes, arthritis and even depression. Happy dogs live longer!
3. Discover even more health benefits. The list of good things continues! Active dogs don’t usually have digestive problems, and they’re less likely to develop urinary infections. (Think of how many patches of grass your dog christened on your last walk.) Exercise is a great stress-reducer and will help your dog rest and sleep better at the end of the day.
4. Look for better behavior. Regular exercise means your dog uses excess energy on the trail and not on tearing apart your sofa. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
5. Boost your dog’s confidence. Maintaining a regular routine of walks or outings to the park will help a shy dog get used to others and be more outgoing. Naturally nervous dogs are less nervous, and you may see less anxiety for dogs with separation issues. Overall, your dog will be happier because any running, jumping, chasing activity is more interesting than your sofa.
6. Jumpstart your own fitness craze. You and your whole family could benefit from your dog’s fitness. One study conducted by the University of Western Australia found that seven in every 10 adult dog owners logged 150 minutes of physical exercise per week. Another Australian study reported that having a dog in the house cut the risk of childhood obesity in half. *
7. Create a stronger bond with you. Your dog’s favorite activity is whatever you’re doing. Spending active time outdoors with your dog rocks her world – and gives her another reason to adore you.
Do you have your sneakers on yet?? Getting fit with your dog can be a lot of fun – and can certainly lead to fabulous.
Of course, you’re going to have to get used to hearing “You look marvelous, dahhhling!”
*The Bark