How To Workout With Your Dog

This article was originally posted on YeePet.com, a social media site for pet owners and lovers. Click here to read the article on YeePet.com and to find simalar articles. 

If you have caught the weight loss or healthy living bug, you are not alone. It seems as if half of Americans are on a diet or have started working out. Take a quick look at the live Pinterest feed, or any news program, and you are bound to find at least a few pins about exercising or eating healthy. 

It is easy to catch the bug, the trick is to stick with it. If you are looking to add some variety to your routine, find your dog and get moving. There are lots of ways you and your dog can get active together.

Working out with your dog will not only help you, it will keep your dog active as well. Some pet experts estimate that 35 percent of pets today are overweight.

Workout with your dog
There are so many activities you can do with your dog that can get you both active and keep you both fit. Here are just a few of them.

1. Take longer walks. The most immediate action you can take is to start taking longer walks with your dog. Instead of up and down the street, go around the block. If you walk around the block, do it twice.

2. Incorporate fetch into normal exercises. For example, grab one of your dog’s toys, and as you do squats, lift the toy as you stand. Your dog will jump for the toy while you work your legs and glutes. During situps, pretend to throw a toy at the top of the move.

3. Play tag with your dog. In a fenced in area, “tag” your dog just as you did to your friends as children. When you start running away, your dog will chase you. Once she catches up, start again.

4. Fetch racing. For this one, throw your dog’s toy and then race your dog to it.

5. Find other ways. Incorporating your dog into your workout can be easy and fun. Here are a couple more ideas: walking or running up and down long staircases, possibly at the local school or field, and going for a swim together.

Tips to keep in mind during a workout
There are a few signs you should keep in mind when you workout with your dog. If your dog starts panting excessively, hyperventilates, if you notice his tongue and gums turning brick red, or if he stops and becomes listless, stop what you are doing, find some shade, give your dog some water, or seek veterinary help.

Remember, dogs do not sweat. Instead, they pant to cool down. The best time to workout outside is in the morning or evening when it is the coolest.

Smaller dogs will not be able to keep up with you. They are not built to run marathons or travel long distances like larger breeds. If you are working out with a smaller pet, stick to walking and maybe some sprinting.