Keeping our Pets Active When the Winter Winds Blow
January 1, 2021
The Wyoming wind presents many challenges this time of year, one of which is keeping our dogs consistently active. Physical activity has a plethora of benefits for humans, but these also apply to our pets as well. The benefits include:
- Ideal Body weight- Regular physical activity is key to maintaining an ideal body weight. Many studies document pets that are maintained at ideal body weight live on average 2 YEARS longer than overweight pets, that’s HUGE!! We all want our animals to live forever and ideal body weight is the first step to them living as long as possible.
- Reduced anxiety- Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in pets as well as people. Stress and anxiety play a major role in promoting behavior issues. Therefore, if we reduce stress and anxiety, not only do we improve quality of life but we drastically reduce behavior problems. This includes hyper behavior, destructive behavior, excess barking/digging, and even some types of aggressive behavior.
- Improved Human-Animal Bond- Consistent activity shared between pets and their owners improves the relationship.
For dogs options for activity are obvious, but for cats, this can be more challenging. Consider laser pointers, activity toys on poles, cat wheels, or harness training for leashed walks. So this year make a goal (New Years' Resolution if you will) to keep your pet active! They will thank you for it.