An active lifestyle is just as good for pets as it is for their owners and can lead to a longer, more fulfilling life– no gym membership required! Our furry friends must stay active to keep their bodies and minds healthy. Whether it’s chasing their tail, playing fetch, going for walks or chasing toys around the house, an active pet can experience a whole host of benefits that will help them live a happy, long life.
Time to get moving!
Improved physical health
Our furry friends are more like us than we sometimes realize. They share our love for treats, lounging in any sunny spot in the house, and greatly benefit from physical activity.
Regular exercise and activity are super beneficial for pets and help them maintain good physical health. When pets are active, their body systems work in tandem to burn calories, build muscle, and enhance overall cardiovascular health.
Physical activity can increase heart rate and blood flow, improving circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles and organs. Additionally, being active can help prevent joint problems and improve mobility, particularly in older pets.
Mental stimulation
Physical health is a benefit of keeping pets active, but what about their mental health? Physical activity dramatically aids a pet’s mental stimulation and allows them to explore their surroundings, interact with their environment, and engage all their senses. This mental activity helps them give their brain a workout by encouraging them to make decisions, solve problems, and learn new things. For instance, dogs calculate a ball’s distance, speed, and trajectory to catch it, while cats track and pounce to catch a toy.
Introducing your pet to new places or toys can help keep their brain sharp. For instance, taking your furry friend for a walk in a different location provides mental stimulation as they smell new scents, see new sights, and hear new sounds. Likewise, offering your cat a new toy or hiding treats around the house urges them to use their brains and senses to figure out how to find or play with the toy.
Engaging in these activities can help keep a pet’s mind active and healthy, leading to a happier and more fulfilled life.
Stronger bond with the owner
For various reasons, facilitating an active lifestyle for your pet can lead to a stronger bond. When pets engage in physical activities with their owners, such as playing with toys or going for a walk, this quality time sparks a bond over a shared activity. Seems like a no-brainer that this shared experience creates positive associations and memories for both pet and the owner.
Additionally, increased activity with pets can help establish a routine and sense of structure in their daily lives. Since pets thrive on routine and consistency, this can lead to a greater sense of security and trust in their owner, further strengthening their bond.
Reduced stress
When you encourage regular physical activity in your pet, such as walks, playtime, or training sessions, you are providing them with a healthy outlet to release pent-up energy and, in turn, reduce stress levels.
Plus, exercise and playtime stimulate the release of endorphins in your pet’s body, which are natural mood boosters. These feel-good chemicals help your furry friend feel happier, more relaxed, and more content overall.
Better behaviour
Like us (do you sense a common theme here?), our pets may also feel grumpy and dull when bored. To avoid this, it is essential to provide them with regular physical activity and stimulation. Without it, they can become restless, bored, and even destructive, leading to behaviour issues such as excessive barking or meowing, chewing, digging, scratching, and even aggression.
However, we can easily help our pets ward off these unwanted behaviours by giving them regular opportunities to engage in physical activity. This can help them feel more relaxed, calm, and content, and as a result, they are less likely to engage in those destructive negative behaviours.
An active pet is a happy pet! Encouraging physical activity in your pet provides numerous benefits for their health and well-being. By adding a daily dose of exercise through walks and playtime, you’ll soon have a fitter and happier furry friend. And for all you cat owners out there, just remember, a toy a day keeps the boredom away! So get those paws moving and see the positive impact it can have on your furry friend’s life!
