Canine Fitness Month was founded in 2017 by FitPAWS®, a leader in canine fitness, conditioning, and rehab. The celebration is meant to bring awareness to the growing yet preventable issue of canine obesity. Most dogs spend most of their days sedentary, bored, and lacking in physical activity. While our dogs enjoy snuggling on the couch, their sedentary lifestyle can have a negative impact on their health. Today, we want to highlight simple ways to get your dog moving during canine fitness month and beyond.
Dog Walking
Spring is a beautiful time of year to get ourselves on a dog walking schedule. Walking our dogs once a day for at least 20 minutes is a great way to get their bodies moving. It’s also a fantastic way to disconnect from work, technology, etc. While this post is about canine obesity, humans have been on a downward health spiral for decades.
Dog walking is a habit like any other. Sometimes we will need to force ourselves to ignore the excuses and grab that leash. Other times, we will have to be intentional about the way we plan our busy days so that we can still fit our walks in. No matter how you go about carving out the time in your day, know that your dog’s heart health, longevity, and quality of life stand to improve significantly as a result of your keeping your dog walking date with them.
Dog Hiking Adventures
The Connecticut Shoreline is full of beautiful hiking trails that are pet-friendly and safe for pets and people of all ages. While similar to a dog walk around the block, dog hikes and adventures allow our dogs to sniff and experience scents that are unusual to find in our neighborhoods. They provide mental and physical stimulation that is different yet just as enjoyable as a walk in our neighborhoods.
Dog hiking can be a great way to breathe fresh air, discover local flora and fauna, and take some fun photos to keep for a lifetime. Many dogs also enjoy the car rides to and from the trails, making hiking adventures the perfect escape from the monotony of couch surfing and napping.
Dog Walks on the Beach
Connecticut Shoreline residents are spoiled by the diverse and beautiful setting in which we live. Local beaches and waterfront areas are great places to explore with our dogs, allowing them to move their bodies and take in the sights and smells. Beach walks are ideal for hot days and allow dogs to cool off their paws (or their entire bodies) if and when they please. While beach days may result in sandy cars and salty kisses, dogs enjoy being in nature, especially where the textures and odors they experience differ from their daily lives. However, please be sure you don’t let your dog drink salt water. Too much salt water can cause stomach upset and other serious health concerns.
Like dog hiking, beach strolls are a wonderful opportunity to capture lovely memories with photos, videos, and picnics.
If you’re reading this and wondering when and how you’ll find the time to prioritize your dog’s fitness, we have you covered. As professional dog walkers and pet sitters, we help families provide much-needed enrichment and exercise to their beloved canine companions. To learn more about our dog walking and hiking services, please contact us via email at info@cthappypaws.com or by phone at 860-964-0464.
Our service area includes but is not limited to the following:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
