{"id":593,"date":"2025-03-13T11:42:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T15:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=593"},"modified":"2025-03-14T11:44:41","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T15:44:41","slug":"march-madness-exercise-tips-to-keep-your-dog-active-and-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/march-madness-exercise-tips-to-keep-your-dog-active-and-healthy\/","title":{"rendered":"March Madness: Exercise Tips to Keep Your Dog Active and Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Dog<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Even though consistently warm weather is still around the bend, it\u2019s safe to say that winter\u2019s grip is waning. With longer days and pleasant sunshine waiting for us outside, it\u2019s time to spend more time exercising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs are always ready for more action, and spring is the best season to promote a healthier, more active lifestyle. Aside from nurturing the human-dog bond, exercise is a surefire way to achieve mental and physical well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s Get Moving!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every dog has individual exercise and enrichment needs. Depending on your pup\u2019s age, breed, weight, and overall health, they may need more or less daily exercise. Puppies and younger dogs seem to have an endless supply of bouncy enthusiasm for any outdoor activity, while older dogs may be satisfied with daily walks around the same, or similar, terrain or territory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Same Page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A wellness check <\/a>is a great opportunity to identify what your dog needs this spring, and can help you figure out the best course of action. For example, an overweight dog may need both a diet and daily activity goals to reach a target weight. However, to reduce potential problems to their joints and ligaments<\/a>, it\u2019s necessary to provide only certain types of exercises or activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, until a dog is fully grown they may need guidance on exercises that won\u2019t damage their changing musculoskeletal system. Growing puppies may also need additional calories to support changes to their daily exercise routines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember your dog\u2019s parasite prevention medication<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Whole New World<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keeping it fresh is an important key to promoting dog exercise. Completely new sights and smells provide great mental workouts, and visiting an unfamiliar location makes the activity more interesting and enjoyable. Allow your dog to explore their surroundings before turning the focus to speed, distance, and the amount of steps. We recommend adding any of these elements to your spring workout routine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n