Do you have cherished memories of a family pet from your childhood? Perhaps, afternoons after school playing fetch in the backyard, taking the dog to the lake for a swim or the look in its eyes every time you’d play with it.
Now, that you have a few years under your belt, and have started this journey of “growing up”, might be the right time to consider adding a pet to your family. Why, you may ask?
We’ll explore the health benefits to owning a dog. Then, we will look into the ways you can exercise with your dog. The conclusion will review a fun way for your dog to get exercise and occupy itself for hours on end.
Pet Ownership and Your Health
Can you associate the benefits of owning a dog to your physical, mental, and emotional health? The reality is that great health benefits come to those who have a four-legged friend as an addition to their family.
Here is a list of 5 health benefits to owning a pet:
- Kids that grow up in a home with a pet tend to develop stronger immune systems
- Pets serve as a great icebreaker in social interactions
- People who own a dog have better overall heart health
- Dog owners that take the responsibility of walking their pet tend to maintain healthier weight
- The sense of purpose with your pet helps offset depression
Exercise and Your Dog
Let’s assume for a moment that you and your family decide to get a dog. One of the common pitfalls that occur is a feeling of guilt attached to the inability to spend the desired amount of time with your pet.
We lead busy lives. Between work and family responsibilities take up most of our time. See those unconditional loving eyes staring at you in the morning? That’s right, your dog needs some of your time as well.
Age, health, breed, and size determine the frequency and duration of exercise for your dog. Before you set out on a regimented exercise pattern for your four-legged friend, it’s wise to consult a veterinarian.
Dogs that do not go outside often demonstrate a common destructive behavior. However, it such a dog exercises outside on a regular basis, this behavior will most likely reverse itself.
Time to Play Fetch
Suppose that you end up getting a larger dog. What is the one activity they love to participate in? The good old playing fetch. While all dog lovers would love to be able to spend at least an hour a day heaving balls for our friend to bring back, we rarely have that kind of free time every day of the week.
Because of that, the toy market for dogs has been saturated with fetch toys for small and medium breeds. There is a tennis ball launcher called ifetch too, fastdogs.org encourages for larger breeds. What’s great about this setup is that you do not have to be present and your pal will still be able to play fetch!
