Exercise Tips for Pets That Need Extra Activity: Keep Your Furry Friends Healthy and Happy

Just like humans, pets need regular exercise to stay physically fit, mentally stimulated, and emotionally content. For high-energy pets or breeds prone to weight gain, extra activity is crucial to maintain good health and prevent behavioural issues. If your pet seems restless, has extra pounds, or belongs to a naturally active breed, adding some creative and engaging activities to their routine can make a big difference. Here are some effective, safe, and fun exercise tips for pets that need more activity to stay happy and healthy.

1. Daily Walks with Added Challenges

Regular walks are essential for both dogs and, surprisingly, some cats too. However, a standard walk may not be enough for high-energy pets. Here’s how to make it more stimulating:

• Incorporate Intervals: Try adding short bursts of speed or jogging intervals during the walk. This helps burn more energy and keeps your pet engaged.
• Add Obstacles: Look for natural obstacles like hills, logs, or steps along your route to challenge their muscles.
• Let Them Lead: Allow your pet to sniff and explore at their own pace; it gives them mental stimulation and adds variety to their walk.

Adding challenges to a daily walk keeps your pet’s body and mind active, preventing boredom and making each walk more engaging.

2. Play Fetch with a Twist

Fetch is a classic for dogs, but you can add some new twists to make it more exciting:

• Fetch on an Incline: If you have access to a hill or staircase, play fetch on an incline. This requires extra effort, making your pet use more energy to retrieve the ball.
• Use a Ball Launcher: For pets with lots of stamina, a ball launcher can give you a break while allowing your pet to run further and faster.
• Incorporate Water Play: If your dog enjoys water, try playing fetch in a shallow pond or beach area. This low-impact activity is great exercise and keeps your pet cool on hot days.

These variations keep fetch challenging and more rewarding for pets that need extra activity.

3. Create an Obstacle Course

An obstacle course is a fantastic way to give your pet both physical and mental exercise. You can create one at home or use a local dog park that offers agility equipment.

• DIY Obstacles: Use household items like boxes for hurdles, blankets for tunnels, and chairs to create weaving paths.
• Use Commands: Integrate basic commands like “jump,” “weave,” and “crawl” to engage their mind as they go through the course.
• Reward with Treats or Praise: Encouragement keeps them motivated and makes the obstacle course a fun bonding activity.

This approach is especially effective for energetic dogs, as it taps into their natural curiosity and intelligence while providing a structured outlet for their energy.

4. Play Hide and Seek

Hide and seek is a great activity to stimulate your pet’s problem-solving skills, whether you have a cat or a dog.

• Hide Yourself: Start by hiding somewhere in your home, then call your pet’s name. Reward them with a treat when they find you.
• Hide Treats or Toys: Hide treats or favourite toys around the house and encourage your pet to find them. This works well for dogs, cats, and even some small animals like rabbits.
• Use Interactive Toys: Invest in toys that dispense treats when solved. These toys keep your pet entertained and provide a mental workout.

This game combines mental and physical exercise, keeping pets entertained and engaged as they search for you or their hidden treats.

5. Add Swimming to Their Routine

Swimming is a fantastic full-body exercise for dogs and is especially beneficial for breeds prone to joint issues. It’s a low-impact activity that helps build strength without putting strain on the joints.

• Use Shallow Areas: Start with shallow water to let your pet get comfortable. Many dogs instinctively paddle but may need time to feel confident in the water.
• Invest in a Dog Life Vest: For safety, a life vest helps keep your dog afloat and gives you peace of mind, especially if they’re not strong swimmers.
• Use Toys in the Water: Encourage your dog to swim by tossing floating toys or balls for them to retrieve.

Swimming is not only an excellent physical exercise but also helps dogs cool down, making it a perfect summer activity.

6. Interactive Puzzle Toys

Pets that need extra activity often benefit from mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Interactive puzzle toys are great for high-energy dogs and cats who need more than just physical activity.

• Treat-Dispensing Puzzles: These toys release treats as your pet figures out how to solve them. It keeps them busy, mentally engaged, and is particularly helpful when you’re not home.
• Snuffle Mats: A snuffle mat lets pets “hunt” for treats or kibble hidden within its layers. This is an especially good option for dogs with high foraging instincts.
• Automatic Laser Toys for Cats: Laser pointers are loved by many cats, and automatic laser toys keep them entertained even when you’re busy.

Puzzle toys and interactive games challenge your pet’s mind and are perfect for keeping them occupied indoors.

7. Tug-of-War for Strength and Bonding

Tug-of-war is a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog and give them a good workout. It’s simple, requires minimal equipment, and can be done indoors or outdoors.

• Use a Sturdy Tug Toy: Invest in a durable rope or tug toy specifically made for dogs.
• Practice Basic Commands: Tug-of-war is an excellent opportunity to reinforce commands like “drop it” and “take it.”
• Stay Safe: Make sure to engage in tug-of-war gently with puppies or small dogs to avoid injury.

This game helps your dog release pent-up energy while strengthening their muscles, especially in their legs and shoulders.

8. Organize Playdates with Other Pets

Sometimes, pets just need the companionship of other animals to burn off energy. Setting up a playdate with a pet friend can provide your pet with valuable social time and vigorous play.

• Choose Compatible Playmates: Try to arrange playdates with pets that match your pet’s size and energy level.
• Supervise the Play: Keep a close eye on the play to ensure it’s safe and enjoyable for both animals.
• Use Enclosed Spaces: Playdates are best in fenced yards or enclosed areas where pets can play freely and safely.

Socialization provides mental stimulation as well as exercise, and for pets who need a lot of activity, playdates are a fantastic way to satisfy their energy levels.

9. Teach New Tricks

Training isn’t just for puppies; all pets benefit from learning new skills. Teaching your pet a new trick is both mentally and physically stimulating, helping them focus their energy productively.

• Reward with Treats or Toys: Positive reinforcement is key. Use treats or toys to motivate your pet to master a new trick.
• Be Patient and Consistent: Practice the trick in short, regular sessions. Pets thrive on consistency and clear communication.
• Increase Difficulty Gradually: Once your pet masters a simple trick, increase the challenge to keep them engaged and active.

Trick training exercises their mind and can give your pet a sense of accomplishment, keeping them both engaged and tired out.

10. Join a Pet-Friendly Fitness Class

Pet-friendly fitness classes are a fun way to incorporate structured exercise for both you and your pet. Many areas offer dog yoga classes (“Doga”), agility training, or group hikes.

• Try Agility Courses: These classes are an excellent choice for high-energy dogs and involve obstacle courses that improve their agility and focus.
• Participate in Doga: In pet yoga classes, you both engage in gentle stretches, bonding exercises, and relaxation techniques.
• Look for Local Pet Groups: Many cities have pet meetups or fitness groups for pet owners. It’s a great way to meet new friends while giving your pet structured, guided exercise.

These classes are a fantastic way for your pet to burn energy while also building social skills and strengthening your bond.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring your pet gets enough exercise is essential for their physical and mental health, particularly for high-energy breeds or pets with extra weight. By incorporating a mix of these exercise tips into their routine, you can help your furry friend stay happy, healthy, and active. Always consider your pet’s unique needs and health status before introducing new activities and consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about what level of exercise is safe for them. With a bit of creativity and a variety of activities, you’ll find the perfect exercise routine that your pet will love and look forward to every day!