The outdoors provides a fresh
and interesting environment to keep your pet's mind active, alert, and off of
behaviour you'd rather not see. We know that spending time outdoors is important
for our dogs, but who doesn't need a little extra exercise themselves? Here are
a few ideas for stimulating activities you can share with your canine companion:
Take a
Walk - This is a great, low
impact way to enjoy some time outside with your dog. In fact, daily walks are
recommended for most dogs as a minimum element to their exercise routine (and
people too). Walks give your pet a chance to meet new friends in the
neighbourhood, stimulate her senses, and relieve herself. Any time you take
your dog outside the yard, remember to use a
lead or leash, and make sure she is wearing a comfortable collar with
name & ID tag.
It's a common courtesy to clean up after your dog,
especially during walks around the neighbourhood. Waste cleanup doesn't have to
be a dirty job anymore. In addition to the
scoopers and rakes you may use to clean up your yard, there are a variety of
biodegradable scoop bags you can use to neatly pick up and dispose of dog
mess.
Garden/Park
Fetch - Whether you play in
your garden, or take your dog to a local park, there's nothing more fun than a
good old-fashioned game of fetch. It taps into their instinct to hunt and
retrieve, and they look forward to the reward of returning to a happy owner
again and again. There's a whole variety of
fetch toys available to replace the soggy tennis ball many of us remember.
Other favourites include popular fetching toys for both land and water.
Ballistic Nylon Dog Toys, made of heavy-duty material with internal
squeakers beg for invigorating play. In shapes like boomerangs, pull 'n play
tugs, saucer tossers, or man's best friend, these tough toys are for dogs that
love to leap and snatch toys right out of the air or water, and
Soft Bite Floppy Discs, Gumabone Discs, and Nylabone Frisbees make great
flyers.
Hiking
Adventure - If your dog likes
a little cross country action, take him on a nature hike. Like any walk, we
recommend bringing along a
leash or
retractable grip lead to ensure he doesn't stray too far. Hiking through
wooded trails or tall grass exposes them to a few more dangers than a stroll
down a sidewalk - fleas & ticks, sharp rocks and twigs, the unexpected
downpour - but there are several products designed to protect your dog from
these outdoor elements. Before hiking in the woods, consider getting your
canine a
tick collar or using a long-acting repellent treatment like
Frontline® Plus, which our veterinarians consider one of the most
convenient methods of
flea & tick control.
Just as we slip on our hiking
shoes and jacket before heading out, dogs too, need protection from the
elements. You never know if the trail has sharp rocks, sun-hot asphalt, or the
occasional shard of broken glass, but luckily there are
dog boots available for almost any size or breed. They slip on comfortably
right over all four paws and Velcro® securely in place. Be sure to
clip your dog's nails before a hike to protect them from getting caught in
boots.
For long hikes on hot days,
keep in mind that dogs and puppies need plenty of water to prevent heat
exhaustion and dehydration. Be sure to keep a water source handy, such as a
collapsible bowl or
water bottle with folding reservoir.
Water
Sports, Anyone? Those of us
who own a retriever or labrador know that on a hot day, it's hard to keep them
out of that nearby pond, lake, or stream. No matter what the breed, water
sports are a great way to cool down your dog as the temperature heats up, and
now it's safer than ever to let your pet go for a swim. Many of the fetch toys
mentioned earlier also come in waterproof, buoyant models, such as the
Floatable Gumabone Disc, or
Ballistic Nylon Dog Toys, available in an assortment of shapes.
Just as you would with any member of your family,
consider water safety if you like to take your best friend out boating with you.
While many dogs are natural swimmers, you may still want to bring along a
coast-guard approved pet life preserver to keep your dog's head above water
without restricting his movement or breathing.
Dog
Agility Parks/Trails - More
and more communities are offering
dog agility parks and trails, which feature various courses specifically
designed to give your dog a fun and challenging workout. Canines leap hurdles,
climb ramps, balance narrow bridges, and navigate their way through various
obstacles. Many parks also offer classes for beginners to acclimate both dog
and owner to the equipment. This is a growing new sport recommended for the
active and fearless dog in your life.
We encourage you
to provide your pet with more outdoor time and exercise. Exercise is critical to
your pet's physical health, and the stimulation from the sights and sounds of
the outdoors is excellent for your pet's mental health.
