Most pets already spend a little time outside everyday,
mainly when going out to go to the bathroom. But many owners don't fully
appreciate the added benefits from allowing their pets to spend more significant
time outdoors. The following is just a few of the benefits for your pet from
being outside:
Exercise...Very
few pets get enough exercise, and for most dogs it is extremely difficult to
be properly exercised indoors. Most dogs and many cats will greatly benefit
from a couple of daily walks or some play time in the yard chasing a ball or
running.
Weight loss and
control...Dogs that spend
time outdoors have an easier time losing weight and keeping their weight down.
Many dogs gain weight because of boredom and lack of activity. Spending time
outside eliminates both of these contributors to weight gain.
Relieve
Boredom...Like people, dogs
and cats get bored. In fact, boredom is one of the leading causes of behaviour
problems, including chewing and excessive barking. The outdoors provides a
different and interesting environment that will help keep your pet's mind
active, alert, and off of behaviour you would rather not see.
A healthier
skin and coat... The
unfiltered sunlight and the changing temperatures help your pet's coat stay on
a more normal shedding cycle, and, as a result, it should be healthier and
fuller. Sunlight also has great healing powers and helps the body convert and
utilize several important vitamins.
Many dogs that aren't used to
spending time outdoors are often at a loss initially to know what to do. They
will often stand at the door and beg to come in because spending time outdoors
may be an unusual experience for them. A few tips when getting your pet to spend
time outdoors include:
Spend time with
them outside. Going for a
walk and using a
retractable leash will allow them to get more exercise.
Play a game.
Throwing a
Frisbee on land or in the water is a great way to exercise and will
greatly relieve boredom.
Make sure they
are properly and safely contained.
Use an
underground fence to make sure they can exercise and be safely contained.
Provide
stimulation in the form of toys or chews.
Many dogs love to go outside and chew on a
rawhide or similar bone, or a rubber
chew toy. While they may not be exercising while they chew, they get all
the other benefits of being outdoors.
Spending time outdoors is a very
normal and important part of a pet's life. As long as they are safely contained,
supervised, and protected from the elements, outside time is one of the best
health benefits you can give your pet.
And don't forget,
your pet should always have a current
nametag attached to his collar whenever he goes outside.
