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Mar 26, 2020 | Posted by admin | no comments |
For a couple of months now, we’ve been focusing on the importance of self-care and how we can extend practices to our pets. In light of how the entire world has changed over the last month, we feel like this topic is more important than ever. Many of us find ourselves in isolation, either self-imposed or required due to quarantine. It is in these times that our mental health and that of our pets must be made top priority. This month, your Charleston doggie day care is here to offer strategies on including physical fitness and movement into your new normal, both for your pet and for you.
Why is physical activity important?
Physical activity is always important for staying healthy. Movement stimulates blood flow, burns calories, and improves brain health, staves off heart disease and other dangerous condition, and just makes us feel better over all. The same is true for our pets, too!
We’ve heard a lot from the CDC lately about preventing the spread of contagious illnesses, but they also offer great general guidelines and benefits of physical activity for humans. For instance, they state that physical activity in general can “reduce your risk of depression and anxiety and help you sleep better.” They also state that an immediate benefit for adults is “reduced short-term feelings of anxiety.” Who doesn’t need help with all of this right now?
The Florida SPCA describes similar benefits for pets and goes on to say, “Exercise also helps control behavioral problems. Pets that are not given outlets for energy may develop destructive habits like chewing, scratching, or digging, be hyperactive, jump on people or start raiding your garbage bins. By doing daily activities with your pet you can prevent these behaviors from starting and keep your home a happier one.”
What are the best ways to exercise my pet?
There are some pretty easy answers to this question. Some of the most common exercises for dogs include:
Cats may seem trickier, but they aren’t. Here are some ideas:
One of the keys to engaging your pet in play is choosing activities they enjoy. If your cat is one of those that is more interested in the box or bag their toy came in than the toy itself, go with it. Rattle or move the container to encourage chasing and pouncing. Then feel free to roll your eyes at the ridiculousness of your feline friend. Similarly, if your dog is more interested in chasing YOU than other dogs, take the opportunity to get in a few steps yourself!
How can I exercise my pet while I’m in isolation?
In our current state of social distancing and lockdowns amid the COVID-19 outbreak, it can be difficult to think about getting up and staying active. However, it’s super important right now! Be creative in finding ways to move from the comfort of your own home.
Some pets are able to see and react to other animals on screen. If you’ve noticed your cat or dog taking an interest in animals on TV, schedule a virtual exercise date with another pet owner! Skype, Facetime, Zoom, or connect in some other way, and move your fuzzy booties (your slippers and your pets’…um…booties)!
You might also consider taking up dancing with your pet. Put on some music and move around your living room or bedroom. If your pet is small enough, hold them while you move. This adds weight to your exercise, which increases benefits for you. If you have a larger breed of dog, hold their front feet and get them dancing, too! (But only if it’s comfortable for them, of course). Or take to your backyard and walk laps. Anything that gets your heartrate up is better than nothing.
Moonshadow can help!
Charleston’s best doggie day care can help with the pet care! We are still open and fully operations. Also, we are offering specials on day care and grooming through April 1, 2020.
Whether you are working from home or required to go into the office and find yourself lacking time to exercise yourself, let alone your pet, bring those babies to us. We will take amazing care of them and give them the exercise they need!
Call us today at (843) 559–0571 or email info@moonshadowkennel.com for more information.
