Both Dogs and People Get Muscle Aches

Like people, dogs can get sore after strenuous exercise which they aren’t used to. Their muscles can ache the next day just like yours. This is why if you’re just starting out exercising with your dog, remember to give it enough rest to recover between sessions. If you go for a long cycle one day, settle for a walk the next.

Both Dogs and People Can Get Bored

Like people, dogs can get bored of doing the same things over and over. Pick an exercise activity that both you and your dog enjoy and don’t be afraid to change it up. If your dog gets bored during longer runs, consider taking breaks between running; bring your dog’s favorite toy on your run, let your dog have some water, and throw the toy for your dog during the short break.

Exercise Gets Your Dog’s Endorphins Flowing

When people exercise, their bodies release endorphins. Endorphins can make you feel happy, light, carefree, and ‘high’ on life. Dogs experience this during exercise as well! When dogs are running and playing their bodies release endorphins just like ours do. They become happy and elated. Fun exercise is a great way to get those endorphins flowing, lift your dog’s mood, and release some of its stress.

Dogs and People Can Exercise and Still be Fat

You can go for a one hour run every day, but if you eat copious amounts of fatty food and junk, you’ll still be fat! The same goes for dogs – just because you’re exercising your dog daily does not mean you can start feeding it more food or worse quality food. Keep your dog’s diet consistent and don’t think that increasing exercise means you should increase food intake as well! You need to find a balance between how much physical activity your dog is doing and how much it is eating. If you aren’t sure, talk to your vet!

It’s important to never treat your dog as if it’s a little person, but we certainly have some similarities which we can both relate to when it comes to exercise and staying fit.