5 Exercise Benefits for Your Dog’s Physical and Mental Health

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of our dogs. Not only does it keep them physically fit, but it also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and can improve their overall mood. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore 5 key benefits of regular exercise for your dog’s physical and mental health, and explain how our Supra Bodysuit can help protect your dog’s fur while enjoying fun and healthy outdoor activities.

1) Get Fit and Healthy: The Physical Benefits of Regular Exercise for Dogs

One of the most obvious benefits of regular exercise for dogs is improved physical health. Since exercise helps to keep your dog’s muscles and joints strong and flexible, it can also reduce the risk of injury and arthritis (especially for senior dogs). Plus, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight for your dog, which can reduce the risk of obesity and associated health problems. According to the American Kennel Club, regular exercise can benefit and help to improve your dog’s cardiovascular health by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the heart and lungs.

2) Mental Health Matters: How Exercise Can Improve Your Dog’s Mood

Physical activity is a great way for your dog to release any pent-up energy, which can help reduce their stress and anxiety. Exercise also releases endorphins in your dog’s brain, which promote feelings of happiness and well-being. A recent study from Gregory Berns, a neuroscientist at Emory University, discovered that dogs also have feelings like ours and can experience the same mental health benefits that we do. As a result, regular exercise can have a positive impact on your dog’s mental health the same way it does on our own.

3) Increased Socialization: Regular Exercise Can Improve Your Dog’s Interaction with Others

Regular exercise can also be beneficial for socializing your dog. Going on regular walks, to the park or to doggy play dates allows them to interact with other dogs and people. This can improve their social skills and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Socialization also helps prevent behavioral issues like aggression or fearfulness, since well-socialized dogs are more likely to be confident and well-adjusted. Not to mention going on walks or hikes with other dogs can be a great way for your pup to make new friends!

4) Improved Cognitive Function: Regular Exercise Can Keep Your Dog’s Mind Sharp

Exercising regularly with your dog can also have a positive impact on their cognitive function. Just like humans, dogs need mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp. Engaging in activities that challenge their minds, like training or agility exercises, can help to improve their memory and problem-solving skills.

Additionally, exposure to new environments, sights, sounds, and smells during walks or hikes can also keep your dog’s mind active and engaged. The American Kennel Club says regular exercise can even delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline, like cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and keep your dog’s mind sharp well into their senior years.

5) Good Behavior Starts with Exercise: How Regular Physical Activity Can Improve Your Dog’s Behavior

Another benefit of regular exercise for dogs is improved behavior. Dogs that don’t get enough exercise can get bored or restless, which can lead to destructive behavior such as chewing, digging and barking.

Regular exercise keeps your dog mentally stimulated and reduces the likelihood of these behaviors. If you have to leave your pup at home for longer than a few hours, take them for a walk or a good play session before you leave. This exercise gives your dog an outlet to release energy and can help to reduce their anxiety while you’re gone, which can be the root cause of behavioral issues.

Protecting Your Pup: How the Supra Bodysuit Helps Protect Your Pup Through Every Season

Whether you have a Goldendoodle who loves play days at the park or Wheaten Terriers who love snow zoomies, your dog’s fur may pick up many things during their outdoor activities. Our Supra Bodysuit is a lightweight stretchable and breathable bodysuit that can help keep them clean and protected all year round so you spend less time grooming and more time making memories!  

Our Supra Bodysuit benefits include:

• Mud, Sand & Debris Prevention
• Minimizing Ticks, Burrs + Stickers
• Snow Protection 
• Increased Visibility
• UV Protection
• Allergy Symptom Relief
• Anxiety Relief
• Shedding Control
• Surgical Site Protection (no more Cone of Shame!)

Designed with a 4-way stretch material, our Supra suit contours to your dog’s body to allow for full range of motion and plenty of comfort through every walk, run and jump. From small dogs to Great Danes, the suit can fit a wide range of dog breeds, sizes and shapes. Proper measuring of your dog is essential for determining the correct size – best size. 

The measurements you’ll need are the:

• Top Line (from the base of the neck to the base of the tail) and
• Girth (circumference around the deepest part of their chest).

The Importance of Regular Exercise for Your Dog’s Physical and Mental Health

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of our dogs. Not only does it help keep them physically fit, it also helps reduce stress and anxiety, and improves their overall mood.

Whether it’s a long walk, a game of fetch or a swim in the lake, incorporating exercise into your dog’s routine can improve their physical and mental health and benefit them for many years to come.

 

A Note for Pet Parents

Before starting any exercise routine with your dog, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide you with an appropriate exercise plan based on your dog’s breed, age, and overall health status and ensure the best possible health plan for your pup.