Keeping our furry friends healthy and happy is a top priority for pet parents and pet businesses alike. One of the best ways to ensure your pets stay in tip-top shape is by providing them with plenty of exercise. In this blog, we'll explore various fun and effective exercise options for dogs and cats, from hiking adventures to innovative dog gym facilities, catering to both pet parents and businesses seeking to offer exciting services.

Exercise Options for Pet Parents:

1. Hiking Adventures: Venturing into the great outdoors with your canine companion can be both exhilarating and beneficial for their physical and mental well-being. Hiking allows dogs to explore new sights and smells while getting a good workout alongside their favorite human.
2. Dog Slatmill/ Cat Wheel: For pet parents looking to provide structured exercise in a compact space, a mobile dog slatmill is an excellent option. These mills simulate outdoor running at whatever max speed the pet wants, helping to improve stamina and muscle tone.
3. Active Play: Engage your pet's mind and body with toys that encourage physical activity and mental stimulation. Toys such as cat wands, throwing balls, and other interactive human-pet toys can burn energy, calories and have mental stimulation. 
4. Play Food Fitness Games:Treat dispensing balls and puzzle feeders require your pet to work for their rewards, keeping them entertained and active.
5. Walking/Hiking: Simple yet effective, regular walks or hikes are essential for maintaining your pet's overall health. Whether strolling through the neighborhood or exploring nature trails, walking provides valuable exercise and bonding time for both pet and parent.
6. Jogging: For high-energy dogs, jogging can be an excellent way to burn off excess energy and maintain a healthy weight. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs to ensure your pet can keep up.

Exercise Options for Pet Businesses:

1. Dog Gym Facilities: Offering specialized dog gym facilities equipped with carpet or slatmills, agility courses, and interactive play areas can attract pet parents looking to provide their furry friends with premium exercise options. These facilities provide a safe and controlled environment for pets to stay active and socialize. Be sure to get certifications or training in pet musclo-skeletal systems, rehab therapy or pet exercise for safety and liability purposes.
2. Pet Fitness Classes: Organize group fitness classes tailored to pets, such as doggy yoga (doga), canine agility training, or indoor swimming sessions. These classes not only promote physical fitness but also provide opportunities for pets to socialize with others.
3. Personalized Exercise Plans: Partner with pet parents and their Veterinarians to create personalized exercise plans based on their pet's breed, age, and fitness level. Offering customized solutions ensures that each pet receives the appropriate amount and type of exercise to meet their individual needs.

Regular exercise is essential for keeping our beloved pets healthy, happy, and well-balanced. Be sure to check with your Veterinarian on age appropriate pet options to ensure musclo-skeletal safety, disease restrictions like Congestive Heart Failure, Heartworms or other medical restrictions before planning any new exercise routines. So, let's get moving and make fitness a fun and fulfilling part of pets' lives!

Amber Van Denzen Suarez is the Founder of Atta Boy! Animal Care, and Pet Sitter CEO Youtube channel. A dually certified Professional Pet Sitter, retired Veterinary Nurse of 13 years, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences.  She lives with her 2 dogs, 15 chickens, 3 fish aquariums, and 3 hermit crabs with her human family in Lakeland, Florida.

Amber Van Denzen, CPPS

Atta Boy! Animal Care 

Dedicated NAPPS Volunteer