We are increasingly sedentary and this also directly affects our pets. We spend the day working and when we get home we don't feel like playing sports with the dog, which makes the dogs also become sedentary and end up being overweight and other problems related to this lifestyle.
Es necessary to end the sedentary lifestyle in the dog because this can have various consequences on your health. Sedentary can be avoided since they are puppies and can be fought when they have become sedentary. In general, daily exercise is essential for the dog to be balanced and in good health.
Owners and dogs
In general, the fact that owners are sedentary is directly related with a sedentary lifestyle in dogs, since they tend to have the same lifestyle as their owners. On the other hand, there are owners who play sports but leave their dog at home or only take it out on short walks, causing the dog to become sedentary. That is why the first thing we must change is the owner. This is the one who must be aware that the dog cannot become sedentary. When it comes to making the dog more active, the owner must change his daily habits. If he was not doing sports he should start doing it and if he did he should only start doing it in the company of the dog. We as owners are the first to change our lifestyle so that the dog stops being sedentary.
Daily exercise
Taking into account the age and physical condition of the dog, we must carry out some kind of daily exercise with them. If they are loose on a farm it is easy for them to move and if they are sedentary we will only have to play with them to throw the ball to them so that they can exercise a little. When the dogs are in better shape, we can take longer and longer walks and even run with them. We will see how the dog regains its good physical shape on a daily basis. For the dog to be balanced and avoid that sedentary lifestyle, we must perform this exercise as part of its daily routine. There are dogs that have a harder time, but it is a matter of going step by step.
In case we spend the day outside or we cannot get it out, we can always consider other alternatives. For example is a good idea hire a dog walker so that he can take it out and so he can take more than one walk a day when we are not there. It is possible to buy a tape to play sports at home and thus make the dog walk a little more each day. The important thing is that you exercise within your possibilities and avoid sedentary lifestyle.
Sedentary problems
A sedentary lifestyle in dogs is as harmful as it can be in people. Dogs can end up overweight due to a sedentary lifestyle, especially if we give them more food than recommended or if it is too caloric. Being overweight can lead to problems in the heart, but also in the joints. It is common for overweight dogs to have leg problems, which increases with age and osteoarthritis, causing in many cases the dog to experience pain or not be able to move freely. A sedentary lifestyle also means that the dog does not expend the energy it has, which can lead to a problem in its behavior. It is normal for a dog that does not play sports to end up breaking things and even developing some aggressive behavior. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle is directly linked to many diseases in dogs, from diabetes to heart disease and joint problems. The most direct problem is undoubtedly overweight, which appears before in breeds that are prone, but which can occur in all types of breeds if sedentary lifestyle is continuous.