Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Dogs - Hiker's Best Friends

By Merv Carlson


Being a dog owner doesn't only bring you a more ecstatic life, but also a healthier one. There is an exhaustive variety of outdoor activities that can be done together with your dog, in order to improve your physical fitness and health. It's understandable that during winter you choose to stay mostly indoors, but when the warmer weather is back again, you can start hiking and doing outdoor activities with your dog. If you really enjoy the pleasant temperatures, the beauty of the surroundings, you will be more motivated to exercise. There are a lot of fun and healthy activities for you and your loving pet, and we picked some of the best.

Walking Walking is a popular activity. Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to help you keep fit. Walking is suitable for people of all ages. You should spend at least 30 minutes per day to walk. Regular walking with your dog is believed to help reduce heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some types of cancer. An active dog is your best walking companion. Your dog also needs physical exercises, and walking is suitable for it.

Jogging Jogging with your loving pet is excellent for your lungs and heart's health, being an activity that improves your stamina. The secret is to start gradually and to increase your distance or time by maximum 10% a week. Going faster with the process isn't bad for your lungs or heart, but for your muscles and joints, and you can develop medical problems. So get the perfect pair of running shoes and a good sports bra, if you're a woman, and start improving your fitness and health form alongside the company of your dog.

Hiking Hiking is believed to be an incredible workout activity since it helps bring peace back into your mind and also helps you keep fit. Hiking brings you closer to the nature, helps you enjoy the fresh atmosphere and burn calories at the same time. It is even more fun if you have your dog as a companion. Hiking improves your muscle strength while not putting too much pressure on your joints. Unlike walking or jogging, hiking requires a little bit of preparation. A backpack is needed to carry water, your hiking boots and the dog boots if you intend to hike with your dog. Like any other exercises, you should start out with a few miles first to develop your and your dog's level of endurance; then gradually build up to longer treks.

Water Sports You already know by now that your dog loves water. If you're going on a holiday or you have an ocean, a pool or any other water attraction near your home, you can practice some water sports with your pet. If your dog is a good swimmer, take her surfing with you. Catch the perfect waves and maybe you will even take some surfing lessons from your pet. You can also swim with your dog.




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