Healthy Lifestyle with Your Dog – Step by Step Toward Well-Being
A Perfect Pair
Following a healthy lifestyle is easier when you’re doing it with your furry companion. Slowly, consistently, and with purpose – you’ll both reach better fitness and well-being.
Want to break records on Strava or Endomondo?
Pick a Dalmatian, who loves to run – you’ll clock those kilometers faster.
Lack motivation?
Adopt a Boxer – he’ll demand his daily hour-long walk, and you won’t be able to say no to his pleading eyes.
Other great companions for long walks or active playtime include the English Springer Spaniel, Airedale Terrier, and Australian Shepherd.
Research shows that to stay in shape, humans need to walk about 19 kilometers per week.
When choosing a dog, consider your activity level and find a companion who shares your love for movement.
Prefer cozy evenings at home?
Choose an introvert with a strong personality – like a Chow Chow.
If you enjoy peace but short outings, a cheerful breed like the Pug will happily join you for some fresh air.
Volunteers at animal shelters or adoption centers can help you find the perfect match. They know each dog’s temperament and personality – trust their advice.
Thoughtful Nutrition
Overfeeding, poor-quality food, and constant access to meals are among the most common mistakes dog owners make.
Avoid cheap dog food or meat of unknown origin.
Your dog deserves high-quality nutrition, just like you do.
Stick to regular feeding times and locations – typically, two meals per day is best.
After physical activity, wait at least two hours before feeding your dog.
Never give your dog:
- chocolate
- garlic
- potatoes
- dairy products
Don’t forget your own health either:
Start your day with a glass of water and always refresh your dog’s water bowl daily.
Make healthy snacks!
Choose meat-based treats for your dog, and nuts or fresh fruit for yourself.
Count all snacks as part of the daily calorie intake, and monitor your dog’s weight to adjust the diet if needed.
Time to Move
Agility training is a fun sport where your dog navigates a special obstacle course using your voice and body commands.
He doesn’t know the course beforehand, so it builds not just fitness, but trust and connection between you two.
Used to playing Frisbee with friends?
Time for a twist – invite your dog!
Toss the disc, and let your pup jump and fetch it mid-air.
Being physically active with your dog reduces stress, improves fitness, and helps build new social connections.
Who knows – maybe you'll meet someone else who also plays Frisbee with their dog, or join that German Shepherd owner from your neighborhood for a walk?
Annual Check-Up
Your dog seems healthy? Great – but don’t skip the vet just yet.
An annual wellness visit is crucial to maintaining your dog’s good condition:
- vaccinations
- weight check
- blood tests
- parasite prevention
These appointments also help catch potential issues early.
And don’t forget about your own check-ups – your health affects your dog too.
Dogs can sense both your positive and negative energy, which influences your bond.