Holistic Basics

Exercise

Very few people get as much exercise as they should. So imagine how few pets are getting their recommended daily workout.

Think about it. A domesticated dog or cat finds itself confined to a house or apartment most of the day, perhaps climbing on and off the sofa. That's not healthy.

Adequate exercise is essential for increasing oxygen. By increasing the oxygen intake, toxic metabolic waste can be altered into tolerable waste and eliminated through normal channels.

Basically, the same rules apply to your pet as to you: eat right, get a lot of exercise and you will feel better. Your goal is to get the blood moving and in turn reduce stagnation in all its forms throughout the body..

Your adult dog or cat should have two hours of sustained exercise per day, including at least 30 minutes of rigorous exercise to stimulate blood flow (just letting the dog out into the yard is not good enough).

You can jog with your dog, if you wish. You can try riding a bicycle and putting your dog on a lead near you. Perhaps your dog likes to chase balls or Frisbees. Your demographics will dictate what you can do with your pet. If there is an enclosed area near you and it is legal, try letting your dog off its leash. If you have just one dog, try finding a doggie friend for your pet. Two dogs often play together, getting good exercise.

It's best to start exercising your pet when it is young. If you have a dog that has not been exercising and you wish to begin, start slowly! Just like a person, an animal has to get in shape.

You and your dog will be better for making the effort!