Increasing activity with your dog as the seasons change

We are just about starting to emerge from a wet and muddy winter as the mornings and evenings become lighter and our dogs shed their winter coat. Outside, the landscape starts to change with green starting to take over as the dominant colour. The longer days really beckon for us and our four-legged friends to be out and about for a little longer and we might even plan some walks further afield to make to most of the better Spring weather.

Spring is an excellent time to reassess your pet’s diet and exercise routine. Adjust their calorie intake and portion sizes as needed to maintain a healthy weight and particularly if you add more activities to your pet’s daily routine. Regular exercise not only helps prevent obesity but also stimulates mental and physical health . To support your pet's mobility and overall wellbeing consider using TurmerEase from The Golden Paste Company.

Introduce more activity slowly

After months of more limited exercise, our dogs, much like us, may need some time to adjust to an increased active lifestyle. This transition to increased physical activity should be gradual to prevent injuries and ensure our furry friends are comfortable and happy with longer periods of exercise.

Build Endurance 

Start by incorporating more short walks into your routine, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of these walks over several weeks. This slow build up helps to strengthen your dog's muscles, increase stamina, and accustom them to the new level of activity.

Pay close attention to your dog - is he panting, slowing down or reluctant to move forward?  This may indicate they have reached their limit for the day. It's also essential to consider the breed, age, and current health status of your dog, as these factors significantly influence their exercise needs and capabilities.

Activity Ideas 

Begin with low-impact activities that will gently reintroduce your dog to the physical demands of outdoor life. Short walks on even terrain, leisurely strolls in local parks, or play sessions in a securely fenced area are excellent starting points. These activities not only help in building physical endurance but also provide mental stimulation and socialisation opportunities. As your dog's fitness improves, gradually introduce more varied and challenging activities, always taking cues from their behaviour and comfort level.

Managing our young and senior dogs on the move

Keeping our best friends moving is crucial for their overall health and well-being. For young dogs, focus on age-appropriate activities that build muscle and burn energy, while for senior dogs, prioritise gentle, low-impact exercise to maintain mobility.  Also, consider a supplement to support their mobility such as TurmerEase which contains the following natural ingredients:

Whole root Turmeric  which is made up of over 200+ compounds that synergistically work together and ensure curcumin levels are not lower than 5%.

Apple Cider Vinegar complete with “the mother”. This ensures the beneficial bacteria, yeast and protein are maintained. It is full of B-vitamins and plant-based antioxidants which include compounds such as quercetin which can help with absorption and bioavailability.

Black Pepper (Piperine) contains the alkaloid piperine which has been shown to help poor digestion and has bioactive properties – it also increases absorption and bioavailability of curcumin.

Yucca as it boosts immunity due to the high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants and helps support the digestive tract.

Whole linseed that has been cooked and micronised to provide omegas 3, 6 and 9. It also has natural antioxidant properties.

Ready to Spring into Action?
Support your dog’s joints, digestion, and overall wellbeing as you get out and about this season. Explore TurmerEase from The Golden Paste Company here.