Everyone knows how important staying in shape is for promoting overall health and wellness, but many people fall short in the exercise department when it comes to their pets. Regular exercise can help keep your four-legged friends in optimal shape and encourage a healthy state of mind. According to Kapolei Pet Hospital in Hawaii, making your pet’s health a priority can contribute to a happy, long life.

Here are three reasons why exercising your animals is beneficial for pet health:

• Prevent Boredom: Pets need to be stimulated to ward off boredom. Even if you have a fenced-in yard for your dogs to roam, the stimulation they feel when they’re taken for a walk or a run can’t be matched. Whether it’s playing fetch in the park or jogging around the block, get your pups moving to break the monotony of sitting around the house. Getting your cats up and moving can stimulate their minds and give them something to do as well.
• Provide Bonding Time: Both cats and dogs benefit from exercise time with their owners.Let your cat’s natural hunter instincts come out by having them chase a feather on a string or a laser while you’re sitting on the couch. Dogs enjoy bonding when they join in on physical activities with their owners. Exercising with more than one dog can promote stronger relationships between the animals.
• Increase Strength & Endurance: Make pet health a priority; exercise yours regularly to promote strength, endurance, and weight loss. Regular exercise can also prevent your dogs and cats from putting on extra weight that can jeopardize their health.

Your animals deserve the benefits that come from making their health a priority. Pet health starts at home, and regular exercise is the cornerstone of a healthy and happy life for your dogs and cats. Call the caring veterinarians at Kapolei Pet Hospital at (808) 462-8040 or visit them online to learn more about how you can improve the fitness of your pets.