Keeping dogs healthy: Diet and exercise as the key to success
Most dog owners are concerned about keeping their dogs healthy and fit for as long as possible. The foundation of a long, healthy dog's life is, as with us humans, a healthy lifestyle. And this, unsurprisingly, also consists of a balanced diet and regular exercise for dogs. And, not surprisingly, this also consists of a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Needs-based nutrition
Of course, the dog's diet plays an immensely important role in its health. It is important that the diet is of high quality on the one hand, and on the other hand is tailored as individually as possible to the needs of the dog. This depends on various factors:
- Age (puppy, adult, senior)
- Breed or size (small to xxl)
- General condition (weight, state of health, condition of skin and coat, dental health...)
- Intolerances, allergies, diseases or other known problems
- Preferences
- Activity level
We are happy to help you choose the right diet for your dog with our free veterinary consultation.
Regular exercise
In addition to an adapted diet, daily exercise plays a role in keeping the dog healthy. Important: This must also be adapted to the age and general condition of the dog.
It does not always have to be the classic walk that provides the four-legged friend with exercise. There are endless possibilities to keep the dog - and as a great side effect yourself - fit.
Try something new
It is worthwhile to try something new, to dare to look beyond your own nose and to bring some variety into your everyday life. We have collected a few inspirations for sports and activities with the dog.
But first and foremost, one thing is important: have fun together! Find something that both you and your furry partner will enjoy.
Sport from puppy to old age?
Whether young or old, large or small - there is a suitable sport for every dog. When choosing , however, it is particularly important to be prudent and sensible with puppies and seniors:
- Puppies: With puppies, there is a danger of wanting/doing too much too quickly, as they are usually full of energy and zest for action and can hardly be stopped. However, it is important to bear in mind that the joints of young dogs should be spared while they are still growing in order to achieve their full functionality later on. However, a playful introduction makes sense.
- Seniors: With seniors, the following applies: Take time and consideration and look carefully. Slow and
deliberate retraining and if there are any abnormalities, go to the vet immediately.
Getting started in dog sports - what should be considered in advance?
Exercise is essential for dogs. However, before starting (more demanding) sporting tasks, some
factors should be considered:
| To consider | Brief description |
|---|---|
| Breed | The breed plays a role in the choice of sport. Short-legged or short-headed dogs should be particularly careful when engaging in demanding sporting activities. |
| Age | Be prudent with puppies and seniors and prevent over-exertion. |
| Health | The be-all and end-all of dog sports is the dog's general physical condition and health
. A conversation and an examination by a veterinarian beforehand will provide security and certainty about the status quo and the training possibilities with the dog. |
Once these points have been clarified, nothing should stand in the way of sporting pleasure!
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PERRO Soft Snack Nature Goat- Dogs
- soft reward snacks
- ideal for training
- grain & gluten free
- low-fat
- with lots of fresh meat
- Single protein goat
Content: 0.2 kilogram (€17.15* / 1 kilogram)
From €3.50*Variants from €3.43* -
PERRO Peppermint Snacks- soft reward snack
- small & soft
- with potatoes, peas & poultry meat
- gluten & grain free
- for fresh breath
- ideal for dog sports and training
- particularly high acceptance
Content: 0.2 kilogram (€15.45* / 1 kilogram)
From €3.15*Variants from €3.09* -
Towline rubberised without loop- Dragline
- rubberised
- secure hold
- without hand loop
- ideal tracking, search and training line
- 2 colours and 3 lengths
- Recall training
€12.99* -
Dog Activity Agility Hurdle- Order Agility Hurdle online at PERRO.
- Agility Set
- Hurdle
- Parcour
- Agility Accessories
- Buy accessories for dog sports at PERRO in our online shop!
€24.99* -
ACME whistle 210.5- classic dog whistle
- very high, powerful signal tone
- frequency standardised
- made of plastic
- weatherproof
- different colours
- No. 210.5
€12.40* -
PERRO training waistcoat- Training waistcoat
- numerous pockets
- Treat pocket on the right or left
- Kangaroo pocket
- with Perro embroidery
- Ventilation in the shoulder area
- Adjustable waist
€56.00* -
Retrieval wood Bende- Bring wood
- for retrieval training
- robust & weatherproof
- Natural material wood
- 4 different sizes
- from 400g - 2kg
€9.99* -
Trainer Snack Dummy- trainer Snack Dummy
- can be filled with snacks
- with zip
- perfect for teaching the dog to fetch
- easy to clean and robust
€14.99* -
Clicker with universal wristband- Clicker
- positive reinforcement
- non-violent training
- with spiral bracelet
- for dogs, cats & other animals
- bright colours
€4.99* -
Traction harness "Xback Active G2- Sports Harness
- Xback Harness
- for Canicross
- for dogs with deep chest
- padded with Airmesh
- with reflectors
- Made in Germany
€64.90*
Strong bond
In addition to physical fitness, the intensive activity with the dog alsostrengthens the relationship between man and animal. Mastering a task together usually forges a lasting bond between the partners. They get to know each other even better and react to the smallest signals and refine their ability to read each other's body language. In addition, the endorphin hormones are released during exercise in both humans and dogs.
Inspiration: Sports for the dog
We have compiled a list of ideas for dog sports:
| Sport | Short description |
|---|---|
| Pulling * | The dog pulls something behind him, alone or with other dogs. This includes dog sports such as sled dog sports, bike joring, or skijoring. |
| Agility * | Speed, skill and coordination, but also obedience are required in the agility course consisting of slalom, tunnel & co. |
| Canicross * | This cross-country course is perfect for sporty dogs and owners who enjoy running. The dog is connected to its owner by an elastic leash attached to the belly belt and pulls the owner both on flat terrain and uphill. |
| Dog Frisbee * | Available in mini and long distance. The aim is to catch the discs and collect points. |
| Obedience | The focus here is on harmonious communication between two and four-legged friends. The dog must retrieve objects and obey commands at a distance. |
| Rally Obedience | Rally Obedience combines elements of Agility and Obedience. |
| Dogdancing | The core elements of dogdancing are the development of a joint choreography (two and four-legged) consisting of basic obedience, tricks and tricks to suitable music. |
| Man Trailing | In mantrailing, the dog orients itself to the individual scent of the person being tracked and not, as in classic tracking work, to the ground injury. Naturally, hunting dogs enjoy this very much |
| Treibball | The dog has to carry 8 gymnastic balls (the sheep) of different sizes into a gate (the pasture) one after the other within 15 minutes on the instructions of the handler. |
| Dummy training | Dummy training uses and activates the play instinct, hunting instinct, the joy of chasing, tracking and retrieving. |
| Walking | The steady upward movement is a great stamina and muscle-building workout. |
| Cycling | A great endurance and cardio workout at a speed adapted to the dog. Suitable cycling accessories make it easier to cycle together |
| Jogging | Good endurance and cardio training for humans and animals. Tip: Start training slowly and increase steadily (e.g. 5 min jogging, 5 min walking) |
