15 Fun Ways to Help Your Overweight Dog Get Fit

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Fitness isn’t just for people—it’s important for pets, too! If your dog is carrying a bit more weight than they should, it may cause joint pain, diabetes, and low energy in dogs. Rejuvenate your pet’s life with these 15 effective ways to help your overweight dog stay in good shape and health.

Daily Walks

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Begin with short, vigorous walks and gradually increase the distance and pace for the best benefits. To keep things interesting, try different routes. Even modest steps can substantially improve your dog’s fitness, so stay consistent and energetic!

Swimming

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Swimming is a superb, low-impact exercise for overweight dogs that eases joint strain. Ideal for dogs with arthritis or those struggling with land exercises, short 10-15 minute sessions can boost metabolism and aid physical condition. Use flat toys and ensure thorough drying post-swim for safety.

Agility Training

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Set up a backyard course with jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. Start slowly to avoid overexertion, especially if your dog has medical conditions. As your dog burns calories and builds muscle, monitor for heatstroke and adjust intensity based on their progress.  

Treadmill Training 

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When it’s impossible to practice your dog’s routine outside, such as in the winter or wet days, treadmill training keeps them active and healthy. It’s a regulated drill that helps trim fat by increasing stamina and shedding excess pounds. As you start out, pace your dog’s speed and steadily raise it.

Tug-of-War

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Dogs can burn calories and strengthen muscles by playing tug-of-war with a sturdy rope toy. It’s a full-body workout that keeps them active and helps them lose weight. Ensure your dog is restrained from biting during play, and give them a small incentive every now and then to keep them motivated.

Water Treadmill Therapy

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Hydrotherapy on a water treadmill is ideal as buoyancy alleviates joint stress, while water resistance builds muscle and increases calorie burn. This pleasant, low-impact exercise improves cardiovascular health and weight loss, allowing your dog to lose pounds safely while boosting general fitness and mobility.

Stair Climbing

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Utilize stairs for your pet’s workout to build leg muscles and improve cardiovascular health. Begin with a few steps and gradually increase as strength improves. Encourage climbing up and down for good results. It enhances overall wellness and endurance.

Dog Yoga

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Doga, also known as Dog Yoga, incorporates gentle stretching and poses that improve flexibility and core strength while burning body fat, making it ideal for overweight dogs. This practice boosts stamina, aids fitness, and releases “happy hormones” like oxytocin and serotonin, deepening your bond. However, it should be avoided for older dogs with joint issues.

Hiking

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Take your dog on a hike to combine the benefits of walking with the added challenge of different terrain. Hiking trails often provide a stimulating environment with new sights and smells for a more enjoyable movement for your dog.

Fetch Games

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Turn a simple game of fetch into a vigorous workout. Give your dog a ball, Frisbee, or even a beloved toy to get your dog to run and retrieve. Try to include high-energy activities as often as possible in their day.

Interactive Toys

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Look for engaging toys that make your dog move and think. Toys that dispense treats or have moving parts can keep your dog entertained and active. These toys are great for mental stimulation as well as physical routines.

Weight Pulling

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You’ll be surprised at how much weight dogs can pull using their harness. Start with light weights and gradually increase as your dog’s strength improves. Always ensure the activity is safe and appropriate for their size and breed.

Dancing

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Yes, dancing! Teach your dog some simple dance moves. It’s a fun and energetic way not only to get you and your dog moving, but also to bond. Put on some music and dance together for a fun workout session.

Hide & Seek

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To encourage your dog to move, play hide-and-seek with food or toys. This game enhances your dog’s sense of smell and problem-solving abilities while promoting physical exercise. Note that scent work exercises give a thorough workout for both the body and the mind.

Playdates & Sports

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Organizing playdates or visits to the animal park to run and play with peers will benefit mental and physical health. You can even enroll them in dog activities like flyball and dock diving. Add training sessions with orders such as sit, stay, or roll over to keep them occupied.

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