By Amanda Daly
Not only are our dogs our best friends, they make great workout partners.
Dogs make amazing workout partners because they are consistent, reliable and enthusiastic. They also never make excuses, never tease you, and don’t try to compete with you.
One of the best ways to get in shape and stay that way is to give your dog what he craves, plenty of exercise.
Regular (twice daily) exercise for dogs is recommended to prevent obesity which can lead to a host of other health issues including heart disease and arthritis.
Not only does exercise help your dog stay healthy physically, it has a positive affect on both your dog’s and your mental well-being. Just think, no more chewed shoes or holes in the backyard.
Having fun outdoors with your dog is a great way to expend energy in a productive way. There are so many great parks and trails in Nanaimo, including eight permanent off-leash parks and a handful of pilot sites to explore.
Try a new park each week. If you have children, get them involved too. You can all have tons of healthy fun by getting outside and getting some exercise.
Wherever you decide to take your pooch for outdoor fun, make sure he is wearing his licence. You never know when he might find a way to escape even the most watchful eye.
Also, always clean up after your pooch. Picking up after your dog keeps our parks and environment clean, healthy and beautiful.
For more information about Nanaimo’s off-leash dog parks, including a downloadable map, please log onto www.nanaimo.ca and enter dog off-leash parks in the search field.
Amanda Daly is a marketing and communication specialist with Nanaimo parks, recreation and culture.