Laurie's Blogs.

Does anybody recognize that line from the movie Babe?  Keep reading, it will make sense.

So, the inspiration for this blog was a “Participaction” post that discussed how physical activity can improve mental health.  We see it with people all the time.  It’s been proven in study after study.  Exercise releases endorphins and simultaneously reduces stress hormones such as cortisol.  However far too few people get enough exercises.  Far too few Canadians I’m sure, far too few Americans, likely too few Brits as well.  Those Scandinavian’s likely have us all beat, and the rest of Europe seems to be more active as well (just from an outsider’s observation)!  But what about our pets?

I’m betting that too few of our pets are getting enough exercise as well!  And of course, we know that this is detrimental to their physical well-being, but I think we should talk about the mental health of our pets as well.

1.Physical activity can help to improve sleep, which can improve health.

2.Physical activity can reduce or slow down ‘brain aging’.

3.Physical activity can reduce pain.

4.Physical activity can instill a sense of happiness, hopefulness, and subsequently ‘youthfulness’.

So how can we get people doing a little bit more exercising with their pets?  Firstly, a caveat:  I think dog owners that are choosing physical rehabilitation services for their pets are likely better dog owners than ‘average’ and I’d bet that they ‘do more’ with and for their pets than ‘average’ as well!  We all likely have great clients!  (I know I do!)

But that being said, what about a little encouragement to ‘Move Your Dog More Every Day?’  Maybe if people were encouraged to just keep things simple, more people would exercise their dogs.  Up and down the stairs, tug of war on the carpet, retrieves down the hallway, and yes, a good old fashioned walk.  They say that the reason that most ‘people’ don’t exercise is because they don’t have time.  So why not come up with some itty-bitty exercise suggestions – 5-minute exercises.  It’s better than nothing, and perhaps it could get the ball rolling… to get them exercising even more.  I have to say, that while all dogs need exercise, I think that the senior dogs could use this 5-minute here and there exercise regimen more than any other age group.

So, what do you think?  Want to create a movement with me?  Want to create a day for this?  We can hashtag it as something catchy… all get involved in social media… post videos, pictures, links.  Throw your ideas my way, I think it could be fun!  #MoveYourPoochy (wait, does that sound naughty?)  #Dogercize (that sounds nonsensical!)  #Doggonemovin.  I’ll quit while I’m ahead… but really, I mean it, send me your thoughts, and let’s do something fun together!

Until next time… Cheers!  Laurie