Because the weather is getting nicer, we decided to focus on ways to properly
exercise your pets! With the help of Coach Dan from@VarsityPets (Varsity Pets Website), we managed yet another successful #Furchat! Check out the
recap below:

Q1: What ways do you and your pet enjoy outside activities and how often?
#Furchat via @Dogpaddling

@Dogpadding A1: We love going on canoe trips, hiking adventures and skijoring trips!
Anything where Jess can have fun w us #Furchat

@understandblue A1: My kitties are indoor only so I throw a lot of mice! :) #Furchat

@NaturesLogic A1: Daily walks, swims in the pond in summer. Sometimes substitute
hiking for one of the days. #Furchat

@EdnaAtNutro A1.For the cat & I, he's enjoying time in the yard (on harness/leash) #Furchat

@VarsityPets A1: I'm responsible for the health/fitness of two very different dogs, an
adult rottweiler and a senior bulldog. They have VERY different exercise routines.
Kody, the rottweiler, gets three square sessions per day – one easy walk, one fetch
session for more intensity, and one play session with other dogs or his Varsity Ball.
Lucy, the bulldog, just does light play and easy stimulated running in a confined area. #Furchat

Q2: How can you tell when your dog has had enough exercise for the day? #Furchat
via @PepMomma

@SureFitPets A2: Drooling and her tongue swelling is usually a good sign. Also when
she is no longer trying to lead me. #Furchat

@VarsityPets A2: Some ways to tell that it's time to quit for the session/day: 1 -
Exasperation as displayed by panting. Much like sweat with humans, panting is an
indication of elevated work levels (producing excess heat). 2 - Calorie counting ...here's
a link to a dependable canine caloric output calculator: Calorie Counter. 3 Post-
workout behavior: is your dog less energetic than usual a couple hours later (good!) or
less mobile (bad!)? For all these you need to know your dog's USUAL behavior and
condition well, so pay attention! #Furchat

@understandblue A2: Our cats do the "flop" when they're tired of playing. Long,
dramatic flat cat on an area rug. #Furchat

Q3: How can I safely exercise my senior, obese dog who hates to go for walks?
via @NicoleGuillaume #Furchat

@PepperPom A3: In Summer I play fetch inside, too hot to walk. I am not obese or
senior though, just the knees. #Furchat

@Trupanion A3: To exercise your pet, find out what motivates him whether it be a toy/
ball, another dog, or exploring the park. #Furchat

@VarsityPets A3: The keys are finding some kind of active behavior that she DOES like,
starting slow, then adding volume slowly and carefully. #Furchat

@NaturesLogic A3: If you can get dog's weight down he'll feel more like moving. Feed
high-protein, low carb diet and not too much. #Furchat

@VPI A3: Getting your dog out & taking him different places helps keep his mind alert &
active. Adjust the duration of walks 2 fit his needs. #Furchat

@EquipawsPets A3: We like to start them off by doing pool exercises- great in Miami! #Furchat

Q4: What's a good way to exercise your dog when stuck indoors? via
@OdorNeutral #Furchat

@NaturesLogic A4: obstacle course around furniture? #Furchat

@Trupanion A4: We've got a bunch of indoor activity ideas for you and your pet! Indoor Activities for Pets #Furchat

@ArenusPet A4: ball up and down stairs. best if carpeted for traction to avoid injury. #Furchat

@VarsityPets  A4: Behavioral training w rewards is a good inside activity for obese pets
because they just stop participating when it's too much. Playing fetch on stairs adds some
work to the fetch activity, so it's good for high-energy, able-bodied pups. #Furchat

@EdnaAtNutro A4: I also hang wands w/ attachments from bookshelf too above his head
level & change atchments 4 variety. #Furchat

Q5: What are some products you use to help exercise your pet? Via
@coburnsexclusiv #Furchat

@VarsityPets A5: (Without brands) -- Fetch toys for sprinting in fetch games; bumpers
and chews for tug games and for motivating jumping other dogs or large, indestructible
playballs for outdoor wrestling, jogging leashes, post-workout supplements to refuel. #Furchat

@PepperPom A5: Squeaky toys!! I use nina ottosson puzzles for her brain. I wear a chilly
pack from Glacier tek chillypup vest when I have to be outside in hot weather #Furchat

@ArenusPet A5: leash, bike, travel water bowl #Furchat

@VPI A5: Here's a list of cat toys to keep your feline occupied and active Pet Toys #Furchat

@LendaFreeHand A5: Running shoes for US! Exercising takes two. #Furchat

When asked the most important piece of advice about exercising your pet, @VarsityPets
had this to say, “Find activities that BOTH you and your pet like enough to stick
with. Lifelong fitness is a marathon, not a sprint.” Varsity Pets offers a unique
product called the Varsity Ball that large, high-drive dogs play with all by themselves
by mimicking group play or herding. The Varsity Ball can be found here: http://www.varsitypetsonline.com/products/Varsity-Ball. In addition, you can follow their blog
at www.theoptimaldog.com! Thank you to all who joined our #furchat, and we’ll see you
on May 24th for the next one!