Get fit with your pet: Exercise ideas that pets and humans can do together

Exercise is important not only for humans to maintain a healthy lifestyle -- it's also crucial for our four-legged friends.

"Several studies have shown that weight loss for people and pets is always more successful if they do it together," says Dr. Sean Byrd, owner of Skyview Animal Clinic in Cape Girardeau.

Walking is the No. 1 activity that pets and their owners do together. You can make the walks more interesting by varying the terrain, going with a group or getting special equipment to make the walks more enjoyable.

"Hiking at Trail of Tears State Park is a great way to exercise with your pet," says Byrd.

Stacy Busch-Heisserer, owner of Busch Pet Products in Cape Girardeau, has started a dog walking club called Cape Canine Cruisers.

"We're beginning our second year, and we walk in the spring and in the fall," she says.

The walking group meets at 10 a.m. Saturdays at Busch Pet Products, 1720 Kingsway Drive, Suite 105, and they walk the nearby LaCroix Trail.

"We go for about an hour, and it's fun to meet people who are pet lovers and share the same interests, and it's great socialization for the pets," says Busch-Heisserer. "One advantage is that our in-house dog trainer goes along, so if you have any questions regarding training your pet, you have a chance to ask them on the walk."

Busch-Heisserer advises taking your dog to the vet for a checkup to make sure he's healthy before you start him on an exercise program.

"Start slow and build up, just as people should do, and make sure your dogs are up to date on all their shots," she says.

Equipment is available to help you enjoy your time exercising with your pet.

"We sell a six-in-one leash, and one of its features is that you can put it over your shoulder and be hands-free to walk or run with your dog," says Kayla Barton of Mississippi Mutts in Cape Girardeau.

Be sure to have plenty of drinking water, and if you're walking with your dog at night, wear reflective gear.

"Just like you should take a bottle of water for yourself when you walk, you should also bring one for your pet," says Busch-Heisserer. "We sell a stainless steel water bottle with a special type of lid that makes it easy for the dog to drink from. We also have reflective vests and LED-lighted tags for dogs to wear when they walk at night."

You can also try running or swimming with your dog.

"I run with one of my dogs," says Lisa Foster, practice manager at LaCroix Pet Hospital in Cape Girardeau. "It gives some people motivation to exercise, and it's quality time with your pet."

Swimming is a great activity to do with your pet, as long as it's supervised, says Foster. And, there are now dog-friendly life jackets available.

"We have them in all sizes, from small enough to fit a Yorkie all the way up to ones to fit large dogs," says Busch-Heisserer.

There are ways to be creative in exercising with your dog by purchasing equipment or making it yourself.

"I have a client who sort of plays a version of tennis and fetch with his dog," says Byrd. "He hits a tennis ball, and the dog runs after it and retrieves it for him."

Ball launchers can be fun for you and your pet.

"We sell a brand called 'Chuck It' that makes a ball launcher for dogs," says Busch-Heisserer. "It's a physical activity for you and your dog, because you have to launch the balls and your pet retrieves them. The balls go much farther than if you threw them to your pet."

Agility training courses also are becoming more popular for dogs and their owners.

"You can basically create an obstacle course for the dog, and you train the dog to go through it," says Foster. "The owner has to be the leader through the course. It's great for behavior modification and for dogs who are smart and high energy, and the owner gets quite a bit of exercise, too."

So whether you take a simple walk or run around your neighborhood, hike or swim with your dog, or purchase special equipment and create an obstacle course, getting fit with your pet can be a win-win for you both.