Hello! In this article, we will discuss the benefits of getting your dog involved in sports and how it can impact their longevity. Are you ready?
First and foremost, it’s important to emphasize that dogs are highly active animals and need physical exercise to stay healthy.
One of the major advantages of physical activity for your dog is that it helps them maintain a healthy weight and prevents obesity, which can lead to health issues such as diabetes, heart problems, and joint disorders.
Physical exercise helps maintain the overall cardiovascular health of your dog, improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of heart diseases.
The muscular and skeletal systems of your dog also greatly benefit from physical activity, which helps prevent joint and muscle problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and degenerative disc diseases.
Physical activity also plays a role in preventing behavioral issues like anxiety and aggression, improving your dog’s psychological well-being and reducing stress.
We’ve discussed the benefits of physical activity for your dog, but what is the connection between sports and longevity?
Numerous studies have shown that dogs who engage in regular physical activity live longer than sedentary dogs. Exercise helps improve your dog’s overall health, reducing the risk of diseases and maintaining the ideal body weight.
A study published in the journal “Preventive Veterinary Medicine” examined the association between exercise and dogs’ life expectancy. The results showed that dogs engaging in regular physical activity had a longer life expectancy compared to sedentary dogs.
The study included 48 dogs aged 6 to 11 years, representing various breeds from different families. The dogs were divided into two groups: the first group received a regular exercise program, while the second group remained sedentary.
The results of the study revealed that dogs in the first group had an average life expectancy of 9.75 years, while dogs in the second group had an average life expectancy of only 8.27 years.
The study also found that dogs engaging in regular physical activity had better overall health and a lower incidence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Another study conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool in collaboration with Mars Petcare, a pet food company, is titled “Impact of exercise on canine health.”
A third study was published in the journal PLOS One and is titled “Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England.” The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of California, Davis.
Experts agree that regular physical exercise can improve dogs’ overall health and extend their lives. However, it’s important to note that every dog is different, and the amount and type of physical exercise that is most suitable will depend on the dog’s breed, age, fitness level, and individual health conditions.
It’s essential to highlight that involving your dog in sports not only enhances their physical health but also their mental well-being. Physical activity helps reduce your dog’s stress, promotes socialization with other dogs and people, and maintains emotional and psychological balance.
I hope this article has helped you understand the importance of physical activity for your dog and its benefits for their longevity.
Enjoy & play Disc Dog!
