Endorphins And How Exercise Can Benefit Your Dog

We have all heard the phrase “runner’s high” in athletes and the same holds true for pets. A good exercise session (and the release of endorphins) not only improves muscle strength and circulation, but also supports brain health. Exercise, especially in active and working dog breeds, can help with some behavioral problems too: Compulsive Behavior (e.g tail chasing and chewing), Puppy and Hyperactivity  as well as Destructive Behavior (e.g. digging) can be reduced or eliminated when a pet is exercised. Keeping your kitty busy with lots of toys (such as a laser or feather toy) during the day can help everyone sleep better at night. Exercise also helps pets with anxiety as endorphins from exercise can help to calm an anxious pet. For example, walking your nervous pup can help Lick Granulomas, skin lesions caused by obsessive licking, which are often started from anxiety. Try to plan out a little block of time every day to spend with your cat or dog (young or old) exercising as a tired pet is a happy  pet. For more information about pet health and nutrition visit AskAriel.com.

Exercise Can Make Your Dog Happy

Follow Star on Instagram @ golden.starshine

“Star is very active. Her favorite form of exercise by far is to run and play catch. I take her out almost everyday. We either go to a dog park or to our local dog beach where she can run free and play catch with her ball. When we can't go out, I play catch in the house for about 20 minutes. I have lots of room to throw the ball so she can run. “ Beth and Star

There’s a reason why Star’s favorite form of exercise is running and playing catch - endorphins are released when dogs exercise at a certain intensity.  We have all heard the phrase “runner’s high” in athletes and the same holds true for dogs.  A good exercise session (and the release of the endorphins) may help with some of these common behavioral problems too.

• Compulsive Behaviors-  tail chasing and chewing. *Be sure to rule out allergies or other skin condition.
• Puppy and Adolescent Hyperactivity- puppies are VERY active…a tired dog is a happy dog. A bored puppy can cause a lot of trouble.  
• Anxiety- the endorphins from exercise can help to calm an anxious pup.
• Lick Granuloma- the skin lesions caused by obsessive licking are often started from anxiety.  Researchers believe the act of licking may release endorphins and exercise can release the same endorphins helping to reduce the likelihood of lick granulomas.