Physical activity is not only good for you, it’s good for animals too! Whether you have a cat, dog, hamster or iguana, playing with them is one way you can improve your health by keeping active and having fun at the same time.

Dogs can make a particularly enthusiastic physical activity buddy, as they require walks several times a day and typically love a good game of fetch.

When people and dogs do things together it is good news all around. Physical activities can provide the structure that helps people learn to better communicate with their dogs. Dogs also have an opportunity to learn good manners and keep from being bored.

A dog that regularly exercises with its owner is less likely to have behavior problems. Physical activities can be as much of a mental health boost as a physical one for humans and dogs alike!

If you don’t have your own dog, you might be able to borrow a pooch from a friend or a neighbour who will probably appreciate you giving them some additional exercise.

Here are some activities you can try with your dog this summer:

• Take turns chasing each other – some dogs love to chase you, while others will want you to chase them.
• Play fetch with a ball, a stuffed toy or a stick.
• Play hide and seek around trees or shrubs in the backyard.
• Go for a hike along your favorite trail.
• Contact your veterinarian or local community centre to learn where you can sign up for dog agility, obedience and flyball courses.
• See if you can outrun your dog in a sprint to the nearest tree or landmark.
• Play ‘chase your tail’ and run around in circles; see who gets dizziest first!
• Teach your dog how to catch a frisbee in mid-air.
• Set up goal posts using a small pile of rocks or twigs and try to dribble a soccer ball past your dog without letting his nose touch it.

SummerActive Pet Safety

When temperatures are much warmer and the humidity is higher, your pet will need a little extra care from you. Here are some points to remember this summer to keep your cat or dog healthy and protected from overheating:

Take your companion animal to the veterinarian for an early-summer check-up, including a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round preventative medication. Have the doctor recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

Overheating (heat prostration) can kill an animal. Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, since even with the windows open, a parked car, truck or van can quickly become a furnace. Parking in shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day. When traveling, carry a gallon thermos filled with fresh, cold water.

Don't force your animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather. Always exercise him or her in the cool of the early morning or evening.

Always provide plenty of shade for an animal staying outside of the house. A properly constructed dog house serves best.

Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day and let them rest in a cool area inside your house.

Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your animal.

Please be sensitive to old and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs (especially bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos, boxers and shih tzus) and those with heart or lung diseases should be kept indoors in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible.

Keep a current municipal license and identification tag on your dog or cat and consider tattooing or micro-chipping your pet as a means of permanent identification.

Avoid walking your dog in areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Poisonings increase during the summer when gardens, lawns and trees are sprayed. These chemicals can sicken or kill an animal. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your animal has been poisoned.

Be alert for coolant leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal's death. Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol.

Never tie an animal outside on a correction collar, they can choke to death. If you must tether your dog, use a buckle collar with identification tags instead.

Never let your animal run loose. Besides being against the law (when walking dogs), this is how an animal can contract fatal diseases, like rabies, be injured, stolen or killed. Be sure there are no open, unscreened windows or doors through which your animal can fall or jump.

In extremely hot weather, don't leave your dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum. Dogs are much closer to the hot asphalt and their body can heat up quickly. Their paws can burn since they are not protected by shoes.

[Sources: The Toronto Humane Society, Halifax Dog Insurance, The Town of Richmond Hill, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Dog-Play]

Remember, if it's too hot for you to be outside for long, then it's too hot for your pet!