National Canine Fitness Month is in April, and we think that’s the perfect month for it. Why? Well, because many people haven’t been able to walk their dogs as much due to the cold winter snow and ice, so as the weather warms up, it’s the perfect opportunity to get those dogs back in shape.

Just as we need regular exercise to remain healthy, so do our furry friends. Let’s get them out in the world and help them get into better shape. One of the best ways to do that is to take the dog out for a regular walk, but playing a game of fetch or ball is also a good way for both pet and owner to get into fighting shape.

The History of National Canine Fitness Month

This month was created in 2016 by FitPaws, a company that specializes in rehabilitation, fitness, and coaching products for dogs. National Canine Fitness Month hasn’t taken off just yet over the past few years, but we suspect that over the next few years it will become quite popular as more people are looking to improve the health and lifespan of their pets.

The Importance of Canine Fitness

Want to know why canine fitness is so important? If so, then we have you covered. Below are some facts about canine fitness that we feel every responsible dog owner should know about. Let’s check them out.

• There are over 41 million obese dogs in the world.
• Obese dogs have more pain in their joints, are more likely to have torn ligaments, and have shorter lifespans.
• Dogs that don’t get enough exercise are more likely to be depressed and lethargic as well.
• A regular canine exercise routine reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers in dogs.
• Canine sports are a great way to get your dog the exercise he or she needs.
• Herding dogs get bored easily, so exercise is a great way to break them out of their rut.

Observing National Canine Fitness Month

During this month, we would like to encourage everyone to begin their dog on a fitness routine. This fitness routine doesn’t have to be complicated, though; it can be something as simple as playing with them for an hour a day or taking them for a walk.

No matter how you celebrate it, you should also encourage other pet owners to get their dogs in shape by using the hashtag #CanineFitnessMonth to spread the word about it.