(December 13, 2022)
Get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions! If you’ve recommitted to self-care and physical fitness in 2023, why not help your pet do the same?
Exercise has many of the same benefits for pets as it does for people, especially if you have a high-energy dog with lots of energy to burn.
Teach Your Pet A New Skill
Before you even hit the pavement, your pet needs to be familiar with leash training. Teaching your pet to heel and not pull on the leash can serve as great mental enrichment while you prepare to kick it into high gear.
If your pet isn’t used to being outside often, this is a great opportunity to socialize them with the sights and sounds you’ll encounter on your adventures. Bring treats to reward them for good behavior and neutral reactions to stimuli like cars, people, squirrels, and other dogs.
Even when they seem to have it down, keep brushing them up on their skills to keep their mind sharp.
Get More Fresh Air
You don’t need to hit the gym to make a positive change for your health this year. If getting outdoors is your New Year’s resolution, there are plenty of outdoor activities that will get the blood pumping for both you and your pet. More active breeds can keep up with you on a bicycle or pair of roller blades.
If your dog is brachycephalic, such as a bulldog or pug, be watchful of their breathing. Short-muzzled breeds and older dogs might be better suited to a nice walk with you and will enjoy getting out of the house to experience new smells!
Participate in the Chevron Houston Marathon
As a proud participating charity in the Chevron Houston Marathon, we can help you do double duty! Meet your fitness goals this New Year and fundraise for a good cause at the same time with Houston SPCA. Even if you’re training solo, participating in the marathon on our team will benefit animals across Houston!
Fundraise to join our team today or donate to become a Houston SPCA Hero to sign up for one of our limited spots! Don’t like to run? That’s ok! You can make a gift on our charity page to help us reach our fundraising goal without having to break a sweat.
Donate or register to run on our Chevron Houston Marathon page.
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You already run to take care of your health and meet your personal goals, make that effort even more worthwhile by supporting animals in need. Fundraising on our behalf through the Chevron Houston Marathon provides the resources needed to keep us out in the Houston community helping animals in need.
Houston SPCA has been a resource to the Greater Houston area for nearly 100 years and has evolved along with our vibrant community. We go beyond sheltering and adoptions to be a leader in the animal welfare sector.
Keep up with the latest Houston SPCA news on Tracks & Tails.