If you have a high-energy dog, you know how challenging it can be to wear your pup out without running yourself ragged first. It's important to stay active until your pet is tired; otherwise, your dog may use its remaining energy to chew on your furniture or engage in other destructive behaviors. If you need to add a little pep in your step to help you keep up with your dog, consider the following advice.
1. Get Enough Sleep
If you don't get seven to nine hours of sleep every night, you're sure to feel drained regardless of your activity choice, including giving your pup some much-needed attention. The only thing you'll feel like participating in is watching TV while lounging on the couch, and this undertaking will not help decrease your dog's energy level.
To ensure you'll be able to sleep, try to get to bed and wake up at similar times each day. Getting on a sleep schedule will help you feel better, arming you with the energy you'll need to deal with your perky pup.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
You should avoid eating foods high in fat and sodium, as they can make you feel lethargic. Instead, your diet should consist primarily of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat. These food items contain many essential vitamins and minerals, which help keep your body functioning at its best.
If you're not getting enough of a particular vitamin or mineral from food, consider adding supplements. For instance, many people suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency, which is known to cause several problems, including loss of energy. A supplement may help remedy this issue. You may also consider adding collagen protein, as it keeps your bones and joints strong. As you age, your body produces less collagen than it once did, so you may need some extra help increasing this protein in your body.
3. Drink More Water
Dehydration affects more than just your desire to get up and go; it also impacts your mood and brain function. Additionally, it can cause a decrease in athletic performance. If you're not feeling well, it's unlikely you'll take your dog outside to play or go for a walk.
To stay adequately hydrated, you should drink about 64 ounces of water each day. Try carrying a water bottle with you to drink it anytime you feel thirsty. It's even more important to sip on water if it's hot outside. Sweating makes you lose liquids faster, so you'll have to drink more on those humid days.
Further, don't forget to keep extra water on hand for your dog. If it's running around in your fenced yard, you should provide it with plenty of fluids so your pup doesn't get dehydrated or have a heat stroke. Make sure you know the signs of dehydration so you can take fast action if your dog needs help.
4. Drink Coffee Sensibly
Caffeine can make you feel alert, so it might be beneficial to add a cup of coffee or tea to your schedule before playing fetch or going on a hike with your pup, especially if you need an energy boost. However, you need to think before you drink.
It's better to indulge earlier in the day. If you have caffeine too close to bedtime, it may interfere with your ability to sleep. You shouldn't ingest anything with caffeine four to six hours before you're planning to head to bed. Otherwise, you may be up all night, causing you to skip your dog's exercise session the following day.
Conclusion
Keeping up with an active dog isn't easy, and it isn't always fun. However, your pup's high energy level may encourage you to lead a healthier lifestyle overall and keep you as active as it is.
