Welcome to the World of Pet Exercise Equipment

Pets need exercise just as humans do to achieve and maintain their best health. Some animals need extra help recuperating from a surgery or injury, coping with a mobility issue such as arthritis, or losing unwanted weight. Others just need regular activity for preventative health and to optimize their mood. If you think your furry friend needs more activity, take a look at the world of exercise equipment for pets.

Types of Pet Exercise Equipment

One size does not fit all in the realm of pet health products, including exercise equipment. Dogs tend to benefit from daily walks and exercises of moderate duration, while cats do just fine with short bursts of high-energy activity. Fortunately, today's pet care marketplace offers a wide range of pet exercise equipment. Here are some basic types.

• Running wheels and treadmills - Running wheels and treadmills function similarly, employing a moving track on which your dog or cat walks or runs. Running wheels such as the One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel employ a relatively narrow track, while treadmills can suit either small or large animals. Electric treadmills allow you to control speed, giving your pet a good cardiovascular workout or aiding in injury recovery. The downside is that electric models are bulkier and pricier than manual treadmills -- and if you set too high a speed, your pet might get hurt.
• Wand toys- Nothing can get a cat moving like an irresistible ribbon dangling from a wand. Lasocuhoo Interactive Cat Rainbow Wand Toys are expertly designed to give you just enough ribbon length, with two colorful ribbons constructed from different materials. Don't whip this wand toy around laterally in too aggressive a manner though, as the ribbon may knot.
• Laser pointer tech - It's no secret that cats love to chase laser beams. You can give your feline quite a workout with the right piece of gear. The PawsPik Suction Cup Cat Laser Toy represents the state of the art in laser cat toys, offering nine different beam angles, three different speeds, and an automated timer. However, these lasers can damage pets and humans alike, so just be careful about how you position and program the device.
• Balance pads - Dogs may need to improve their balance and coordination due to an injury, joint problem, muscle weakness, or other issue. Balance pads such as the TotoFit Orbit give your canine pal a soft, safe surface to walk on. They also have a hole on the bottom side that adds just enough instability to provide a balancing challenge. The only downside is that you might need an air pump to inflate it fully. If you don't want to deal with that, consider a non-inflating alternative such as the K-9 Core Disk With Base.
• Agility training sets - When you invest in an agility training set, you get a whole doggie obstacle course conveniently located in your own back yard. One of the highest-recommended options, the JMMPOO Dog Agility Training 60-Piece Obstacle Course, includes jump rings, weave poles, a polyester tunnel, and other fun obstacles, allowing you to pick and choose different challenges to suit your pet's abilities. But while this set offers a uniquely easy setup, it may not prove as durable as other, similar products. Also, you may find a trainer will help your dog get the most out of this kind of gear.

Safety Considerations for Pet Exercise Equipment

Exercise equipment for pets can provide a healthy way to enhance strength and agility while burning off excess energy. However, there are some potential downsides of particular tools and approaches. If you use the wrong kind of exercise gear, or if you use it in the wrong manner, your pet's health could take a turn for the worse instead of for the better.

Some pieces of exercise equipment can pose specific risks. For instance pet see-saws are commonly promoted as balance platforms, but these products sometimes break down dangerously due to shoddy construction. Wand toys for cats can pose choking hazards if they include items that fall off or tear away easily. For safety's sake, run your proposed purchases past your vet for approval.

What Does Your Vet Say About Your Pet's Fitness?

The ideal exercise tools and routines should be matched to your pet's individual needs and abilities, some of which may include inherited limitations. A French bulldog with short legs and a flat nose, for example, may struggle with some agility gear and/or overheat easily from too much exertion. Heart conditions may also limit your pet's activity "safe zone." Schedule a wellness exam with your veterinarian so you discuss these concerns with a trusted professional before starting any pet fitness routine.

That same wellness exam may actually spur your vet to suggest a particular workout program. Obesity serves as a prime example of a serious health problem that can respond beautifully to regular walks or other forms of exercise. So don't wait until your pet needs more help than it already might -- talk about your pet's fitness with your veterinarian ASAP!