Top 3 Ways to Meet Your Dog’s Physical Wellness Needs in St. Louis

April is Canine Fitness Month, a time dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of our beloved dogs. For pet parents in St. Louis, this is the perfect opportunity to establish or enhance physical wellness routines for your dog—not just during this month but all year long. Here are my top 3 ways to meet your dog’s physical wellness needs in St. Louis and keep them happy and active.

 1. Explore St. Louis’ Parks and Trails for Regular Exercise

St. Louis is home to many dog-friendly parks and trails that offer the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, and the Katy Trail are excellent options for walking, jogging, or hiking with your pup. For off-leash fun, consider membership-based dog parks like Southwest City Dog Park or Tails and Trails Dog Park in Queeny Park. These spaces provide ample room for dogs to run freely, socialize, and engage in physical activity. Regular walks, runs, and play sessions improve cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen muscles while providing mental stimulation through new environments.

2. Incorporate Fun Fitness Activities at Home

You don’t need to leave home to keep your dog active. Create a simple agility course in your backyard using cones, tunnels, or hoops to challenge their coordination and stamina. Games like fetch or hide-and-seek with treats can also keep your dog moving while strengthening their bond with you. Interactive toys such as puzzle feeders encourage movement and mental engagement simultaneously. These activities are ideal for rainy days or when you’re short on time, but still want to prioritize your dog’s physical wellness.

Consider Nosework

Nose work is a fun and engaging activity that taps into your pup’s natural scenting abilities. It involves training dogs to locate specific scents – usually treats – hidden in various environments. Nose work can be done indoors or outdoors, with the scent/treat placed in boxes, under objects, or even in hard-to-reach areas to challenge your dog’s tracking skills.

Dogs love nose work because it provides mental and physical stimulation, strengthens the human/animal bond, and is a lot of fun! It’s particularly great for shy and insecure dogs, as it allows them to focus on a task while working independently, building their self-confidence. Plus, nose work is suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds, making it an excellent way to keep your dog active and engaged both physically and mentally, from puppyhood to their senior years.

3. Establish Consistent Walking Routines with Professional Help

Consistency is key when it comes to your dog’s physical fitness, but busy schedules can sometimes make it difficult to maintain regular routines. Hiring a professional dog walker ensures your pup gets regular exercise even when life gets hectic. At 4-Legged Kids, we offer personalized walking services tailored to your dog’s needs, including pace, duration, and environment preferences. Regular walks help burn energy, improve mood, and prevent behavioral issues caused by inactivity or boredom.

Dog Walking in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County

Canine Fitness Month is a great reminder of the importance of keeping our dogs physically active year-round. By exploring local parks, engaging in fun activities at home, and establishing consistent routines with professional support, St. Louis pet parents can ensure their furry companions lead healthy and happy lives well beyond April.

Whether you need regular puppy potty breaks while you’re at work or sporadic dog walks when you’re working late, 4-Legged Kids offers the next best thing to you being there. With our help, you can meet your dog’s physical wellness needs even when you’re at work or traveling.

Since 1997, 4-Legged Kids, Inc. has grown into the largest in-home pet care company servicing large areas of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. We personalize our award-winning dog walking and pet sitting services to meet your and your pets’ needs – species, age, temperament, and more! Call 636-405-0400 or email ask@4leggedkids.com to register.

Existing clients, please request services here.

Janie Budnick

Janie founded 4-Legged Kids, Inc in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997 and provides education through her PetBizHIVE podcast and her PetBizMBA membership and courses. She is a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, Fear Free certified and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Learn more about the Founder, Janie Budnick.