If a walk to the food bowl is the only exercise your furry pets gets, it’s time for you to ensure that they move more. Regular exercise is essential for their optimal health and weight management. Sustained, vigorous use of the muscles stimulates all tissues and increases circulation. Blood vessels dilate and blood pressure rises. As a result, tissues become oxygenated, which helps to clean the cells of toxins. Digestive glands secrete their fluids better and the bowels move more easily. Take your pet walking, jogging, playing ball, or chasing frisbees. Nearly all dogs benefit from half an hour or more of daily vigorous exercise. If your pet is old, settle for slow walks. Cats are not inclined to chase balls, but they usually get enough exercise if they are allowed outside for some time and, while indoors, chase a piece of string with a loop toy attached to one end. Vertical climbing structures like cat trees or shelves inside the house will suffice to give them the exercise they need.