Exercise Is As Important As Giving Your Dog Proper Nutrition And The Right Amount Of Rest
However, like in any aspect of life, too much of good things can become a bad thing. That’s why you are probably concerned about whether your dog is exercising too much or not.
Obviously, your dog can exercise excessively and if you or your dog isn’t careful, this may lead to injuries. Thus, it is important to know when your dog is getting too much exercise and prevent possible problems in the future.
The first thing you need to check is the paw pads of your dog. Some dogs would still play and run around even if they have painful paw pads. So, it is vital to check their paw pads at least once every two days.
Gently spread your dog’s toes apart and inspect their paw pads. Check for any discoloration, cuts, abrasion, and swelling. If you see early signs of injury, you need to give your pooch a rest and limit activities to light exercises.
Sore muscles could also be a sign your dog is exercising too much. If you see him limping or having a hard time getting up from a lying position, it could be that your dog has sore muscles. If he refuses to walk or climb up the stairs, there’s definitely a problem with your dog.
Other Signs
Your dog may be exercising too much are the following:
- Excessive panting
- Always thirsty
- Can’t keep up with you when walking
- General weakness
- Reluctance to play, walk and run
- Not being able to follow commands and cues
At this point, you may wonder, how much is too much exercise for your dog. There’s no straightforward answer to this question.
The proper amount of exercise your dog needs would depend on various factors. These include age, breed, size, and weight. Sometimes, the weather condition, food consumption, and activities would also affect your dog’s need for exercise.
Different Breeds
With this in mind, it’s not that easy to know how much exercise your dog needs. However, let us give you some things to consider:
- Working and herding dog breeds need more exercise than other breeds. If your dog belongs to any of these breeds, you may want to let him have physical activities one to two hours a day.
- Smaller dogs may need a lesser amount of exercise. Bulldogs, Frenchies, and other brachycephalic breeds should avoid overworking because they tend to easily overheat.
- During hot weather, let your dog exercise during the coolest part of the day.
- Younger dogs need more exercise compared to older dogs. As your dog ages, they would tend to slow down and need a lower amount of active exercises.
- If your dog is obese, may sure you start slow and steady. Increase activities incrementally and not suddenly.
You Know Your Dog Best
You know his normal activities. If you spend time with him long enough, you should already be familiar with his level of activity. As an owner, you are in a good position to determine when you should slow down or add more activities to your dog’s daily schedule.
Sometimes, it’s tough to make a decision for your dog. In this case, don’t hesitate to speak to your vet. He should be able to give you more details and discuss safety precautions when it comes to giving your dog a daily dose of exercise.
Do your own research as well. The more information you have, the better.
