How Much Exercise Is Safe For My Dog?

Regular exercise can have a tremendous impact on your dog’s overall well-being. Dogs that get regular workouts enjoy a higher metabolism, smaller appetite, better muscle tone, and even better temperature regulation – a very important benefit for dogs in hot or humid climates.

Though they’re energetic, food-loving Labradors are prone to canine obesity, which regular exercise and a healthful diet can combat. Finally, challenging exercises keep Labs mentally engaged, which is important for this intelligent breed.

Regular exercise is essential for any dog’s health and mental well-being. A lack of exercise can contribute to destructive behavior, obesity, boredom and a variety of health problems. Dogs also need continuous mental stimulation with new smells and sights – so spending time in the back yard just isn’t a substitute.

Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay in good condition. Canines are active animals – especially as many breeds were bred for high activity levels. A lack of exercise can lead to decreased lean muscle strength and weaker bones.

Obesity isn’t just a growing problem for humans – it’s affecting an increasing number of dogs too. Even moderate obesity can reduce the lifespan of your pet. This is because it can cause chronic inflammation, digestive problems, skin disorders, and even cancer. Regular exercise is an important tool for reducing the chance of obesity.

A lack of exercise in your four-legged pal may result in health risks like obesity. But that’s not all. Dogs that go without regular exercise can also develop destructive behaviors like barking, digging or chewing.

Get the kids to participate in exercising with your family dog too. It’s good for their health to participate in regular exercise and the incentive of playing with the dog at the same time will make it much more fun for all involved.

Beyond your dog’s breed, other important considerations are his age and health. Older dogs will not have the stamina they once had, and may also have ailments that limit mobility. Regular exercise is still important for an older dog, to keep him fit and engage his mind, but his routine may require modifying. On-the-go puppies usually give themselves enough exercise while they explore, play, and learn. Pushing puppies to over exercise can cause lasting problems in their fast-growing bones and joints.

Regular exercise and walks will also help your pregnant dog keep her muscle tone and general health. Obesity is potential danger in pregnant dogs when delivery time comes, so control any tendency to fatness with exercise and careful attention to her revised caloric needs.