Keeping Your Dog In Shape

Is your dog an energetic, bouncing ball of fur? Or have you got a four-legged couch potato on your hands? No matter which category your canine companion falls into, he will need  frequent exercise to keep happy and healthy. Of course, doggy workouts vary tremendously. A Brant Hills, ON  veterinarian offers some advice on the subject below.

How Do I Get My Dog to Be More Active?

Have you heard the saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink?” That is definitely applicable here. Fido’s opinions and preferences should all be taken into account. You’ll have a lot more success if you try something that your pooch appreciates. Consider Fetch, for example. Many dogs learn this spontaneously. Others will just give you an adorable, puzzled look if you toss a stick for them. You may need to experiment with several options to determine what your canine companion prefers.

In any case, walking is the norm here. Even taking your dog for a few short walks each day could help him stay in shape. It’s good for you, too! 

How Can I Keep My Dog Active Inside?

Sooner or later, bringing Fido out for more than a quick bathroom break will become unappealing. When it’s cold, raining, or both, your canine companion may become restless indoors. You can keep your pet active indoors.

Here are some options:

Stair runs: Climb the stairs while holding Fido’s favorite toy. Call him to come to you. When he brings you the toy, toss it down the steps. Repeat as needed! (Note: This will only work for dogs who fetch and are in good enough shape to run up and down stairs a few times.)

Treadmills: Do you own a treadmill? If so, you can find out if your pet enjoys it. However, safety comes first. Remove Fido’s collar or harness. Start him on the slowest setting and keep a close watch on him. Stop as soon as your pet appears tired. Finally, never leave your dog alone on the treadmill. (Note: Some cats utilize treadmills. Check out the viral video of Fluffy sprinting to Maniac from the Flashdance soundtrack. (You will not be disappointed.)

Workout Buddy: If you exercise indoors, try including Fido into your regimen. Are you doing sit-ups? Grab a dog toy. Throw it away while you’re sitting up. You can also perform lunges and squats. Our canine companions aren’t very good yoga mates, but they certainly make exercise more enjoyable.

Fetch: Fetch can be played indoors if you have enough room. Simply avoid areas containing breakable and/or harmful objects.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Getting Enough Exercise?

Fido’s weight and bodily condition are two good indicators of this. If you’re unsure whether your furry bestie is overweight, underweight, or just right, consult your veterinarian.

There are several behavioral cues to keep an eye out for. Dogs who do not get adequate exercise are more likely to engage in undesired activities such as digging and chewing. They may also be more rowdy. If your canine companion is acting up, he may not be getting enough exercise or stimulation.

What Are The Least Active Dogs?

All of our canine companions benefit from regular exercise. However, some need a little encouragement to stay active, especially as they get older. Saint Bernards, Chow Chows, Basset Hounds, and Mastiffs, to name a few, are examples of dogs that might become sluggish over time. Ask your vet for exercise recommendations.

Which Dogs Require The Most Exercise?

Your canine pal’s age, breed, and health all play a role here. Some puppies are undoubtedly more energetic than others. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, doing some breed research can be quite helpful.

That said, here are some high-energy dogs:

• Border Collie
• Boxer
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Siberian Husky

How Do I Keep My Senior Dog Active?

Fido’s activity requirements will vary as he ages. He won’t have the strength or stamina he formerly had, and he’ll tire out more quickly. Senior dogs are also more vulnerable to heat and cold, which can be an issue.

Walking and playing are appropriate activities for the majority of senior dogs. You will want to avoid overexerting Fido, though. Keep a watchful eye on him and bring him in when he begins to fatigue.

How Do I Know What’s Safe for My Dog?

The answer to this question will alter as your pet gets older. Fido’s health troubles may also come into play. Your veterinarian is a fantastic resource for this.

However, there are a few general guidelines to follow.

Some dogs should never be encouraged to exercise excessively. This mainly pertains to brachycephalic dogs like pugs and Boxers. Those pushed-in faces may be charming, but they come at a heavy cost to the pooch. These dogs have small air passageways, making it easy for them to lose their breath. Their physiology also makes it more difficult for them to cool down if they become overheated, as panting is less effective for them. If you have a brachy, don’t push Fido to run or play hard. Swimming is likewise prohibited, but your canine companion may enjoy wading or splashing in a sprinkler or doggy fountain.

Swimming is also dangerous for little and toy breed dogs since they are prone to getting into trouble. It all depends on how big the dog is. Some dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers, adore the water and adapt to it like fuzzy, barking ducks. Others simply don’t do well. This is also not suitable for puppies with long, thin torsos, such as Corgis and Dachshunds. Corgis and Dachshunds, in particular, are unsuitable for jumping or high-impact exercises.

Another consideration that may limit Fido’s activity possibilities is the danger of hip dysplasia. This is most common in specific breeds, such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, although any puppy might be affected. If your dog has arthritis or is at danger of developing hip dysplasia, your veterinarian and breeder may advise against training him to jump or stand on his hind legs.

What Are Some Activities I Can Do With My Dog?

The AKC registry includes more than 200 breeds. Each of them was created to serve a specific purpose. (Even toy breeds have a job: looking cute!) Fido’s breed may reveal a lot about what he enjoys the most.

That being said, if you and your furry friend are adventurous and up for a challenge, here are a few dog activities you can try:

• Dog Dancing
• Skijoring
• Skatejoring (skateboarding with your dog pulling you)
• Dock diving
• Agility
• lure coursing
• Earthdog
• Flyball
• Treibball
• Canicourse (Running with Fido)
• Hiking

Ask your Brant Hills, ON veterinarian for particular advice on what might be best for Fido.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Overtired?

No matter what activity you and your canine companion are up to, it’s critical not to overtire Fido. Man’s Best Friend is exceedingly loyal and will go to great lengths to please his humans. Here are some warning indicators to watch for.

• Panting
• Lagging behind and drooling
• Stumbling
• Warm Back
• Gums are discolored

If you see any of these symptoms, immediately give your dog water and allow him to rest. Then, return home.

Make An Appointment At Your Brant Hills, ON Animal Clinic

Do you have any queries concerning your dog’s activity requirements? Contact us, your Brant Hills, ON pet hospital, at any time!