Is My Dog Getting Enough Exercise?
April is Canine Fitness Month which gives us the opportunity to talk with dog owners about the importance of canine fitness and exercise. All dogs need exercise to stay mentally and physically healthy. Without enough exercise, they can begin to develop both mental and physical health problems.
It can, however, be difficult to determine the right amount of exercise for your dog. Each dog is different, and the amount of daily activity that’s right for them depends on their age, breed, and fitness level. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, you might notice some of the following issues.
5 Signs Your Dog Needs More Exercise
1. Weight Gain
If your dog’s diet hasn’t changed and you’re not feeding them an excessive amount of treats, but they are still gaining weight, then they probably need more exercise. Weight gain, however, also warrants a veterinary examination, as it can be related to other health problems such as endocrine disorders.
2. Behaviour Problems
Without enough exercise, dogs sometimes channel their excess energy into undesirable activities such as destructive behaviours like chewing and digging or aggression.
3. The Zoomies
A dog has to let its pent-up energy out somewhere, and this sometimes results in a dog getting a case of the zoomies. Zoomies are cute bursts of activity that often result in sprinting, play bowing, and tail chasing, but they are a sign that your dog needs to get outside and run.
4. Depression and Anxiety
The mental enrichment that exercise and play provide to dogs is invaluable – especially for working and racing dog breeds that tend to have more energy and also benefit from having a job to do. Without enough activity and exploration in their daily lives, dogs can end up feeling depressed or experiencing anxiety which can severely diminish their quality of life.
5. Joint Stiffness
Regular exercise keeps dogs’ joints feeling loose and limber. Regular movement is especially important as dogs age and become increasingly susceptible to degenerative joint disorders like arthritis.
Canine Fitness and Lifestyle Counseling at Bramalea Animal Hospital
If you’d like to learn more about the importance of canine fitness, find out if your dog is getting enough exercise, or talk with a veterinarian about the type and amount of exercise that’s right for your dog’s age, breed, and individual abilities, we welcome you to contact our veterinary hospital in Brampton today.
