Is your dog an active, super playful pup? Or is Fido more of a couch potato that only moves for meals and walks? Regardless of which category your pet falls under, it’s important for him to get proper exercise. Just like people, dogs need to stay active to stay healthy. Read on as a local North East Maryland vet offers some insight on doggy fitness.
How Can I Keep My Dog Fit?
There isn’t one answer that will work for all pups here. Doggy exercise routines will vary from pooch to pooch, and depend on several factors.
Here are some of the key ones:
Health: Your pet’s health will definitely play a large role. If Fido has any issues, whether chronic or acute, you’ll need to talk to your vet and adjust accordingly.
Size: Fido’s size also comes into play. A Chihuahua may get plenty of exercise just running around the house on those little legs, while a Golden Retriever may need more than an hour of vigorous activity every day.
Breed: Every breed is unique, and we love them all! However, breed greatly affects your pet’s physiology. Brachycephalic dogs, for instance, should never be encouraged to overexert themselves. Because they have such short air passages, they tire out very quickly. Breed also affects Fido’s activity levels. For example, huskies are high maintenance, and need lots and lots of activity. Pugs, on the other paw, tend to be furry couch potatoes that are good after a walk around the house.
Age: Your pet’s exercise needs will also change over time. If your pooch is a puppy or senior, you’ll need to take care not to overexert him.
Personality: Our canine pals are all unique, and they all have their own tastes. For some dogs, running after a tennis ball is the best thing ever. For others, swimming or hiking can make for a perfect day.
Location: Where you live also comes into play here. Swimming may not be an option for someone who lives in Brooklyn, while a pooch that lives in the desert isn’t going to be able to go skijoring.
Be sure to ask your vet for more information.
How Often Should I Walk My Dog?
Walks are the gold standard when it comes to doggy fitness. For most pups, two or three daily walks is fine. Some pooches may need more than that, though. On the other hand, if your pet has a yard and doesn’t need much activity, one daily walk may be enough. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Keep in mind that walks aren’t just about letting Fido relieve himself and giving him some activity. The mental stimulation your pup gets from sniffing different plants is also great for his mind. Let your pooch stop to smell the roses. That’s a good life lesson for you, too!
What Can I Do With Fido When It’s Cold Or Rainy?
While your pooch will need to go out to relieve himself no matter what, if it’s miserable outside, neither of you will probably be very interested in a long walk. There are some things you can do indoors.
Fetch is one option. You of course wouldn’t want to play in an area with a lot of breakables, but you can definitely toss some things to your pup.
If you work out at home, you can incorporate this into your own exercise regimen. Toss your pet a toy while you’re on the upswing of a lunge or situp! Stair runs can be a good choice. Of course, you’ll need stairs and a dog who fetches and is capable of running up and down them a few times. Go to the top step, holding one of Fido’s toys. Then, call him. When he gets to you, toss the toy down the steps. Your pooch will probably bring you the toy. Even a few rounds of this can be a great cardio workout.
If you have a treadmill, you can see if Fido will try walking or running on it. Safety first, though. Remove your pet’s collar first. You don’t want to take any chances of him possibly getting caught! Start him at the slowest speed. Don’t leave him unattended!
How Do I Keep My Dog Safe When Exercising?
Safety should always come first when it comes to pet care. The first thing in this case is to be careful not to overexert your canine buddy. With more strenuous activities, such as hiking and jogging, you’ll need to start out slow and build your pup’s endurance over time.
Keep an eye out for signs that your pooch is getting too tired. Panting is probably the first one you’ll notice. It’s normal for dogs to pant a bit when they are being active, but if Fido can’t catch his breath, that is a red flag. Your pooch may also start lagging behind.
Here are the warning signs to look for:
- Tongue hanging out
- Ongoing panting/shortness of breath
- Discolored gums
- Dark/reduced urine
- Falling behind
- Loss of interest in activity
As soon as it looks like your pet is running out of gas, give him a water break and then head for home. If he doesn’t bounce back, contact your vet right away.
Location is also important. Don’t play with your dog near potential hazards, such as busy roads or steep drops. You also want to stay in a fenced area.
If playing is your pet’s favorite workout, that’s fine. Just stick with toys that you know are safe. While many dogs love fetching sticks, they really aren’t the safest: Fido could get painful and dangerous splinters and wood shards in his mouth. He could also choke on pieces of wood, or damage his teeth. Ask your North East Maryland vet for advice on choosing safe games and toys.
What Sort Of Activities Can Dogs Do?
Fido can enjoy all sorts of doggy activities! You may very well find that his breed plays a role in determining what he does and doesn’t like. For instance, many retrievers, such as the Golden and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, absolutely love water. This is no surprise: these pups were traditionally tasked with retrieving water fowl. Greyhounds love to run, though it may surprise you to know that they are actually furry couch potatoes, and will probably nap all afternoon after burning off those zoomies.
Here are a few other options:
- Jogging
- Hiking
- Flyball
- Agility Training
- Skijoring
- Doggy Dancing
- Dock Diving
Ask your North East Maryland vet for specific advice. The AKC site can also be helpful in determining what may be fun and suitable for Fido.
Do Dogs Keep Their Owners Fit?
Did you know that walking Fido is also great for you? People with dogs tend to be thinner than those who don’t have dogs. All those walks add up! Even the smaller parts of caring for Fido, like grooming him, provide you with physical activity. That increases blood flow, helps keep your bones and muscles fit, and generally just benefits your entire body.
Man’s Best Friend is also great for our minds, too. Spending time with dogs lifts our spirits, eases stress, and soothes anxiety. Fido’s cute tail wags and joyful antics can brighten anyone’s mood or day!
Make An Appointment At Our North East Maryland Pet Hospital
Do you need to bring your canine buddy in? Is Fido overdue for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. As your local North East Maryland pet hospital, we are here to help!
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