Is your canine companion a lively, bouncy ball of fur? Or do you have a four-legged couch potato? Whatever class your puppy falls into, he will require frequent exercise to keep happy and healthy. Of course, dogs’ workouts differ tremendously. In this article from Armitage Animal Clinic, a Newmarket, ON, a local veterinarian provides some advice on Fido’s workout regimen.
What Are Some Activities I Can Do With My Dog?
The AKC registry includes nearly 200 breeds. Each of them was originally designed to serve a specific purpose. (Even toy breeds had a job: be cute!) Fido’s breed may reveal a lot about what he is most likely to love.
That being said, if you and your furry friend are adventurous and up for a bit of a challenge, here are a few doggy activities to try:
· Doggy Dancing
· Skijoring
· Skatejoring (Skateboarding with a dog pulling you)
· Dock Diving
· Agility
· Lure coursing
· Earthdog
· Flyball
· Treibball
· Canicourse (Run with Fido)
· Hiking
Ask your Newmarket, ON veterinarian for detailed information on what is appropriate for Fido.
How Can I Make My Dog More Active?
Have you heard the expression that you can lead a horse to water but not make him drink? That definitely applies here. Fido’s opinions and preferences are all taken into consideration. You’ll have better success if you try something your dog appreciates. Take Fetch for example. Many dogs pick this up spontaneously. Others will simply give you an adorably bewildered look if you toss a ball or stick for them. You may need to experiment to determine what your canine companion prefers.
Walking is, of course, the norm here. Even taking your dog for a few short walks each day might help him stay fit.
How Can I Keep My Dog Active Indoors?
There will come a time when bringing Fido out for anything more than a quick bathroom break is not so enticing. Your dog may become antsy indoors if it’s chilly, rainy, or both. You can still keep your pet active inside.
Here are a few choices:
Treadmills: Do you own a treadmill? If so, you can see if your furry companion enjoys it. Safety comes first, though. Be sure to take off Fido’s collar or harness. Start him on the slowest setting possible and keep a tight eye on him. Stop as soon as your pet becomes fatigued. Finally, you should never leave your pooch unsupervised. (Note: Some cats also utilize treadmills. If you haven’t seen the popular video of Fluffy sprinting to Maniac from the Flashdance soundtrack, check it out. You will not be disappointed.
Stair Runs: Go to the top of the stairs while holding Fido’s favorite toy. Call him to you. When he brings you the toy, throw it down the stairs. (Note: This only works for dogs who fetch and are in good enough shape to run up and down stairs a few times.)
Workout Buddies: If you work out indoors, consider including Fido into your regimen. Doing sit-ups? Pick up a dog toy. Toss it when you’re sitting up. This can also be done with lunges and squats. Our canine companions aren’t the best yoga mates, but they certainly make exercise more enjoyable.
Fetch: This doggy classic can be played indoors if there is enough space. Simply avoid areas with breakable and/or harmful objects.
How Can I Tell If Fido Is Getting Enough Activity?
Fido’s weight and physical condition are two good indicators of this. If you’re not sure whether your pet is overweight, underweight, or just right, talk to your veterinarian.
There are also some behavioral cues. Dogs who don’t receive enough exercise are more likely to engage in undesirable activities such as digging and chewing. They may also be a little more rambunctious. If your canine companion has been behaving out, he may not be getting enough exercise or excitement.
What Dogs Are the Least Active?
Proper activity is essential for all of our canine friends. However, some people need some encouragement to continue active, especially as they get older. Saint Bernards, Chow Chows, Basset Hounds, and Mastiffs are just a few examples of dogs who are prone to laziness.
Which Dogs Need the Most Activity?
Your dog’s age, breed, and health are all important considerations. Some puppies are clearly more active than others. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog or have recently obtained a puppy, doing some breed research might be quite helpful. That said, some of the pups that are quite energetic include the Border Collie, Boxer, and German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Siberian Husky.
How Can I Keep My Older Dog Active?
Fido’s activity needs will change as he gets older. He won’t have the same strength or stamina as before, and he’ll fatigue more readily. Senior dogs are also more vulnerable to excessive heat and cold, which can contribute.
Walking and playing are suitable activities for the majority of senior dogs. You’ll want to be careful not to overwork Fido. Keep a watchful eye on him and bring him in when he grows tired.
How Do I Know What is Safe for My Pet?
The answer to this question will alter as your pet ages. Any health difficulties Fido has may also come into play. Your Newmarket, ON veterinarian is an excellent resource for this.
However, there are certain general guidelines to follow.
Some dogs should not be encouraged to exercise vigorously. This definitely pertains to brachycephalic dogs like pugs and Boxers. Those pushed-in faces may be super cute, but they come at a tremendous cost to the puppies. These dogs’ air passageways are exceedingly short, 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 ineffective for them. If you have a brachy, do not encourage Fido to run or play vigorously. Swimming is obviously out of the question, but your pet may still enjoy wading or splashing in a sprinkler or fountain.
Swimming is also dangerous for little and toy breeds, since they can easily get into trouble. It depends on how large the dog is. Some dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers, adore water and swim like fluffy, barking ducks. Others just don’t perform well. This is also not a good option for puppies with long, thin torsos, like Corgis and Dachshunds. Corgis and Dachshunds are likewise unsuitable for jumping or high-impact exercises.
Another factor that may limit Fido’s activity possibilities is the potential for hip dysplasia. This is extremely common in specific breeds, such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, but any puppy might be affected. If your dog has arthritis or is in danger of developing hip dysplasia, your veterinarian and breeder may advise you not to encourage him to leap or stand on his hind legs.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Overtired?
Whatever activity you and your canine companion are up to, make sure Fido does not become overtired. Man’s Best Friend is extremely loyal and will go to great lengths to please his humans. Here are a few warning signals to look for:
· Panting
· Lagging behind Drooling.
· Stumbling
· Warm back
· Discolored gums
If you notice any of these warning signs, immediately give your dog water and allow him to rest. Contact your vet if symptoms persist.
Make An Appointment At Your Pet Clinic
Do you have any queries about your dog’s activity needs? Contact Armitage Animal Clinic, your Newmarket, ON, anytime!
