Exercising with your dog benefits both of you and having a workout buddy may keep you in an exercise routine longer. We all know obesity in dogs and humans is detrimental to our health. Find workouts you both enjoy, that are safe and don’t overdo it. Always check with a veterinarian and doctor before starting an exercise program.
How Much
Consider the needs and limits for your dog and yourself. Start small, keeping the time or effort to a minimum and work up to longer routines. Some dogs need a great deal of exercise, like young dogs, hunting, or working breeds. Other breeds or ages may not need or want as much.
It’s not recommended to exercise larger breeds with deep chests right after eating A life-threatening condition called GDV (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus) associated with large meals and exercising too soon occurs in Dobermans or Great Danes.
Over Doing It
Watching yourself and your dog it’s important that neither of you is working too hard. You should try a bit less next time if either is stiff and sore well after the workout. Your dog may refuse to continue, stagger, and breathe or pant heavily. You should not be breathless also.
Heat Exhaustion
Dogs and people are both vulnerable to heat exhaustion and dehydration. Signs of dehydration are weakness and collapse, confusion, or extreme panting in either of you! Boxers, Bulldogs, and other short-faced breeds are more susceptible as they don’t pant well.
Tender Feet
Be mindful of the surfaces where you intend to exercise. Just like you, a rough surface compared to carpet will not feel good on your dog’s pads. Your dog’s feet may need protection from heat while on sand, concrete, or asphalt. In snow watch out for ice buildup between toes.
Easier Exercises
Safety first. You may have to find places for these activities. For example, you don’t want your dog fetching from the street or learning to be on a leash while being too close to moving traffic until trained.
- Walking, briskly. Better health reduces behavior problems and lowers depression.
- Fetch, great for your dog. Not much for you, try lunging or crunches between throws.
- Frisbee, a classic. The variance in flight keeps it interesting for both.
- Hiking, either on or off-leash, and insect repellent as needed.
- Soccer, don’t harm your friend while kicking. You may need a “pet” soccer ball.
- Dog Park, off-leash. Freedom to run!
Well Trained Exercises
Be safe at all times. You shouldn’t expect your dog to run nicely by your side while on a bicycle the first time. There are too many moving parts to inspect and dogs don’t understand brakes. Your friend needs to be well accustomed to healing before undertaking these activities.
- Jogging
- Swimming, can your dog get out?
- Agility Training
- Rollerblading
- Cycling
Exercise for Older Dogs
An older dog may not be moving fast, afflicted with arthritis, stiffer than when younger. Exercise improves endurance, flexibility, increases strength, aids bowel functions, and reduces obesity. Low impact activities in moderation like walking and swimming are beneficial.
Exercising in public areas with moving vehicles, many people, strange noises, and smells your workout buddy is dependent upon you to keep it safe.