Keeping your pet healthy requires veterinary care, optimal nutrition, and exercise. Exercise helps your furry pal maintain good physical, emotional, and behavioral health. However, only some exercises are suitable for some dogs. You should factor in your pet’s age, breed, size, and health condition to determine their appropriate exercise type and intensity. To help you get started, our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team offers factors you should consider when selecting your pet’s best exercise regimen.

Exercise is critical for your dog—with considerations

Activities, such as challenging games and long walks, can reduce boredom and help keep your pet in good physical and mental health. However, there are many considerations, including:

  • Physical health — Before starting any exercise regimen, your pet’s health status must be assessed by our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team to determine whether any medical conditions or injuries could be exacerbated by specific exercises. Our team can provide valuable guidance based on your pet’s size, body score condition, health status, and more. 
  • Breed — Different breeds need different types and amounts of exercise. High-energy breeds, such as border collies, Australian shepherds, and huskies, require more vigorous activities, including running or hiking, to burn off excess energy. Dog sports are also perfect for many smart, high energy breeds.
    On the other hand, brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, must not be overexerted, because of their facial structure that can cause respiratory difficulties. Small-breed and toy dogs also will be content with shorter walks or indoor play sessions.
  • Age — Your pet’s age is another important exercise factor. With puppies, avoid high-impact activities that could injure their growing bodies and developing joints and focus on short bursts of play with soft toys and gentle walks. Puppies have lots of energy and need many short periods of exercise. Senior dogs also require low-impact exercises, such as gentle walks or swimming, to maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility while minimizing the risk of joint impact or injury, but do not let them become exhausted. 
  • Injury risk — If your pet engages in high-impact exercises, be mindful that you could be setting them up for possible injuries. Large-breed dogs are often prone to orthopedic injuries from running, swerving, and jumping during intense exercise, particularly on uneven surfaces. Limit high-impact exercise to short intervals. 
  • Mental health — Exercise isn’t just about physical activity—it’s also about mental stimulation. Engaging your pet in activities that challenge their mind can help prevent boredom and behavioral issues. Consider puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games as integral to your four-legged friend’s exercise routine to keep them mentally sharp and engaged. Many dog sports provide mental as well as physical exercise.
  • Environment — Consider your pet’s living situation. If you live in a busy urban area, you will need to find alternative exercise, such as walking around the block, where your dog is not off-leash. However, if you can access open spaces such as parks or trails, you can hike or play fetch together. Weather conditions are an obvious consideration. You will need to adjust your exercise routine during extreme heat or cold weather, especially if your pet is prone to weather-related issues such as heat stress.

Exercise is critical for your dog—but enough is enough

Romping around and playing with your furry pal is a good exercise, but you need to know when enough is enough. Your pet cannot express when they’re tired, and many dogs will not stop, no matter how tired, because they enjoy the sessions and want to keep pleasing you. Watch for these signs:

  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling
  • Inability to keep up
  • Restlessness
  • Sitting down often

If these signs are present, take a break, ensure your pet has plenty of water, and let them relax and recuperate before resuming any activities. This will avoid breathing difficulties, injuries because they are tired, or overheating.

Exercise is invaluable for any pet, but you must carefully choose the appropriate exercise, avoid overexertion and dehydration, and prioritize safety. Call our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team for a physical exam to ensure your pet is in good shape and for guidance on their exercise routine.