Exercise can be a tiring thing, something we think of only when we have free time. But exercise is extremely important, not just for humans but for dogs as well.
It is not just a hobby or a game, it is a necessity in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Obesity is a health problem not only among humans, it has also become a major one among dogs as well. Obesity keeps dogs from enjoying many physical activities, decreases speed and stamina, and makes it more difficult from them to deal with heat.
It also leads to many other medical problems like overly burdened joints, back problems, cardiac problems, difficulty breathing, increased surgical risks, and many more.
Being a good dog owner means you also have to think of what’s best for your dog – and this includes exercise. PetMD.com has listed some steps when starting an exercise program with your dog.
Check with your veterinarian
This is important so that you can know your dog’s current health status. There might be exercise routines that are too risky. Your vet can also recommend and exercise plan that fits your dog’s age, breed, and condition.
Determine how much exercise your dog needs
Exercise plans are based on your dog’s age, breed, size, and overall health. Generally, it is recommended that your dog spend between 30 minutes to two hours of active exercise every day.
Dogs like Labrador Retrievers, hounds, Collies, and shepherd will need the most exercise and their routine will be more rigorous than for smaller dogs.
Bulldogs will not tolerate a lot of daily exercise once they are full-grown, so a casual walk around the neighborhood will do. You can know if your dog needs exercise if he/she is restless or pacing.
Start slowly
You can’t just put heavy exercise on your dog on the first day. You need to start slowly and work your way up to longer walks and playtimes. Don’t forget to have a warm-up period and cooldown time before and after your sessions, respectively. A walk to the park or around the block is enough for a warm up.