Have you wondered if you have tuckered out your dog too much but he’s still wanting to have fun? Well, there are telltale signs that your Fido may be getting too much exercise. We’ll go through things that you should look for in your dog and how to make sure that you both are being safe yet healthy.
Exercise is Good
Exercise is good for both you and your dog. When you do exercise together, you continue to strengthen your bond and create fun and lasting memories. It benefits both your physical needs as well as your mental needs, maintains muscle mass, and continues to have long-lasting health benefits. Coaxing your furry friend off the couch, and yourself as well helps cardiovascular health, decreases obesity, and helps maintain a healthy weight. So, get out and start having some fun.
So, how do you know that your dog has had a bit too much exercise? Let’s dig into that but we’re not going to bury a bone here. We want to make sure that you are keeping your doggo healthy but protected.
Pause for the Paws
Whether it’s Summer or Winter or any other time of the year, you’ll always want to make sure that you keep track of Buster’s paws when you’re exercising.
During the summer months, the pavement can get extremely hot which can burn and blister his paws while you’re out walking. Try thinking about taking your furry friend out for early morning walks or taking a drive to the local dog park. Keeping his paws off of the pavement will definitely keep his paws protected. If you’re in an urban area, pavement covers up to as much as 45% walking areas. On a steamy, hot summer day, asphalt alone can get up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Ouch! Who wants to walk on that?!
Adversely, the winter months can have the same effect to your pup’s paws. Snow, ice, and salt can also take a toll on your dog’s paws. Getting some booties for their paws is always good, especially when you’re active.
Regardless of when you’re exercising with your pup, make sure that her paws are protected and always check them when you get home.
Muscle Soreness
We all get it, especially when we get back out to working out again. Sore muscles and stiffness are also things that your dog can get if they get too much exercise or too much in a short period of time. You will need to make sure that you watch your dog for any signs that they refuse to get up, get down, move, or have a hitch in their steps. These problems can result in too much exercise. To make sure that you and your dog are working well together, take exercise a little bit easier. You go out for your run in the morning and do light play with your dog after you get back. Both of you get some exercise, mental stimulation, but you’re both protecting each other from overdoing it.
If you have a dog that has a strong work and play drive, you will have to be extra careful and extra cognizant of their movements. You’ll need to look for stiffness, potential aggression, passiveness, or favoring a leg. These can all be telltale signs of overworking and over-exercising your dog.
Don’t Forget The Joints
With everything mentioned above, too much exercise can cause some join damage like sprains and strains. Since about 60% of a dog’s weight is on their front limbs, excessive exercise can lead to a lot of various problems. Depending on the breed of your dog, over-exercising can put your dog’s limbs at risk for injury. Low-to-the-ground dogs like Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Pekinese can be easily at risk for joint injuries.
Also, the age of your dog can also have an effect on too much exercise. A dog that is younger can withstand longer walks, while puppies and senior dogs need shorter walks. Puppies can go on multiple walks throughout the day while a couple of shorter walks for senior dogs is a good choice.
It’s good to know the signs of your dog and what they are going through. Keep exercising, but also make sure that Fido and Maggie are also getting the best and most comfortable exercise.