It's Walk Your Dog Month! And walking your pooch brings a plethora of benefits, including necessary exercise. But how much exercise is too much?
Believe it or not, your dog can get an overload of walkies, but there are other factors that contribute to over-exercise in dogs, too. Let’s get into the signs that your dog is getting too much exercise, how it can effect them and general tips for making sure they get just the right amount for their size, age and breed.
Signs your dog is over-exercised
Knowing whether you're over-exercising your dog is knowing the signs. Look out for displays of the following:
-
Signs of sore muscles. If your dog’s muscles are overworked, they may show stiffness of movement. Your pooch will find it hard to get up or go up flights of stairs, or they may show a reluctance to move at all.
-
Heat sickness. If they have been out in the heat for too long, your dog will seem very lethargic. They may excessively pant, drool or even be sick.
-
Joint injuries. In severe cases, your pooch may be suffering from joint pain or sprains. Look out for sensitivity in their joints, limping when they walk, or holding up a paw. They may get swelling in their joints, and/or lick them a lot.
-
Exhaustion. Your dog may seem exhausted, different to the usual ‘relaxed peppiness’ dogs get after a walk.
-
Signs of overheating. If your dog has exercised too hard for the conditions outside (e.g. in hot weather or severely cold weather), they may be panting, drooling or have glazed-over eyes. They will also seem lethargic and exhausted.
-
Sore paw pads. Are your pooch’s pads getting too much wear and tear? If they seem sensitive, scratched up or reddened, they’ve been overused.
-
Behavioural changes. If your dog is usually quite calm or good-tempered, they may seem irritable, anxious or disinterested in you and things they usually enjoy.
What are the recommended exercise levels for dogs?
The amount of exercise your dog needs relies on a number of characteristics:
Their breed:
Breed has a lot of sway over whether a dog needs a lot of outdoor time, and different types of breeds and their exercise needs can be categorised into the following:
-
Typical working dogs, like Border Collies, German Shepherds, Huskies and Golden Retrievers carry a lot of energy and like to have purpose on a walk.
Longer, varied walks as often as possible are great for these breeds to alleviate boredom, as well as having plenty of opportunity to run around.
-
Smaller dogs like Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas or Pugs still need regular walks and love to get outside, but will wear out more quickly, and mightn’t be so keen to go out on a strenuous hike with steep inclines.
Then there are small breeds with high energy - Jack Russells, Dachshunds etc. - who also need to run around a lot, despite their compact size.
-
Giant breeds such as Great Danes or St Bernards benefit from low impact exercise, and despite their size, actually don’t need to go on walks for hours at a time, as their joints can suffer.
Their age
It might seem obvious, but puppies don’t need the same amount of exercise as an adult dog - and when a dog reaches their senior years, it’ll be time to slow down again.
-
Puppies require only short walks outside from 12 weeks of age. A general rule is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. You should also take into account their breed and energy levels.
Remember they can also get exercise indoors with games and playtime. Avoid strenuous exercise or long hikes until they’re fully grown.
-
Seniors will slow down in their later years and may move more slowly as their joints deteriorate. If this is the case, take them out on shorter walks on mostly flat terrain, and consider low-impact exercise like swimming.
Active seniors will still appreciate a good walk somewhere new, just be careful not to over do it!
-
Health condition. How much exercise your pooch gets also depends on their health and how they would benefit. Dogs suffering from obesity, for example, need regular exercise to slim down, but without putting excess strain on their joints.
Dogs with arthritis will also need slow, low-impact exercise to ease into movement; while pooches with heart conditions will need short, light walks to avoid strain on their cardiovascular system.
Be sure to chat to your vet for the most specific advice for your dog’s needs.
What do I do if I suspect my dog is over-exercised?
If you think you may have been overdoing it with your dog’s exercise, it’s ok!
There’s no time like the present to rectify your pooch’s fitness routine. Here are some tips to get your pooch their recommended amount of exercise:
-
Think about your dog’s needs. Take a moment to check if your dog’s amount of exercise matches their breed, age, and health needs.
Smaller dogs won’t need to walk as far, whereas working dogs will need a space to run around and expend energy. It’s easy to think more is better when it comes to taking your dog on walks, but adjusting to suit them will boost their well-being, and have them feeling calm and content.
-
Set a realistic exercise schedule. Set a routine that works for your schedule as well as your dog’s needs. Perhaps try a walk in the morning and evening, and a longer, more adventurous walk at the weekend.
-
Monitor your dog’s activity levels. Remember it’s not just walks that count towards exercise. If your pooch has been very active playing fetch in the garden, that might mean they get tired sooner on their evening walk, so don’t push them.
On the other hand, if they’ve seemed lethargic and dissatisfied around the house one day, perhaps they could benefit from a slightly longer walk.
-
Pay attention to how they respond to different walks. If you notice your pooch gets worn out and slows down during a long trek, or they are reluctant to go on their next walk, it could be that a particular route was too long or strenuous for them.
On the other hand, if your pooch seems reluctant to come home or has a lot of unspent energy when you’re back at the house, that walk may have been too short. By experimenting, you can get a gauge for the perfect level of exercise for your particular pooch.
-
Remember, their safety is a priority. If there are hurricane winds outside or temperatures are soaring to heat wave levels, don’t force your dog to go out on a walk, even if they need one. Play indoor activities with them until they’re able to get outside safely.
-
Ask your vet. If you aren’t sure what amount of exercise would suit your dog, or if they’re showing symptoms of being over-exercised, don’t hesitate to ask your local vet for advice.
How to make sure your dog is getting the most out of their exercise
In general, most dogs love getting out and about - they were once wild animals after all!
However, there are a few things you can do to make exercise extra fun for them.
A structured routine with the same rotation of walking routes is certain to make them feel safe and calm, as they’ll know what to expect; but it’s also recommended to throw in a wild card now and then, and take them somewhere they don’t usually go.
The new surroundings, full of unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells will energise them as well as exercise them mentally, which is great for their overall health.
Remember playtime at home also contributes to their exercise - like playing fetch with a favourite toy, tug-of-war games, chase, teaching new tricks or treat stuffing to tap into their scavenger instincts.
Consider other forms of exercise like doggie swimming classes - this is a great form of low impact exercise that works their whole body as well as being gentle on the joints.
How can extreme weather affect a dogs’ exercise?
It’s not just the length of time or quantity of dog walks that contributes to over-exercise, or how many walks they take each day - but the conditions outside.
Different weather conditions can physically overwhelm your dog and dictate how quickly they run out of energy.
Overheating
All dog owners should know that it’s not a good idea to take your pooch out in the peak of the midday sun during the summer months, or at any time when temperatures are high.
Hot temperatures can really impact your dog walks, as overheating will deplete their energy very quickly. Dogs affected by very hot weather will often just stop in their tracks, or sit under shade for a while, panting a lot.
You can avoid this by only walking your dog during the cooler times of day during the warmer months - ideally morning and evening - and bring lots of water for your dog to drink.
Adverse weather conditions
If it’s heavily raining, your dog may wear themselves out due to the mental strain of walking in such hectic conditions. They also might feel stress and anxiety, especially if the wind is particularly strong.
Of course, walking against a harsh wind is sure to wear your dog out much quicker than if conditions were mild, but rain shouldn’t stop you taking your dog out entirely. That said, if there are severe storms outside, it’s worth waiting until it passes.
FAQs
How can I tell if my dog needs more exercise?
If your dog isn’t being exercised enough, they may seem fidgety, destructive, anxious when in the house, or show other behavioural issues.
They also might show more obvious physical signs such as weight gain, or lethargy. If these symptoms appear, try increasing the amount of exercise you give your dog in short increments, and see if it makes a difference to their health. and wellbeing. If you have any concerns, be sure to contact your vet.
Is a 2 hour walk too long for a dog?
It’s not too long for a healthy, active dog, however it may be too much to do every day.
A 2 hour walk on a weekend, for instance, is a great way to vary the walks and switch up their surroundings - giving them lots of space to wander.
Smaller dogs may struggle with 2 hours, so if your pooch is used to short 30 minute walks, this could be too much for them. Puppies and senior dogs are also more suited to shorter walks.
How much exercise is too much for a dog?
How long should I walk my puppy?The level of ‘too much exercise’ varies per dog, based on their age, breed and health condition . However, signs of over-exercise will make it clear you’re giving your pooch too much.
Your dog might have muscle soreness, joint pain or exhaustion, or may be reluctant to go on their next walk. During walks, if your dog is overly panting or keeps stopping in their tracks, it means they’re running low on energy and may benefit from shorter distances.
To read more about how much walking your puppy can handle, read our article, 'How long should I walk my puppy?'.
What does overexertion look like in dogs?
General signs of overexertion in dogs include excessive panting, stopping in their tracks (if on a walk), yawning, signs of muscle soreness and joint pain such as limping or stiffness, or seeming overly exhausted.
They might seem reluctant to go on their next walk, or demonstrate a change in their usual personality. Try lessening their exercise and see if this perks them up.
Getting them just the right amount of exercise for their specific needs is the golden ticket to having a happy, healthy dog. If you need any more help or guidance, be sure to contact your vet.
If you're here, you're clearly looking to help your dog live their best, healthiest life. Well when it comes to their diet, look no further than our range of irresistible grain-free food for dogs, supplements for dogs and healthy dog treats made with whole, natural ingredients!
Comments (0)
Leave a comment