Doggy Fitness

Is your canine companion a lively, bouncy ball of fur? Or, do you have a four-legged couch potato? Whatever class your puppy falls into, he will need regular physical activity to keep happy and healthy. Of course, dog workouts differ tremendously. A local Norwalk, CA veterinarian provides some advice on this below.

How Do I Know What is Safe for My Dog?

This answer will change as your pet gets older. Any health difficulties Fido has may also come into play. Your veterinarian is an excellent resource for this.

However, there are certain general guidelines to follow.

Some dogs should not be encouraged to exercise vigorously. This primarily pertains to brachycephalic dogs like pugs and Boxers. Those pushed-in faces may be lovely, but they come at a tremendous cost to the puppies. These dogs’ air passageways are exceedingly short, making it easy for them to lose their breath. Their physiology also makes it more difficult for them to cool down if they become too heated, as panting is ineffective for them. If you have a brachy, do not encourage Fido to run or play vigorously. Swimming is obviously out of the question, but your pet may love wading or splashing in a sprinkler or canine fountain.

Swimming is also dangerous for little and toy breeds since they can easily get into trouble. It depends on how large the dog is. Some dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers, adore water and swim like fluffy, barking ducks. Others just don’t perform well. This is also not a good option for puppies with long, thin torsos, like Corgis and Dachshunds. Corgis and Dachshunds are likewise unsuitable for jumping or high-impact exercises.

Another factor that may limit Fido’s activity possibilities is the potential for hip dysplasia. This is extremely common among particular breeds, such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, but any puppy might be affected. If your dog has arthritis or is in danger of developing hip dysplasia, your veterinarian and breeder may advise you not to encourage him to leap or stand on his hind legs.

How Can I Make My Dog More Active?

Have you heard the expression that you can lead a horse to water but not make him drink? That pretty much applies here. Fido’s opinions and preferences matter! You’ll have far better success if you try something your dog appreciates. Take Fetch, for example. Many dogs pick this up spontaneously. Others will simply give you a lovely bewildered face if you throw a stick for them.

You may need to experiment to determine what your canine companion likes.

Walking is, of course, the norm here. Even taking your dog for a few short walks each day can help him stay fit.

How Can I Keep My Dog Active Indoors?

There will come a time when bringing Fido out for anything more than a quick bathroom break is no longer enticing. If it’s chilly, rainy, or both, your dog may become antsy indoors. You can still keep your pet active inside.

Here are a few choices:

Stair Runs: Go to the top of the stairs while holding Fido’s favorite toy. Call him to you. When your pooch brings you the toy, throw it down the stairs. (Note: This only works for dogs who fetch and are in good enough shape to run up and down stairs a few times.)

Treadmills: Do you own a treadmill? If so, you can see if your furry friend enjoys it. Safety comes first, though. Be sure to take off Fido’s collar or harness. Start him on the slowest setting possible and keep a close eye on him. Stop as soon as your pet becomes fatigued. Finally, you should never leave your pooch unsupervised. (Note: Some cats also utilize treadmills. If you haven’t seen the popular video of Fluffy sprinting to Maniac from the Flashdance soundtrack, check it out. You will not be disappointed.

Workout Buddies: If you work out indoors, consider including Fido in your regimen. Doing sit-ups? Pick up a dog toy. Toss it when you’re sitting up. This can also be done with lunges and squats. Our canine companions aren’t the best yoga mates, but they certainly make exercise more enjoyable.

Fetch can be played indoors if there is enough space. Simply avoid areas with breakable and/or harmful objects.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Getting Enough Activity?

Fido’s weight and physical condition are two good indicators of this. If you’re not sure whether your furry friend is overweight, underweight, or just right, talk to your veterinarian.

There are also some behavioral cues. Dogs who don’t receive enough exercise are more likely to engage in undesirable activities such as digging and chewing. They may also be a little more rambunctious. If your canine companion has been acting out, he may not be getting enough exercise or excitement.

What Are the Least Active Dogs?

Proper activity is essential for all of our canine friends. However, some pooches need some encouragement to continue being active, especially as they get older. Saint Bernards, Chow Chows, Basset Hounds, and Mastiffs are just a few examples of dogs who are prone to laziness.

Which Dogs Need the Most Exercise?

The age, breed, and health of your dog are all important considerations. Some puppies are clearly more active than others. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog or have recently obtained a puppy, doing some breed research might be quite helpful.

Here are a few energetic dogs:

• Border Collie
• Boxer
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Siberian Husky

How Can I Keep a Senior Dog Active?

Fido’s activity needs will change as he gets older. He won’t have the same strength or stamina as before, and he’ll be tired quicker. Senior dogs are also more vulnerable to excessive heat and cold.

Walking and playing are suitable activities for the majority of senior dogs. You’ll want to be careful not to overwork Fido. Keep a watchful eye on him and bring him in when he becomes fatigued.

What Are Some Activities I Can Do With My Dog?

The AKC registry includes nearly 200 breeds. Each of them was originally designed to serve a specific purpose. (Even toy breeds had a job: be cute!) Fido’s breed may reveal a lot about what he is most likely to love.

That being said, if you and your furry friend are adventurous and up for a bit of a challenge, here are a few doggy activities to try:

• Doggy Dancing
• Skijoring
• Skatejoring (Skateboarding with a dog pulling you)
• Dock Diving
• Agility
• Lure coursing
• Earthdog
• Flyball
• Treibball
• Canicourse (Run with Fido)
• Hiking

Ask your veterinarian for detailed guidance on what is appropriate for Fido.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Overtired?

Whatever activity you and your canine companion are up to, make sure Fido does not become overtired. Man’s Best Friend is extremely loyal and will go to great lengths to please his humans. A few warning signals to look for include panting, lagging behind, drooling, stumbling, warm back, and discolored gums. If you notice any of these, immediately give your dog water and contact your Norwalk, CA vet.

Make An Appointment At Our Norwalk, CA Pet Hospital

Do you have any queries about your dog’s activity needs? Contact us, your localNorwalk, CA pet hospital, at any time!