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2009/02: Canine Exercise The What! Ok,
it sounds like a “no-brainer”, I mean, every dog owner exercises their dog right? Nope! You may be surprised to
learn that most dogs don’t get the regular daily beneficial exercise they need. This is why the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, reports that “nearly half the nation's pets
are classified as overweight or obese by a veterinary health care provider, including 43 percent of dogs and 53 percent of
cats. As with humans, obese pets are at risk for heart problems, diabetes, and joint and hip difficulties.” Exercise is defined as the activity of exerting the
body’s muscles, in various ways, to keep them fit. It should be mentally and physically challenging, and it can be light,
moderate or vigorous. Vigorous exercise is what you are ultimately shooting for. This kind of exercise is needed to increase
the heart rate and tone the muscles. To achieve maximum cardiovasular
health, your dog should breathe rapidly and feel like he’s pushing his body to it’s boundaries without doing any
harm. Think about a typical day
in your dog’s life. A few sprints in the backyard or a slow to moderate walk in the evening, stopping here or there
for a sniff or to go potty. If this is the extent of activity for your best friend, it is comparable to you walking to and
from your car, up a flight of stairs, or a block or two for lunch. It does not challenge the body, increase the heart rate for a sustained period of time or cause rapid breathing
(unless you are really out of shape). J Dogs are natural born walkers so a brisk walk in excess of ten minutes duration is ideal. I
say in excess of ten minutes because dogs have different energy levels depending on the breed. Generally speaking, dogs can
be classified into one of three groups, low, medium and high energy or activity levels. The type and duration of the exercise
needs to match the dog. Low energy dogs don’t need to work out for thirty minutes each day, this would be too much.
Besides walking, running
and swimming are also great forms of exercise as they are not too hard on joints and hips. Tip: The best exercise challenges the mind and body.
It is purposeful, balanced and consistent. Never force your dog to do anything. Positive enticement and reinforcement is best
for training and mental stimulation. Regular exercise should be an addition to, not a replace for, your evening walk with your dog.
Both serve different purposes. The evening stroll is a fun, enjoyable bonding experience for all. Always consult your veterinarian
before beginning any new exercise program to make sure that your dog is healthy enough for that activity.
The Why! No
matter what the breed or age, exercise, combined with a balanced diet, contributes positively to your dog’s health.
Physical benefits to exercise include strengthening
cardiovascular systems; developing muscle strength and stamina; maintaining a vibrant coat year-round; reducing digestive
problems and constipation; building strong bones; improving circulation and preventing obesity. Incorporating a healthy regular
exercise regimen to your dog's life increases longevity, adding healthy years and reducing medical expenses. Cesar Milan of the Dog Whisperer
says, “in all cases, the reason why dogs develop issues is they're lacking exercise or leadership or sometimes both". Other benefits include promoting
healthy rest and relaxation; improving mental alertness; preventing depression and preventing destructive behaviors like excessive
chewing, going ‘potty’ in the house, excessive barking, destroying household items, aggressive guarding or other
territorial behavior, digging, separation anxiety and hyperactivity. Victoria Stilwell of It’s
Me Or The Dog says, “a tired dog is a happy dog”. Tip: If your dog is a “picky” eater, regular, consistent exercise can improve this situation.
Dogs are used to ‘working’ for their food. By exercising your dog early in the day and offering food after that,
your dog may eat better. However, don’t give your dog a meal and then leave home. Most dogs will need to defecate ten
plus minutes after eating. Access to the outdoors multiple times
a day for elimination is a must. Keep in mind that dogs should not be crated all day long. Puppies and elderly dogs may require more
frequent or additional time for elimination so please plan accordingly.
If you can’t be home to take care of them you can hire someone to do it for you. After all, we all lead busy lifestyles, have long commutes or other family obligations to juggle each
day. The
AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) says, “In
addition to safeguarding your dog's heart, there's a lot you can do to keep your dog happy and in top shape. Ensure
that your dog gets a moderate amount of exercise on a regular basis and has a balanced diet.” Remember, keeping your dog
healthy is your responsibility as a loving owner/pet parent.
The When! The best time to exercise your dog is during the morning hours. This sets your dog up to have a
good day while you’re away. This is especially important if you
are planning to be gone for more than six hours at a time. Doing so will drain any excess energy in your dog. This will most
likely induce a more restful, calmer canine while you are away. It can also help reduce boredom, separation anxiety, excessive
barking and other negative behaviors Remember, even the best behaved dog can become bored
and potentially destructive if left alone all day without an outlet for its energy and social needs. Don’t forget, dogs
are pack animals and being alone all day is unnatural for them. Plan their day just as you would your own. The reward is a
happier dog and a happier you.
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