by Julie Wenger Watson
The physical and mental benefits of regular exercise for humans are well established. They include everything from improved cardiovascular health and weight management to reduced stress and anxiety. Physical activity significantly impacts your pet’s health too, with many of the same benefits. Exercising with your pet is rewarding for both of you. Before you run out the door with Fido in tow, however, it’s important to take a few things into consideration.
Benefits of Exercise for Pets
Dogs in particular need regular exercise to stay mentally and physically healthy. Just as with humans, a lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, which increases your pet’s risk of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues. A regular exercise routine helps your pup maintain a healthy weight, build muscle, and improve cardiovascular health.
From a mental-health perspective, exercise reduces your animal’s risk of stress, anxiety, and depression and can even improve mood. It also improves cognitive function and overall quality of life. Regular physical activity can make your pet tired and content, mitigating problem behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, and digging.
All dogs need exercise, but it’s particularly important for puppies (to help them develop into healthy and strong adults) and for senior animals (to keep them mobile and active).
Different Breeds Have Different Needs
Although all dogs benefit from regular exercise, different breeds have their own specific needs. In general, experts recommend 30 minutes to two hours of moderate to high-intensity activity every day. Less active breeds will be at the lower end of that spectrum, meeting their exercise requirements with a leisurely walk and some indoor playtime, whereas high-energy sporting breeds might require longer bouts of vigorous physical and mental activity.
Dogs that don’t need or tolerate a lot of exercise are flat-faced breeds with breathing constraints such as pugs, bulldogs, and Shih Tzus. Chihuahuas, with their diminutive stature, dachshunds, with their short legs and long bodies, and basset hounds have lower demands for physical activity. Although mastiffs are large dogs that still require some exercise, they are relatively low in energy, without a lot of endurance.
By contrast, sporting, herding and working breeds, such as retrievers, shepherds, and huskies, need a good amount of long, consistent exercise. Depending on the breed, that need can be satisfied with runs, hikes, or swims.
Although senior dogs of all breeds require less exercise, it’s still important to their health and happiness. Because they often have mobility issues, shorter sessions of low-impact exercise, broken up throughout the day, are a good approach.
Tips for Exercising with Your Dog
Just as you wouldn’t jump off your couch to run a marathon without proper preparation, don’t push your dog too hard when you’re just starting out. Instead, gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise. If you have concerns about starting an exercise program with your pet because of your dog’s age, weight, or health issues, consult your veterinarian to develop a plan.
Keep the weather in mind. Dogs don’t sweat. Instead, they release heat by panting. They can easily overheat and even suffer from heatstroke when exercising on hot and humid days.
Pay attention to your dog’s paws. Frequent exercising, particularly on cement or asphalt surfaces, can wear on paw pads, and hot surfaces can burn them. If you can’t stand barefoot on a surface for several minutes without picking up your feet, it’s too warm for your dog too. In the winter, be aware that many deicing products used on sidewalks, streets, and driveways contain chemicals that can burn your dog’s paws.
Using a harness that fits around the animal’s chest and shoulders is safer than using a collar, which can put strain on the airway. The harness also provides better control.
Teaching your dog to consistently run or walk on one side can help you avoid injury by tripping over your dog.
Studies show that exercising safely with your pet can be a positive experience for human and canine. Not only does a daily walk or run together help you meet your own exercise goals (the American Heart Association recommends 75 to 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity), research suggests that people who exercise with a pet are more likely to stick to their fitness routine.
The beautiful days of Oklahoma’s spring are here. As you contemplate your own exercise routine, consider bringing your furry friend along. You’ll likely find no better partner for your health and fitness journey.
