Exercising With Your Dog
Exercise helps you stay healthy and active — and also yields a multitude of benefits for your pup too! Exercising with your dog helps them maintain a healthy weight, keeps their joints and muscles strong and improves their cardiovascular system. Not to mention, exercise also works wonders on your dog’s overall mental health — because what dog doesn’t love the outdoors?!
Like humans, every dog’s physical abilities and limitations are different. Thus, tailoring your workout to your dog’s needs is crucial. For example, a dog with arthritis or hip dysplasia may experience discomfort during a long run. Additionally, puppies haven’t finished developing and may be injured by too much exercise at a young age. Before you begin an exercise routine with your dog, we recommend checking in with your veterinarian.
Once you know what type of exercise is best for you and your pup, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- When running, walking or hiking with your dog, always keep them on a leash. Even the most well-mannered dogs can sometimes get sidetracked by exciting or potentially dangerous distractions. Runners can try a runner’s leash for a hands-free option.
- Always provide plenty of fresh water for your dog. This is especially important for hot days. If your dog does not have a lot of fur, you may want to consider protecting them with a doggie sunscreen. If they have a dark coat color, they may warm up faster than other dogs.
- If your dog is new to exercise, start slowly. Allow for warm-up and cool-down times. This is especially important for young dogs who are still growing! It is best to discuss exercise routines with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about how it might impact your puppy’s growth and development — and remember, larger breeds grow for up to 24 months.
- If you’re going on a long run or walk with your dog, try to keep your dog on dirt or grass as much as possible, so they won’t burn or excessively wear down the pads of their feet.
- Know your dog’s limits and try not to overextend them.
- After exercising outdoors, examine your dog’s coat and pads for foxtails, burs, sores, ticks or anything else unusual.
For more safety tips on outdoor exercise with your dog, visit sdhumane.org/heatsafety!
A good rule of thumb for beginning an exercise program with your dog is to start with 30 minutes of physical activity, three times a week (puppies should stick to a maximum of 5 minutes of exercise at a time for every month of age, i.e. 5 months old = 25 minutes). Dogs love routine, so establishing a set time and place will help your dog look forward to their exercise time.
Keep in mind that exercise can tire a dog out or rile them up. This varies by individual, energy level and context. Dogs need both physical exercise and mental enrichment for the most balanced lifestyle.
For more information on enrichment, check out these resources:
What is Enrichment and Why is it Important?
