Keeping Fido In Shape

Does your four-legged friend love to jump around and stay active? Or do you have a lazy pet who prefers lounging on the sofa all day? Regardless of Fido’s preferences, regular exercise is essential for your pet’s overall well-being and happiness. Of course, the ideal doggy workout can vary significantly. A local Howard County, MD vet weighs in this article.

Is Fido Getting Enough Exercise?

Fido’s weight and body condition are reliable indicators of his overall health. If you’re unsure about your pet’s weight, whether it’s overweight, underweight, or just right, it’s a good idea to consult your vet for guidance.

Additionally, there are behavioral cues to consider. Dogs that lack sufficient exercise are more likely to engage in undesirable behaviors, such as digging and chewing. They might also be a little more unruly. If your canine buddy has been misbehaving, it’s possible that he isn’t getting sufficient exercise or mental stimulation.

Which Dog Breeds Are The Least Active?

Just like people, dogs vary widely here. Some are bouncing balls of fur, while others are, well, lazier. Saint Bernards, Chow Chows, Basset Hounds, and Mastiffs tend to be, well, on the lazy side. Of course, Fido’s age also comes into play. Puppies are always cute and playful!

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Border Collie, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Siberian Husky. These pooches are super active!

How Do You Keep An Older Dog Active?

As Fido matures, his activity requirements may change. His strength and endurance will not be as good as they used to be, and he will get tired more quickly. Senior dogs are also more vulnerable to extreme hot and cold temperatures, which can also play a role.

Walking and playing is generally suitable for most older dogs. It’s important to avoid pushing Fido too hard. Be sure to closely monitor him and bring him inside when he begins to show signs of fatigue.

What Is Safe For Fido?

The response to this question will vary as your pet gets older. Fido’s health issues can also have an impact. Your Ellicott City, MD veterinarian is an excellent resource for this.

However, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

Certain dogs should not be encouraged to engage in intense physical activity. This mainly pertains to brachycephalic dogs, like pugs and Boxers. The adorable appearance of those pushed-in faces comes with a significant price for the puppies. These dogs have short air passages, making them prone to breathlessness. Additionally, their physiology poses challenges in regulating body temperature, as panting is not as efficient for them. It’s important to avoid encouraging your brachy to engage in high-intensity exercise or play. Swimming is not recommended, but your furry friend might have fun wading or playing in a sprinkler or doggy fountain.

Swimming can be risky for small and toy breeds, as they are more prone to encountering difficulties. It also may not be the best option for dogs with long, narrow torsos like Corgis and Dachshunds.  Ask your vet for more information. 

Another factor that could limit Fido’s activity choices is the potential for hip dysplasia. This is a common issue that can affect various dog breeds, including German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, as well as other breeds. If your dog is prone to arthritis or hip dysplasia, it is important to follow the advice of your vet and breeder regarding activities that may put strain on his back legs, such as jumping or standing on them.

What Kinds Of Activities Can I Do With My Dog?

Looking for fun things to do with your animal friend? There are plenty of options. Your pup’s breed may play a role. The AKC roster includes more than 200 different breeds. Every single one of them was initially created with a distinct purpose in mind. (Even toy breeds had a purpose: being adorable!) Fido’s breed can provide valuable insights into his preferences and interests.

If you and your furry companion are feeling adventurous and ready to take on a challenge, here are some exciting activities you can do together:

• Doggy Dancing
• Skijoring
• Skatejoring, (Skateboarding while being pulled by your loyal canine companion.)
• Dock Diving
• Agility
• Lure Coursing
• Earthdog
• Flyball
• Treibball
• Canicourse (Running With Fido)
• Hiking

Consult your Columbia, MD veterinarian for tailored guidance on what would be suitable for your beloved pet.

How Can I Determine If My Canine Buddy Is Worn Out?

Whatever activity you and your canine companion are up to, make sure Fido isn’t overtired. Man’s Best Friend is incredibly devoted and will go to great lengths to make his humans happy. The main things to look for are heavy panting, lagging behind, drooling, stumbling, a warm back, and discolored gums. If you notice any of these signs, immediately provide your dog with water and allow them to rest. Contact your Ellicott City, MD vet or an urgent care center if signs persist.

How Can I Make My Dog More Active?

Fido’s opinion and preferences should both be taken into consideration here. You’ll increase your chances of success by engaging in activities that your dog finds enjoyable. Consider Fetch, for example. Some dogs are naturals at this. Others? Not so much. Throwing a stick for Fido may just earn you an adorable confused look. Experimenting with various options can help you determine your furry friend’s preferences.

However, walking is undoubtedly the norm in this situation. Simply by taking your furry friend for a few brief walks each day, you can greatly contribute to maintaining their fitness.

How Can I Keep Fido Active Indoors?

Eventually, there will be days when the idea of taking Fido out for more than a quick potty break doesn’t sound very appealing. If the weather is cold, rainy, or both, your dog may get a bit zoomy. There are ways to ensure your pet stays active even when indoors.

Here are a couple of choices:

Exercise Partner: You can consider including your furry friend, Fido, in your indoor workout routine. Doing sit ups? grab a dog toy! Toss it to Fido while you’re sitting up. Another option is to incorporate lunges and squats into your routine. Our furry friends may not be the most skilled yoga partners, but they certainly add an element of enjoyment to our exercise routines.

Fetch: Playing Fetch indoors is possible as long as you have sufficient space. Just steer clear of areas with fragile or hazardous items.

Running Up And Down Stairs: Go to the top of the stairs, holding your dog’s favorite toy. Call him to you. Once he presents you with the toy, throw it back down the stairs. Even a few rounds of this will be a pretty good cardio workout for Fido. (Please note that this method is specifically designed for dogs that are capable of fetching and have the physical stamina to run up and down stairs multiple times.)

Treadmills: Do you happen to have a treadmill available? See if your pet enjoys it. However, safety should always be prioritized. Remember to take off Fido’s collar or harness. Begin by setting him on the lowest speed and closely monitor his progress. It’s important to be mindful of your pet’s energy levels and stop any activity as soon as they show signs of fatigue. It is crucial to always keep an eye on your dog. (Note: Some cats also use treadmills. Make sure to check out the viral video of Fluffy sprinting to the iconic Flashdance soundtrack. It’s adorable.)

Make An Appointment At Our Ellicott City, MD Vet

Do you want advice about your dog’s activity requirements? Feel free to reach out to us, your nearby Ellicott City, MD pet hospital, at any time!