As we go into the new year, many of us are looking at the bathroom scales and deciding that we really need to do more exercise… And of course, many of us will be taking our dogs for a run with us. But while the health benefits to are clear, are there any dangers in suddenly increasing our dog’s activity levels?
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Many dog owners will themselves have suffered next day aches and pains after an unexpectedly long or intense period of exertion. It’s reasonable to suspect that our pets may suffer in a similar way if their levels of exercise are increased suddenly. When we find ourselves with time off such as weekends and holidays it’s often appealing to go on a nice long hike in the countryside or spend the day playing on the beach with our canine friends.
Most young fit healthy pets will cope well with a sudden increase in activity like
However there are certain groups of pets who may be more likely to suffer ill effects:
Puppies and young dogs
Young growing puppies are one group that are at higher risk of problems if their exercise is suddenly increased. Their growing bones and forming joints are especially sensitive to damage from over-exercise. Whilst their natural exuberance and curiosity make it easy to overdo things. Damage to growth plates can cause bony deformities. Excessive exercise can affect joint development, worsening inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia, and increasing the risk of arthritis in the future.
Puppies need regular, controlled bouts of exercise. And in particular need to avoid activities that put extra strain on their joints such as climbing flights of stairs or sudden twisting motions that are encouraged by throwing objects for them to chase and catch.
Older and stiffer dogs
At the other end of the spectrum are a second group of pets who are more likely to suffer adverse effects from a sudden change in exercise. Many senior pets suffer from chronic health problems and one of the most common conditions of old age is arthritis. A sudden increase in exercise in an arthritic pet will often result in stiffness and pain. If this occurs regularly it may even hasten the progression of the disease.
It is also worth mentioning that a sudden decrease in exercise can also be a problem for arthritic pets. Lack of movement can cause their joints to stiffen up and reduce their mobility. If these sudden charges are unavoidable it may be worth speaking to your vet about medications to help ease their discomfort.
Lung and heart problems are also more common in older pets. A sudden increase in exercise will increase the amount of oxygen the body needs and this puts extra strain on the heart and lungs. Conditions such as heart failure and chronic bronchitis can certainly be made worse by sudden exertions and have the potential to make your pet very ill.
Short-nosed dogs
Another group of dogs who risk serious adverse effects are the brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and bulldogs. The extent to which they are affected will depend on how extreme their facial conformation is. Very flat faced pets can struggle to meet their oxygen demands under normal circumstances. Sudden over exertions can lead to breathing difficulties and heat stroke especially in warmer weather.
Sadly many of these pets are also prone to joint and back problems, and certain forms of heart disease. These factors make it especially important that these breeds have their fitness slowly built up over time.
We should also consider the effects of a sudden reduction in exercise
Often this is unavoidable due to a sudden change in an owners’ circumstances (for example, suddenly having to self-isolate; or having to be away for work). One of the biggest issues is likely to be the effect that this will have on your pet’s mental wellbeing. Reduced exercise can often mean a reduction in mental stimulation and can lead to problem behaviours.
It is important that you consider alternative forms of mental stimulation for your pet if this occurs. This might include feeding puzzles or toys that keep them engaged and busy. It is also worth making sure that when they are exercised, their walks are made as interesting as possible with games and training to keep their brains busy.
Most dogs will cope well with a slight change in exercise from time to time
However, big changes, and especially sudden strenuous exercise, should be avoided especially in the groups mentioned above. If unusually long walks are planned this year, or during holidays or at weekends, try and build up your pets fitness slowly over a few weeks beforehand. Our pets’ natural energy levels and willingness to please often means they will overdo exercise without us realising and some may pay the price.
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