What happens if dog doesn’t get enough exercise? The Ultimate Guide

What Can Happen if My Dog Doesn’t Get Enough Exercise?

Just like people, dogs can become overweight without physical activity. But, it can create other problems for our canine friends and you, including:

Destructive behaviors like chewing on shoes or furniture, eliminating in the house, getting into the trash, destroying items in the household, or increased aggression toward people or other pets can be caused by lack of exercise. However, there are other things that can also cause this type of behavior, so call us to make an appointment so we can pinpoint the source.

Some dogs will become withdrawn when they’re not getting enough physical stimulation. If your dog was very social, and no longer runs to the door in anticipation of a walk or acts disinterested when you enter the room, they could be depressed. Again, there are other things that can cause this behavior, so pay us a visit.

Hyperactivity when they are on a walk. If your dog gets over-excited when you take out their leash or when you’re about to head out the door, it may be a sign of restlessness and a need for more physical activity. Excessive leash pulling can also mean that your dog needs to burn more energy. That being said, leash pulling can be caused by other things, so consult a trainer.

Your dog may bark and whine a lot if they aren’t getting enough exercise.

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Factors that affect your dog’s exercise needs

There are 3 main factors that affect how often (and for how long) your dog needs to raise their heart rate: age, breed, and health. Lets take a closer look at each one.

Your dog’s activity requirements change as they grow older. For example, you need to manage your puppy’s high energy levels alongside the need to protect developing bones and joints. Meanwhile, senior dogs will gradually slow down as they age. We’ll take a closer look at the exercise needs of dogs at different life stages further down the page.

Your pup’s breed also plays a huge role in determining how much exercise they need. For example, high-energy breeds like Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, and Weimaraners will need a whole lot more regular activity than a breed like the Bulldog, Pug, or Basset Hound.

Some dogs also have certain physical features that limit the type or amount of exercise they can do — brachycephalic (or flat-faced) breeds like the Shih Tzu are a perfect example.

Health issues can also influence your dog’s daily exercise requirements. For example, heart problems and arthritis can affect the type and amount of activity your dog can handle each day, while you can’t expect an overweight dog to tackle a huge run without building up their fitness first. Be sure to check with your vet before starting a new exercise regime.

8 Signs Your Dog Isn’t Getting Enough Exercise (NEVER ignore!)

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Regular exercise: we all need it to stay fit and healthy, and so do our dogs. But how much exercise does your dog need each day? What are the signs your dog isn’t getting enough exercise? Is it possible for a pooch to have too much exercise?

The truth is that the right amount of exercise for your pet varies depending on a wide range of factors. Keep reading to find out what they are and how you can work out how much physical activity your dog really needs.