How much exercise does your dog really need?

We all know we need to exercise our pets, but how much is enough? As a general rule dogs need a walk every day, with the length and distance covered varying from breed to breed. Read on for our top three tips to help you work out if you need to take your dog for an extra spin around the block.

Check your dog’s weight. One of the most obvious signs that your dog might not be getting enough exercise is found in their waistline. Check your dog’s weight and body shape (as a guide, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs through its fur and see a defined ‘waist’ area between chest and stomach) or visit your veterinarian if you’re unsure.
Keep an eye on your dog’s mood. While this might sound a little fanciful in theory, your dog’s mood can be a great indicator to help you know if they need more exercise. If your dog is hyperexcited every time you get out the leash and that hasn’t been usual behaviour for them in the past, this could be a sign that they’re not getting exercised enough. Likewise, a dog that is withdrawn and moody could be suffering from a real lack of physical and mental stimulation. Increasing exercise can help fix both these behaviours.
Monitor your dog’s behaviour. Exercise for a dog isn’t just about the physical act of putting one paw in front of the other — it’s mental stimulation too. If your dog is getting destructive around the home, one solution could be more frequent or longer bouts of exercise to avoid chewed pillows, shoes, socks … and other naughty pooch behaviour!

Of course if you have any health-care concerns about your dog, WellBeing PETS recommends a visit to your local vet.

This pet health tip is brought to you by Nutrimate, producers of premium-quality, food-grade pet food. For more information, visit nutrimatepetfoods.com.au or phone 08 6161 7779.

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