Have you taken your dog out for a walk recently? Some dogs are putting on pandemic pounds as they are getting less exercise during this uneasy period of time. Adequate daily exercise is essential for our pets to maintain a healthy lifestyle, not just physically but also mentally. Obesity increases the risk of many health problems such as diabetes, respiratory problems, heart failure, and various musculoskeletal diseases.
A good 20 minutes to 2 hours of exercise is recommended. Large breed or working dogs like border Collie require around 2 hours of exercise a day. High energy exercises like catching a frisbee, playing hide-and-seek are appropriate. Medium to small sized dogs require approximately an hour of light exercise. However, brachycephalic breeds (Flat-Faced breeds) such as French bulldog, Pug, Pekingese are opt for short segments throughout the day. Be cautious of the weather before going outside as they are more prone to heatstroke from heavy panting under the hot sun. You want to be careful and not push them too hard. Dogs with a relatively long body and stumpy legs such as Corgi and Dachshund are not suitable for exercise that requires lots of jumping as they are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). During exercise, you should monitor your beloved dogs’ health state to adjust the best-fitted amount of exercise for them. Avoid forced exercise and watch out for signs of fatigue, such as your pet panting, slowing their pace, lagging behind you or stopping. Allow them to rest.
In addition, tailor activities to meet your dog’s needs. Different age groups require different amount/types of exercise. Overexercise in young growing puppies may cause detrimental effect to their musculoskeletal system. Geriatric dogs have reduced energy levels and potential arthritic changes. Exercise in short intervals is beneficial to keep them in good shape.
Basic hygiene and cleanliness are more important than ever during a pandemic. Wash your hands before and after outdoor play, and wipe their paws down with dog-safe grooming wipes before they come back inside. Everyone can be a responsible owner during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
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