Exercise is extremely important for the physical health of your dog. What you may not know is that it’s also very important for their mental health. A dog lacking adequate exercise can develop unhealthy habits that may present themselves as undesirable behaviours. Things like destroying property, excessive licking (especially at their paws), and hyperactivity, to name a few, can be indicative of a dog who lacks exercise. Even symptoms of separation anxiety can be amplified if your dog is lacking exercise. So many behavioural issues can be minimized or completely resolved just by adding extra exercise into a dog’s routine!
Exercise requirements vary based on several factors such as your dog’s size, age, and breed, and can vary within breeds based on the individual dog’s needs. Bringing your dog on a morning walk can help set your dog up for the day and, as an added bonus, can do the same for you! A routine that your dog looks forward to helps to build the bond between the two of you.
One thing to remember about exercising your dog: don’t do it within 30 minutes of them eating! A dog that has just eaten has an increased risk of gastric torsion (often referred to as “bloat”), so they should remain fairly stationary and calm during this time. Breeds with deep-chests (think great danes, german shepherds and boxers) are more susceptible to this condition, but it can happen to any dog, so this precaution is an easy way to lower the risk!
If your dog has a behavioural issue, try more exercise! There are always additional steps that can be taken to resolve unwanted behaviours, so if you’re having trouble, contact us for a behavioural consultation and treatment plan.