We all know that regular exercise is important for your dog. Time outside is good for your furry friend’s mental and physical health, providing them with time to have fun and explore being a dog, as well as working the muscles and joints.
But, do you know the signs that you are giving your pooch too much exercise? Let’s take a look at them so you know when to give your dog rest.
Sore Muscles and Stiffness
Think about what happens to you after you have been for a long hike or a run. You can get sore muscles for a few days, which is accompanied by stiffness when you move. Well, the same can happen to your furry friend. After long days where they have been running around, they can develop muscular pain. This means they can groan and show discomfort for a few days when they get up or walk. In addition, they can limp if they have developed a sprain. This is not an immediate cause for concern, depending on the age of your pup. To help your dog, it is advised that you include a joint supplement in their daily diet.
Showing a Disinterest
Most dogs love going on adventures and out for walks. As soon as you put on your shoes or grab their collar, they get excited to go out. However, if you notice that your dog suddenly shows a disinterest in going out, this might be a sign that they have had too much exercise. It is not that your dog does not want to go out. it could be because they are in pain and run around too much. If your dog continues to lay down and show this disinterest, it may be to inform your veterinarian just to rule out that there is not another problem present with their health.
Limping and Walking Slowly
As we have mentioned, dogs can become lame after too much exercise. But, you may notice that they are limping on a particular leg and walking slow. This can actually be a sign of a break or another injury they have sustained during exercise. When you notice this, keep an eye on it. If these symptoms go away after a few days, it is likely that your dog just suffered from a sprain. However, if you notice that your canine is in a lot of pain and they continue this behaviour, it may be best to see the vet. They are going to be able to carry out tests on your dog to see if they have a broken bone or injury you need to know about.
Injuries to the Paw Pads
Unfortunately, a lot of dogs will not stop when they are injured. Instead, they focus on running around and having a good time. It is not until they rest and start limping that you realise something is wrong. A reason for this can be because they have injured their paw pads. When they are running around on pavements or rough surfaces, they can create tears in the pads of their feet. This can blister and become painful. In addition, this can happen easily in the summer when it is hot outside. A lot of surfaces are like sandpaper for a dog’s paw pads.
Excessive Panting
If your dog is excessively panting on a walk or after they come back from one, this could be a sign that they have had too much exercise. Some panting is normal for a canine and it is a natural way for them to cool down. But, if they are drooling and excessively panting, this can show they are exhausted and have done too much running around. In addition, it can be a symptom of heat exhaustion. This is something that can be very dangerous during the summer. Always walk your furry friend at cooler points in the day so that they can enjoy exercise and still be at a comfortable body temperature.
If you suddenly increase the amount of exercise your dog gets, it is likely that they will experience side effects. Always ensure that you monitor your furry friend and make sure that you take a note of how they are feeling. It is normal for your dog to be tired and sleep after an adventure. But, if you are concerned, you should arrange an appointment with your veterinarian. They are going to have the expertise to advise you.