run, rest, repeat
Exercising is key to staying healthy, losing weight, and a longer life. Whether you’re a human or a dog! Did you know that different breeds of dogs need variations of activities? Here are a few things to think about when making sure your dog is taken care of now that the weather is perfect for getting out with them.
German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Great Danes have deep chests and naturally thinner bodies. Heavier exercise right after meals isn’t great for them because they could bloat.
Joints belonging to dogs with short legs aren’t made for long-distance or heavy stress like taller dogs. Be aware of when enough is enough for corgis, Frenchies, bulldogs, and similar
Breathing can be more challenging for dogs with flat faces or stubby noses. Long-distance walking could exhaust those kinds of dogs faster than others. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be exercised, just pay attention to your furry friend’s limits
Like young human kids, a puppy’s bones and joints are still developing. So movement, play, and exercise is so important. But too much can often cause joint problems down the line. Puppies in particular have a hard time with self-control, be on the lookout for your young pup hitting the grass too hard! They’ll thank you for it later.
Dogs built for sprinting, like greyhounds and similar sighthounds, shouldn’t be pushed beyond their limits. Much like cheetahs, their bodies push for a short time and then need rest. Be careful with those long-haul runs.
Swimming is awesome exercise for anyone, but particularly when you’re talking about goldens or labs. They were built for it! Water is great for joints because it takes the pressure off while in the water. Much like everything else we’ve talked about, keep the workout at an appropriate level.
Typically you would want to be aware of the heat for any type of pet, but while in the water, your pups will stay cool in the sun - fantastic! If you’re at the beach, keep an eye on how much salt water they take in, which can be bad for them internally. Unless you’re okay with some messy cleanup later on - salt water will — expedite the digestive process.
At Due North Dogs, we pay close attention to your pet’s health while on a dog walk or private hike. Part of pet sitting is making sure your dog or cat is safe and healthy as well as out walking. For our private hikes, we pick safe areas around Pembroke, Duxbury, Kingston, and parts of Hanover and Plymouth, Massachusetts. Dog walks happen in your neighborhood where your pup is comfortable and feels safe. If you’re interested and ready to sign up, click right HERE
For more information about what’s appropriate for your dog’s health, check out WebMD for Pets.
