It’s highly important to ensure that your dog is receiving the right amount of exercise for their overall health and wellbeing. This “perfect” amount of exercise can look different for every dog. This is due to a dog’s specific breed, size, and weight. All these factors can play a role in determining how much exercise your dog needs on a daily basis. Generally, a dog that receives plenty of exercise should be happy, playful, and well-behaved. There are a few signs to look out for if you aren’t sure if your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. Notice your dog’s behavior and see if they are acting differently.
Here are 5 signs your dog isn’t getting enough exercise:
Weight Gain
It’s completely normal for a growing puppy or a mature dog to gain weight, but when this weight becomes excessive, that’s when it becomes a problem. This could be a sign that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, but it could also mean that there is an underlying condition. It’s important to look at every factor and see what could be causing the weight gain. Consider cutting back on treats or reconsider portion sizes for meals.
Destructive Behavior
Dogs that are partaking in destructive behavior could be acting out due to a lack of training, but this could also be a sign that they aren’t getting enough exercise. They could be acting out due to boredom. This could result in chewed personal belongings. To rule this out, try spending more structured playtime with your furry friend.
Excess Energy
Since dogs don’t have anywhere to release their build-up energy, they become overly hyper. Excess energy can cause dogs to stop responding to basic commands. Dogs with excess amounts of energy will also resort to attention-seeking behavior —- roughhousing, running around the house, pacing, etc.
Stiff Muscles and Joints
Dogs that aren’t getting enough frequent exercise can have stiff muscles and joints. If your dog is experiencing stiffness in their muscles and joints you may notice that they avoid going up or down the stairs, are hesitant to jump on furniture, and have trouble sleeping. This can increase your dog’s risk of injury. No matter what the case may be, it’s best to consult the vet.
Excess Barking
When your dog is barking at you, it’s their way of communicating with you. You don’t want to encourage unnecessary barking, but at the same time, you need to acknowledge what they are trying to say to you. They could be telling you that they need more food or that they need to be let out for the bathroom. In this case, it may be that they need to go out for a walk and get more physical exercise.
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