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A conditioned animal is better off -- happier more alert more content. The animal will sleep better, have more energy, and be better adjusted. Exercise will also benefit your dog by keeping him lean and trim. Physically active animals have stronger and healthier bones stronger cardiovascular system, better muscle tone and fewer everyday.
One of the biggest problems with pet animals is that the only activity their owners share with them is feeding, and this becomes a reward system. It becomes a form of positive feedback for owner and the pet and the animal gets fed too much and gets fat.
Exercise should be built into every dog's daily routine, but if you plan to take it walking, jogging, or camping, additional physical conditioning is essential to build your animal's stamina. The first step should be an examination by your veterinarian.
A half-hour walk in the morning and another half-hour at night should be sufficient for 90% of all dogs. Those owners who anticipate strenuous exercise for their pet should provide additional levels of conditioning. Begin several weeks in advance and slowly increase your dog's exercise period each day. Start slowly, maintain a regular routine, and never push your pet beyond its capabilities. An adequate goal is a minimum 30-minute exercise session, three times a week. That includes a 5-minute warm up, 20 minutes of aerobic activity, and 5-minute cool down period.
An overexerted dog usually begins to pant heavily, the breathing becomes irregular, and its gait might become uneven. The breathing may suddenly become quiet and the dog might faint.
If humid or hotter than 80 degrees, most dogs shouldn't exercise due to the extraordinary stress this places on the heart. Symptoms: fainting, coughing, heavy breathing, and long periods of sleeping. Certain breeds are more susceptible -- these include: beagles, boxers, collies, fox terriers, miniature and toy poodles, Shetland sheepdogs, and Dobermans. If conditions are in the mid-70's and only somewhat humid, pet owners can exercise their dogs -- but only moderately.
Heat exhaustion or heat prostration occurs following prolonged exposure to intense heat and heavy exertion. Lack of salt is also a cause. Heat exhaustion develops slower than heatstroke and is characterized by fatigue, muscle weakness, and collapse. It is not common in dogs, but appears as a complication of cardiovascular disease.
Provide plenty of clean, cool water during the hot months and never force it to exercise after eating. Exercise it in the cool or the morning or the evening and provide plenty of shade outside the house.
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