Signs Your Dog Isn’t Getting Enough Exercise

Dogs need to have a certain amount of exercise in order to stay healthy and maintain an appropriate weight according to their size and breed. Generally, you can tell when your furry friend isn’t getting the proper exercise they need because they will become sluggish, bored, and frustrated. This can translate into destructive behavior if their exercise needs are not met.

Determining how much exercise your dog requires depends on its size, breed, and other health factors. Walking your dog daily may be fine for some, but others require more physical activity. Knowing how much exercise your dog requires is very important in order to guarantee them a happy, long, and fulfilled life.

Here are some signs that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise:

Overweight

One of the common signs that your furry friend needs more physical activity in their life is weight gain. Increasing the number of walks and other physical activities should help, but also, be aware of how much you are feeding your dog. A combination of poor nutrition and a lack of exercise can be a huge factor in your dog’s weight quickly rising. If you are unsure how much you should be feeding your dog, consult your vet to determine the appropriate amount for their size, breed, and health factors. If your dog is considered obese, visit your vet for professional advice on implementing a nutrient-rich diet and exercise plan. 

Destructive behavior

Another common sign that your dog isn’t receiving enough exercise is if they start to demonstrate destructive behavior. Dogs need a way to release their energy and excitement. If they can’t release their energy on walks or during other physical activities, they will start to behave badly and even become destructive. Destructive behavior could look different for every dog, but some examples are chewing on items around your home or digging through the trash bin.

Stiffness

Is your dog having a difficult time moving around your home, trouble climbing the stairs, or restless during the night? These could be signs that your dog needs more exercise in their life. When your dog isn’t getting the required exercise they need, their muscles will become stiff and tense. This results in weakened muscles and pain when moving around. Keeping a regular exercise routine helps to avoid this problem because it keeps the muscles relaxed and strong.

Withdrawn or depressed

When some dogs lack physical exercise and mental stimulation, they become withdrawn. This means your dog has become disinterested in its surroundings and is not as willing to engage with you. There could be other reasons for this type of behavior so it’s important to consult your vet for other underlying health conditions.

Excessive barking

If your dog is barking more than usual, this could be a sign that they need more exercise. This could be them telling you they need to go on a walk, run, or play fetch outside. 

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