Tips to Exercise Your Dog with Dr. Andrew Moffatt

Why Should I Exercise My Dog?

Exercise is really important to pets. It's a great way to stimulate the mind, to burn calories, and it's an important part of a good, healthy lifestyle.

Should Types of Exercise Differ Between Breeds?

A breed's lifestyle and exercise routines will change just like they do in humans. A border collie will need a very different level of exercise than a pug, for example. It's about frequency of exercise to ensure that the pet is getting outside, being stimulated and moving to ensure that they get good physical exercise.

What's the Best Way to Exercise My Dog?

It's about building regular routines. On a busy day, it's so easy to be overwhelmed and not fit in time to walk your pet, just like it's easy for us to forgo going to the gym. So I think it's about building it into your regular routines and making it a frequent and regular occurrence. I'd much rather somebody walk their pet for 15 minutes two to three times a day, rather than try and do an hour's walk and not do it regularly because they can't find the time.

Do You Recommend Any Toys for Exercising Your Pet?

Toys are an effective way to stimulate your pet's mind. You know, right now we're all at home. Our pets have lots of love and attention. But as people start to go back to work, our pets are going to be left home alone again. As we leave our pets, they're going to suffer some separation anxiety, and building good routines into their day and providing them with good stimulation with toys is a great way to try and prevent some of those anxieties.

Now is a great time to introduce the concept of toys and different stimulating factors in our pet's environment so that when we leave they are familiar with that. Toys play a role in that.

Any Toys We Should Stay Away From?

Some toys are probably not ideal for your pet and can even cause harm. Certain chew toys can fracture teeth. I like toys that are softer, that can contain small treats, and that really stimulate and make the pet work for them. It really focuses their mind for a solid period of time and can engage them in our absence.

How Long Should I Walk My Dog?

There's no hard and fast rule. It really depends on the pet, its age, its body condition, its lifestyle, and its breed. It's all about consistency and frequency. If you and your pet are just getting into exercise, or your pet is elderly or has arthritis or has a heart condition or is overweight, start small. Even if your pet's healthy but hasn't exercised for some time, it's better to start with smaller walks and then build them up gradually.

What If My Dog Doesn't Want to Exercise?

We have to find a way to motivate that pet. Using those different levers to encourage your pet to get out is the way to go. If your pet is food motivated, you can use food. It might seem contradictory because you're trying to affect weight loss in your pet, and you're giving them a treat. But over time we can withdraw that lever but encourage them to enjoy exercise.

What Are Some Great Ways to Exercise My Dog Indoors?

We go back to why exercise is important. It's not really the main way that we control body weight, it's more for mental stimulation. So how can we exercise your dog indoors? Spending time with your pet is important — giving them love, and utilizing toys. If you want to try and get some calorie burn in place and you've got staircases, spread food around the house. Instead of having their bowl in one corner of the house, feed them three to four times a day and put one meal at the top of the stairs and one meal at the bottom of the stairs.

Should I Feed My Dog Before Exercising Them?

Avoiding a meal before exercise is a reasonable recommendation. I know if I have a big meal before I exercise, I do feel a bit funny in my tummy. It's likely pets probably feel the same thing.

Should I Give My Dog Water During Exercise?

I don't see any reason to avoid water. In fact, if you're exercising your pet, you want to take water with you so that they can drink and stay hydrated. Particularly if the weather's hot, you know they're going to need more water. And as much as you should be carrying water for yourself, if you're going hiking, you want to take enough water for your pet. In fact, more water, because they probably need to be hydrated at a higher level.

What Signs Would My Dog Show Me That They Need Water?

Signs of developing heatstroke would be excessive panting, hypersalivation and drooling, lethargy, and collapse. If your pet just sits down and can't go any further and it's panting and drooling, those would be signs that this pet is too hot and has to be cooled down. Water's a good starting point, but find some shade for your pet and put water on its extremities and its paws to cool it down. Dogs cool themselves down by panting and increasing blood flow through the ears and extremities.

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Author Bio

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a freelance writer and novelist with eight years of experience. Her work has appeared on Hill's Pet, Chewy and AKC.org, and more.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Andrew Moffatt is the founder and CEO of VetnCare, a community of AAHA-accredited veterinary hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area. A native of Melbourne, Australia, he graduated with a degree in Veterinary Science from Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand and has been practicing veterinary medicine for 17 years. After practicing the UK for five years, he relocated to San Francisco in 2011.

Dr. Moffatt has advanced skills in surgery, imaging, dentistry, oncology and exotic pet care. He is also training to become a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) with the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. Dr. Moffatt was awarded the California Veterinary Medical Association's "RVT's Outstanding DVM of the Year" in 2017. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, fly fishing, cycling, and diving.