How to Keep Your Dog Active and Healthy

Dogs are a wonderful addition to any household. But you have to make sure you’re able to accommodate them in your life. One of the most important things to know before you get a dog is how you plan to keep it happy, healthy, and exercised.

A dog is a commitment, not an ornament. But if you look after your dog, you’ll never look back.

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The Age and Breed of Your Dog

Dogs are one of the most varied species on the planet. If you sit a dachshund next to a great dane, you’re going to see a world of difference. This also plays a part in how much exercise they need.

As a general rule, smaller breeds might not need as much exercise as medium to large dogs. However, even some smaller breeds can still be fairly athletic and can keep up with you, especially if they’re a working breed.

Working dogs like collies, field spaniels, and other shepherd, hunting, or guardian breeds often have a lot of energy and a fair amount of intelligence. This means they need loads of exercise and ideally freedom to run around and explore. Otherwise, their physical and mental health will suffer, and they might even develop behavioral issues.

Puppies have a lot of energy, but they might not be able to keep up with adult dogs. It’s often best to exercise them little and often. Your dog might also slow down as they age, but while they don’t need as much exercise, it’s still vital to take them out.

Working Around Your Schedule

As you can imagine, this all takes time out of your day. If you have a busy schedule, there are ways to make sure your dog is cared for.

Some people like to take their dogs out in the mornings and evenings. This is also a great way to keep yourself fit, especially if you have a dog that enjoys running alongside you as you jog or even cycle.

Another option is to hire a dog walker to take your dog out throughout the day. This is ideal if you’re away for a long time, because it also prevents your dog from being alone too long. A dogsitter can also feed your dog and even spend time with them when you can’t.

Dealing With Injury and Old Age

What if your dog is recovering from an injury or they’re getting older and slower? Does this mean that you shouldn’t exercise them anymore?

The most important thing to do is speak to your vet for specific advice about your dog. But in most cases, a bit of exercise is still good for your dog, and can even aid recovery. The trick is balance.

Over-exercising your dog can make things worse, and sometimes it’s hard to hold them back. 

A support aid like a hero brace can help your dog to exercise without risking hurting themselves further, and can help them with joint pain or weakness while they heal.